
Tucked into the rolling hills of Gloucestershire, Painswick is one of the Cotswolds' most beautiful villages. Known as the Queen of the Cotswolds, it is a place of winding streets, historic stone houses, independent cafés and wonderful countryside walks.
Visitors come to Painswick for its historic architecture, the beautiful Rococo Garden, walks along the Cotswold Way and traditional village pubs. It is also a lovely place to spend a few days, with restaurants, cafés and countryside walks all within easy reach.
Unlike some of the region's busier destinations, Painswick has retained a wonderfully relaxed village atmosphere. It is somewhere to slow down, explore on foot and enjoy a few days away from the everyday.
At Arlington & Row, we manage holiday cottages in Painswick and know the village particularly well. Here are some of our favourite places to visit, eat and explore, along with a beautiful place to call home during your stay.
One of the best ways to discover Painswick is simply to wander.
Start at St Mary's Church, famous for its beautifully clipped yew trees and historic churchyard. From here, explore the narrow streets, admire the traditional Cotswold stone architecture and discover the little corners that make the village so special.
There is no need for a strict itinerary. Part of Painswick's charm is taking your time.
Just outside the village, Painswick Rococo Garden is one of the area's most distinctive attractions.
Originally created in the 1740s, this historic pleasure garden is filled with winding paths, unusual garden buildings and beautiful seasonal planting.
It is particularly famous for its spectacular snowdrops in late winter, although there is something to enjoy throughout the seasons.
Allow a couple of hours to explore, followed by coffee and cake at the garden café.
For some of the finest views in the area, head towards Painswick Beacon.
This beautiful stretch of open countryside sits along the Cotswold Way and offers far-reaching views across the Severn Vale and towards Wales on clear days.
It is a wonderful place for a morning walk, particularly if you are bringing your dog along for a Cotswolds escape.
For those who enjoy longer walks, the Cotswold Way passes directly through Painswick, making the village an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside.

One of the pleasures of staying in Painswick is having some lovely independent places to eat and drink close by.
A firm favourite with locals, The Oak is everything you could want from a traditional country pub. Think a roaring open fireplace in the centre, friendly faces behind the bar and proper, hearty pub food.
There is no fixed menu here. Instead, you will find the day's dishes written up on the blackboard, with the selection changing regularly. It is all part of the charm.
There is also a lovely outdoor seating area, which is covered during the colder, wetter months, and dogs are very welcome.
For a relaxed evening, a leisurely lunch or simply a drink by the fire after a countryside walk, The Oak is one of our favourite places to recommend.
Overlooking the churchyard, The Falcon is a lovely choice for a relaxed lunch, an evening meal or a drink after exploring the village.
Its central location makes it particularly convenient for those staying in Painswick.
For an evening out, St Michael's offers an intimate dining experience in the heart of the village.
A lovely option for couples, friends or families looking to enjoy a special meal during their stay.
For your morning coffee, Juniper is a charming independent café on St Mary's Street.
Pick up a coffee before exploring the village or stop by for a relaxed start to the day.
If you fancy earning your Sunday roast, why not pull on your walking boots and head out towards The Woolpack in nearby Slad?
Set in the beautiful Slad Valley, this characterful country pub is a wonderful destination for a countryside walk, with glorious views and plenty of Cotswold charm along the way.
It is the sort of place where muddy boots feel entirely appropriate, and a hearty Sunday lunch tastes all the better after a good walk.
We recommend booking ahead if you are planning to visit for Sunday lunch.

If you are planning a few days in Painswick, staying in the heart of the village is one of the loveliest ways to experience it.
Lovedays Cottage, part of the Arlington & Row collection, is a beautiful three-bedroom Cotswold cottage sleeping up to six guests. Full of character and thoughtfully furnished, it makes a wonderful base for a family holiday, a weekend with friends or a longer countryside escape.
One of the real pleasures of Lovedays is its location. Some of Painswick's best places to eat and drink are right on your doorstep. Juniper is quite literally next door, perfect for popping out for your morning coffee, while The Oak, The Falcon Inn and St Michael's Restaurant are all less than a five-minute walk away.
There is something rather lovely about being able to wander out for a leisurely lunch, enjoy an evening at the pub or pick up a coffee without having to think about getting in the car.
Back at the cottage, you will find three comfortable bedrooms, two bathrooms and two separate sitting rooms, offering plenty of space for everyone to spread out and relax.
Outside, the beautifully manicured English garden is a particular highlight. With its traditional charm and carefully tended planting, it is a wonderful spot for a morning coffee, a leisurely afternoon with a book or simply enjoying a little peace and quiet.
Dogs are welcome too, making Lovedays a lovely choice for those hoping to explore the surrounding countryside with their four-legged companions.
With the Cotswold Way passing through Painswick, beautiful walks nearby and the village's independent shops, cafés and restaurants just moments away, Lovedays Cottage offers the perfect balance of countryside tranquillity and village life.
When you book Lovedays Cottage directly with Arlington & Row, you can be confident that you are receiving our best available price, without the additional costs associated with third-party booking platforms.
You will also be booking directly with our local team, who know Lovedays and Painswick inside out. We are always happy to share our favourite places to eat, beautiful walks to explore and recommendations to help you make the most of your stay.
Discover Lovedays Cottage, check availability and enjoy our best rates when booking directly with Arlington & Row.
Absolutely. Painswick is one of the Cotswolds' most attractive historic villages, known for its traditional stone buildings, independent places to eat, beautiful countryside walks and Painswick Rococo Garden. It is an excellent destination for a relaxing weekend or longer Cotswolds holiday.
Yes. Painswick is a compact village with cafés, pubs, restaurants and local attractions within walking distance of the centre.
Guests staying at Lovedays Cottage can reach The Oak, The Falcon Inn and St Michael's Restaurant in less than five minutes on foot, with Juniper café right next door.
A car is useful for exploring the wider Cotswolds, although there is plenty to enjoy within the village itself.
Lovedays Cottage, managed by Arlington & Row, accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms.
The cottage has two bathrooms, two separate sitting rooms and a beautifully manicured English garden, making it a lovely choice for families or groups of friends looking to stay together.
Its central village location also means guests can enjoy Painswick's restaurants, cafés and countryside walks without needing to drive.
Yes. Lovedays Cottage welcomes dogs and is conveniently located for exploring Painswick village and the surrounding countryside.
With the Cotswold Way passing through the village and beautiful walks nearby, Painswick makes a wonderful destination for a dog-friendly holiday in the Cotswolds.
Painswick is a village that rewards a slower pace. Spend your days walking through the countryside, discovering local cafés, exploring historic gardens and enjoying the simple pleasure of being somewhere beautiful.
And with Lovedays Cottage as your base, you can enjoy it all at your own pace.
Explore Lovedays Cottage and book your Painswick escape directly with Arlington & Row.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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Written by Arlington & Row, a Cotswolds-based holiday accommodation company with first-hand knowledge of Painswick and the surrounding villages.