Painswick Rococo Garden — Attraction in Stroud

Small but beautifully formed. Worth repeat visits.

Initially I was a little disappointed by the size of the garden but later realised we'd spent nearly two hours wandering around, admiring plants & spaces and taking pictures.

The occasional buildings scattered throughout are kept in excellent condition. They act as shelters from the rain / sun as well as focal points for photos or simple chill out places.

The maze is great fun but could be a bit tricky for younger folk so it's handy to have at least one person on the raised viewing area to shout directions.

The garden lies in a valley and is a real heat trap so check the weather before travelling. Bring water if there's even a hint of sun.

There's a programme of events throughout the year including workshops. We went on the wood carving one with the 2022 resident artist Natasha. I now have a new hobby. Book well in advance.

Repeat visits are definitely worthwhile as the garden changes with the season. Admission charges aren't too bad but there are more economical membership prices for unlimited visits within a year. Check the web site for OAP, family and student rates.

The small café offers the usual stuff plus one or two great vegan options. The menu seems to change with each visit. Food prices aren't too bad but can quickly add up for a family. There's a shaded area on the slope above the car park that's ideal for picnics.

Parking is good but obviously it fills during holidays and events so arrive early. Also phone ahead to check that there are no events when you want to visit e.g. a wedding, as these can fill the car park and contrast with the relaxed atmosphere...

Visited Early February in daylight hours. Probably not the best time to go. Yes it's a spectacular property in spectacular grounds. The thing is though because it's winter, there's no colour. The snowdrops are smashing. Something they could do perhaps is to come up with a theme, and with imagination create sculptures, maybe using mirrors, glass, metal or perhaps willow. I'm sure that in such an area like the Cotswolds there must be art talent out there who'd love to publicise there talents at Rococco. However, with any criticism I make, I make complements as well. The whole area is immaculate. Parking is easy, toilets are clean, the staff are helpful, the café is great. I do think though that disabled people might have a bit of difficulty getting around. Especially if they are in wheelchairs and electric scooters. We arrived around 10.00 and the field carpark was getting very busy. We left around 12.30. The carpark was almost empty. Maybe because once people had walked around, there was nothing to keep people there. I'm very sorry everyone, maybe in getting old and miserable. 🤔 What I think I must say though, is that I bet in spring, summer and autumn, the whole gardens would be a mass of green, reds, yellow. All gardens, in the winter are a bit...

Amazing place on the outskirts of Painswick. Disabled parking and toilets, but I couldn't imagine a disabled person managing the stony ups and downs. I have Peripheral Arterial Disease (but not disabled) and managed walking all the paths (2 miles) but was in pain towards the end. But back to the garden: Beautiful gardens with various features (kitchen garden, maze, beech walk, lime tunnel) and numerous follies and wooden sculptures. Paths aren't smooth, so pushchairs and wheelchairs would find it really difficult. There is a second-hand bookshop in one of the follies, as well as a nice restaurant with vegan options and soya/coconut/oat options instead of milk in drinks. Hot meals sold between noon and 2 o'clock. They sell their own brand of ice cream using ingredients from the kitchen garden. There's also a shop and plant sales area selling plants from their gardens. The gardens are open 10-5, but the restaurant and shop shut at 4 o'clock, although the till covering plant sales is open until the end of the day. It's a pity the shop till isn't too, as it's the place people go in AFTER going round the garden and want a souvenir. I can understand the restaurant closing, as they have to clean up afterwards, but I think they're missing a trick...