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. Something for everyone...from active exploring and gentle rambling to the best of Cotswold food and culture.
Guided Mountain Biking
We've teamed up with local bike enthusiast Tim Porter at Cotswold Mountain Biking to offer our guests a fabulous opportunity to explore this gorgeous part of the Cotswolds....head out with Tim on a half day or full day guided/instructed tour of the area taking in stunning scenery of the Stroud Valleys. It is essential that all riders have good basic cycling skills and that they are, at least, competent and confident riding bikes on roads. However, being a mountain biking beginner isn’t a problem and Tim regularly guides riders who are new to mountain biking and they have great fun!
For more information and to check availability.
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. Our lucky guests can obtain tickets from reception to visit the gardens - first come first served!
Walking
They don’t call the Cotswolds an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for nothing and we're lucky at The Painswick being the midpoint of the beautiful Cotswold Way. 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 to take exploring.
Just Relax....
Enjoy the beautiful view from our terrace or balcony...(who needs Tuscany when we have instagrammable views like this!) We love to shake a cocktail or two and serve up fabulous grazing snacks and delicious afternoon tea so kick back, relax and we'll look after you....
Learning a new skill
Enjoy a luxurious stay with us and develop a new skill! Located less than 4 miles from the hotel- Hawkwood College is a beautiful, sustainably run estate. As a charity, they bring together people and organisations from many backgrounds in support of creative endeavour, a flourishing community, and a sustainable environment. They offer a specially curated programme of courses covering leadership, music, arts & crafts and well-being, as well as hosting artistic residencies and events.
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 local festivals nearby - only 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.
