Painswick Rococo Garden
A whimsical and exotic Georgian garden.
Gloucester Road, Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
Painswick Rococo Garden is the country’s sole surviving complete rococo garden.
Designed in the 1740s as a fanciful pleasure garden for Benjamin Hyett and his guests, this hidden valley offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and intriguing garden buildings.
A visit to Painswick Rococo Garden will take you back to the elegance and sophistication of the early 1700s. This was a time when gardens were fashionable theatrical sets, providing a stunning backdrop to decadent garden parties.
Instead of a flower garden, you will happen across a stunning vegetable garden, beautifully-framed views of the surrounding countryside and fanciful garden buildings.
You can lose yourself amongst the lofty trees of our leafy woodland walk and watch friends and family battle to find the centre of our unusual maze.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Hours
Regular Opening (Wednesday to Sunday)
The garden is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. This is the standard opening pattern outside the spring period.
Extended Daily Opening (Easter & Spring Period)
From 28 March to 19 April, the garden opens daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm).
Snowdrop Season (January & February)
The garden reopens in January as the first snowdrops begin to flower, usually in late January, though mild winters may see them flowering a few weeks earlier. Snowdrops are at their best in February and remain a key seasonal highlight. The season runs until mid-February or March — check social media for the latest snowdrop updates.
Seasonal Highlights
January
The garden reopens for snowdrop season. The low winter sun beautifully illuminates the Red House stained-glass windows in the late afternoon.
February
Snowdrops are at their peak, alongside cyclamen coum and hellebores in bloom.
March
Days grow warmer and longer. Daffodils carpet the orchard and entrance banks.
April
Over 9,000 spring bulbs fill the Exedra Garden. Cowslips and bluebells bloom in wooded areas and meadows.
May
Aquilegia flowers in the meadow and flower beds, with upright iris appearing towards the end of the month. Wild garlic and kitchen garden crops are available for the café.
June
Heritage roses begin blooming in the Exedra Garden. The wildflower meadow fills with orchids, and early salad crops from the kitchen garden reach the café.
July
Often the hottest month. Heritage roses continue, alongside hollyhocks, globe thistle, scabious, sweet peas, bergamot, and summer jasmine.
August
Michaelmas daisies and Helianthus Lemon Queen bloom. Autumn cyclamen appear later in the month.
September
African marigolds, mirabilis jalapa, and salvia horminum Oxford Blue flower as trees turn red and gold. Heritage fruit harvest begins, with apple and pear juices available in the shop.
October
Colourful flowers in the Exedra Garden continue until the first frosts, with spectacular autumn leaves throughout the grounds.
Special Events & Activities
- Dazzling Daffodils — 3 March
- Rococo's Egg-stra Fun Family Trail — 28 March to 19 April
- Buzzly Bee's Busy Trail (May Half Term) — 23 May to 31 May
- Snowdrop Masterclass — Available during snowdrop season (January–February); check for specific dates
Historic Houses members visit for free.
| Tickets | Gift Aid Admission* | Non Gift Aid Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £10.60 | £9.60 |
| Seniors (60+) | £9.30 | £8.40 |
| Student (NUS) | £6.70 | £6.00 |
| Children (4 to 16) | £4.90 | £4.40 |
| Family (2ad + 4ch) | £27.25 | £24.70 |
| Group (of 20+) | N/A | £8.20 |
We are delighted to welcome groups and coach parties throughout the year. Parties can enjoy:
- Discounted admission for groups of 20+
- Free introductory talk on arrival
- Good value catering packages when pre-booked
- Free admission for your driver or group leader.
For those hungry for knowledge, we offer specialist tours which will enhance your visit.
All group visits must be pre-booked and confirmed in writing.
Getting here
Gloucester Road, Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH
By car: sat nav to GL6 6TH or follow the brown tourism signs on all major approach routes. The nearest motorway junction is M5 J11a (10mins). We have a free car park.
By train: our nearest station is Stroud (5 miles)
By bus: Stagecoach service 61 from Cheltenham to Stroud and beyond
On foot: we are in lovely walking territory and just off the Cotswold Way. Follow the signs to us from the corner of Golf Course Road and Gloucester Rd.
Become a Historic Houses member
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