Painswick "Queen of the Cotswolds" is half a mile up a narrow
country lane from Upper Doreys Mill.(Edge road/lane.)
Nestling quietly in the famous Cotswold hills, surrounded by
some of Gloucestershire's most beautiful countryside,It has a
variety of small shops and galleries to browse around with pubs,
restaurants and teashops that serve food.
Built of famous Painswick stone from Painswick beacon, the
town's many beautiful buildings can be seen as you wander around
it's quaint and narrow streets.
New Street constructed around 1428 when the wool and cloth trade
was flourishing, contains the oldest building in England that used
to house a post Office. It is the only example of exposed timber
framing in Painswick.
Painswick is surely a town for all seasons whatever the weather.
It's tranquility and peace make for a wonderful holiday or weekend
break, whether you are looking for a delicious cream tea in Summer
or a cosy log fire in an original stone fireplace after a long walk
in Winter.
There are lots of footpaths around the lovely countryside
surrounding Painswick including the Cotswold Way which passes right
through the town. Excellent walking country.
Painswick beacon and Haresfield beacon have magnificent views
across the Severn valley and on a clear day you can see the Welsh
mountains and the Severn bridge. Super for flying kites when is
windy.
- The Edgemoor Inn
Just over half a mile up Edge lane is the Edgemoor Inn which serves great food.
- Black Horse, Amberley
A little further afield is the Black Horse at Amberley.
It has excellent food, wines and good service.
Lots of orchids and other wild flowers abound on the
commons.
In Winter the hedgerows are full of snowdrops and The Rococo
gardens are open to the public with carpets of snowdrops in the
early Spring.
Edge is a small hamlet which has a pub that does good food and
caters for vegetarians called The Edgemoor.
There is a golf course on Painswick Beacon.
Bath, Cheltenham Spa and Racecourse, Gloucester, Cirencester and
Bourton on the water, Chipping Campden are within easy reach by
car.
There is Berkeley Castle, Sudeley Castle, Eastnor Castle and
Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust nearby.
There are lots of gardens and nurseries in this area to
visit:
Kiftsgate, Hidcote, Misarden, Hunt's Court, Sezincote,
Westonbirt Arboretum, Batsford Arboretum, Cotswold Wildlife park
and gardens, Cerney house gardens, Mill dene, The old Rectory at
Duntisbourne Rous, Abbey house at Malmesbury, Highnam Court,
Stanway Fountain and water garden and many more.
Gloucester is 5/6 miles down the hill with its Docks and
Waterways museum, Antiques warehouse, Shopping outlet and
magnificent Cathedral (Harry Potter was filmed there).
Stroud has lots of eating places ,cafes and restaurants and
interesting individual shops on its pedestrianised hilly streets.
It hosts a very good Farmers Market every Saturday 9.a.m.
till 2 p.m.