Charming UK town known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ that’s barely changed in decades
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
This location, known as “The Queen of the Cotswolds,” is a true hidden gem and a perfect place for a day out this autumn.
This charming town is one of the best-preserved in the Cotswolds, with its timeless beauty and peaceful atmosphere still intact, surrounded by rolling countryside.
Its narrow streets are full of history, featuring England’s oldest building to have served as a Post Office and the country’s oldest bowling green.
If you plan to visit, make sure to stop by St Mary’s Church, which is surrounded by 99 yew trees.
This creates one of the most unique and beautiful churchyards in England, especially during autumn when the colours are at their best.
The medieval church has a tall tower with 14 bells and over 300 embroidered kneelers showing scenes from the Bible. Another highlight is the Rococo Garden, created in the 1740s as a space for elegant social gatherings for English gentlemen.
Today, it remains the only surviving Rococo garden in the UK, making it truly special. Since 1984, it has been lovingly restored into a beautifully kept outdoor space that has been saved from ruin.
From Painswick, you’ll find plenty of scenic walking trails where you can enjoy the full beauty of the Cotswold countryside.
Nearby, you can also explore Painswick Beacon and the pretty village of Sheepscombe.
The famous Cotswold Way National Trail is a favourite with walkers.
For those who enjoy long walks, it stretches all the way from Chipping Campden to the city of Bath.
If you’re planning a trip to Painswick, the nearest train station is in Stroud. It takes about an hour and a half from London by train, followed by a short 15-minute drive to reach the town.
Painswick is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend escape, especially during the autumn months when the Cotswolds look their most colourful and inviting.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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