Top things to see and explore in the Cotswolds
Things to do
Perfectly positioned in the 'Queen of the Cotswolds', we are surrounded by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and quaint towns and villages steeped in history and culture.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Located just outside of Cheltenham in the heart of the Cotswolds, Ian Coley Sporting has one of the best shooting grounds in the UK. Founded in 1970 by six-time Olympic coach, Ian Coley MBE, offering clay shooting for all levels of ability. Beginners are very welcome to come and ‘Have-A-Go’ under the guidance of friendly, qualified coaches, and you’ll soon discover how fun and addictive the sport is! Price start at just £54 for an all-inclusive experience. For more information or to book a clay shooting experience, visit the website below or call 01242 870391 today.
Painswick Rococo Gardens
Nestled just outside our pretty petite village is the historic Painswick Rococo Gardens, the only surviving complete Rococo garden in the entire country. Designed in the 1740s as a pleasure garden, this beautiful valley of flowers, plants and trees is perfect for snapping stunning photos and losing yourself amongst the natural splendour. It's also renowned as one of the best places in the Cotswolds to see carpets of snowdrops during early spring.
Walking
They don’t call the Cotswolds an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for nothing. And with more the 3,000 miles of public footpaths and quaint rural hamlets to explore, the best way to explore this breathtaking landscape is undoubtedly on foot. Very close by, you can ramble through breathtaking tapestries of farmland or discover ancient woodlands. We can help you on your way with our own wellies, walking maps and even a delicious picnic.
Gardens and crafting
Visit the magical and timeless garden at Miserden tucked away in the rolling Cotswold Hills just 20 minutes from The Painswick and discover this hidden 17th-century garden overlooking a deer park and immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings - a real treat on our doorstep. Unleash a new talent or passion and join one of their artisan workshops this season. From floristry and foraging to jewellery making and forest bathing - something for every budding craftsperson!
Cycling
Take a bike on the wild side. We've teamed up with local bike enthusiasts Wild Carrot who can provide the latest bikes or take you on a guided eBike tour of the surrounding Cotswolds (with plenty of pubs and refreshments stops). Give us a bit of notice and we'll have it all organised for you - £60 per bike per day (plus VAT) if you want to go and explore yourself, or a half-day tour for £125 per person or £225 per person for a full day tour (plus VAT) including refreshment stops. Just call us direct on 01452 813688 or email reception@thepainswick.co.uk.
Wine tours
Woodchester Valley, a family-owned boutique vineyard and winery, is located just down the road from us in the Stroud valley. Join them for a tasting tour and discover the world of English wine and get an insight into wine-making with the chance to try a range of their multi-award-winning wines.
Walk An Alpaca
Enjoy a stroll with an alpaca in one of the most picturesque spots in the Cotswold Hills. Tibbiwell Alpacas in Painswick offer walking experiences with these friendly and fascinating animals. Walks cost £30 per adult and £15 per child - book by contacting Sandie or Dawn @tibbiwellalpacas on Facebook or Instagram.
Festivals
There’s no shortage of festivals nearby and our personal favourite is the Art Couture Festival Painswick (ACP). The ACP aims to inspire designers to create extraordinary wearable art. During April and May, pay a visit to the Site Festival in Stroud, a unique event encompassing over 150 artist projects in sites across the Stroud Valleys, showcasing new work, collaborations and exciting new projects. A short drive from Painswick is Cheltenham, home to an eclectic calendar of festivals, including the annual literature, jazz and science festivals that draw some of the world’s finest musicians, writers, scientists and performers.
Towns
During your Cotswold getaway, there are many nearby towns worth visiting. World-renowned for its annual Gold Cup festival, Cheltenham boasts stunning Regency architecture and boutique shopping. A bustling market town dating back to Roman times, Cirencester offers a mixture of shopping, eating and drinking destinations, and its own small amphitheatre. Also worth a visit is Chipping Campden. Sitting snugly in the lovely northern Cotswolds, the high street of the town is bursting with beautiful historic buildings that are most definitely photo worthy.
Foodie markets
Proudly rural, it’s unsurprising that the Cotswolds serves a delicious array of culinary delights. Foodie markets have popped up in nearby villages and towns that are definitely worth a visit if you’re seeking a flavoursome experience. Our nearby favourites include the Stroud market, held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm and the Tetbury market, held every Wednesday from 9am to 2pm. Gloucestershire is famed for its Gloucester Old Spot sausages, Tewkesbury mustard and Bibury Trout. Oh, and once a year, some of us like to chase a round of Double Gloucester cheese down a hill, but you may have already heard about that!
St Mary’s Church
Sitting cosy in the heart of Painswick, St Mary’s Church dates back to 1377, making it a must-see for novice historians. The church is famous for its yew trees which were planted as an important symbol of Christianity. For many years, 99 yew trees stood in the church grounds, as legend told that if the hundredth tree were ever planted, it would be destroyed by the Devil. Courageously, the church defied the odds and the hundredth Yew Tree was planted in 2000—and still stands to this day.
Treat yourself or someone special
Our offers are perfect for spoiling yourself, or your nearest and dearest, with a cheeky getaway to the Cotswolds.
