Painswick Rococo Gardens

Painswick Rococo Garden is a unique and fascinating insight into early to mid 18th century English garden design. The only complete Rococo garden in England, it dates from a brief period (1720 – 1760) when English gardens were changing from the formal to the informal. These Rococo gardens combined formal vistas with winding woodland walks and more natural planting.

However, Rococo gardens were so much more. Their creators were showing off their wealth and including features that were both flamboyant and frivolous. The gardens featured buildings of unusual architectural styles, to be used as both eye catchers and viewpoints. These became almost regency playrooms, an extension of the house to be enjoyed by the owner and his guests.

At Painswick, they are restoring the garden back to how it was shown in a painting dated 1748. Contemporary buildings, woodland walks, herbaceous boarders and a large kitchen garden are all hidden away in a charming Cotswold valley with splendid views of the surrounding countryside. A recent addition (situated outside the original garden) is the Anniversary Maze planted to celebrate the 250th birthday of the garden.

The Garden is a tranquil hideaway for those looking for a romantic walk with their partner, or a secret place that children will love to explore.

The restaurant sells coffee, light lunches and teas situated in the Coach House. Meals and cakes are all home made and renowned for their quality. Many of the ingredients are grown in the Kitchen Garden, so you can see the crops grow and then taste them! The gift shop stocks a range of products for all ages. The plant nursery on site is operated by Box Court Plants and Gardens. Co owner Paul Hervey-Brookes is a Chelsea silver award winner garden designer.

During 2012 there will be a series of half and full day courses on various gardening themes from how to double dig to flower arranging - see the website for more details.

In August, enjoy ‘Art in the Garden’ a display of over 70 pieces of sculpture around the grounds, which is being organised as part of the annual art and craft festival in Painswick. To round off the year, the annual Harvest Festival takes place during October, with displays of heritage fruit and vegetables and a chance to press and taste old varieties of apples and pears.

The Garden holds the Visit Britain Quality Assurance Attraction award and is also a Silver Award winner with the Green Tourism Business Scheme.