As nicknames go, ‘Queen of The Cotswolds’ is a pretty impressive one, and one that has been attributed to Painswick due to the quality of its pale grey limestone buildings, and its contribution to the cloth industry over a period of 300 years.
Along with its regal nickname, the town is also known for having the oldest bowling green in the country, the oldest rugby club in England, and for its association with Laurie Lee, an author who lived within the parish, in the village of Slad. As one of the village’s main attractions, the Church of Saint Mary has attracted much interest, thanks to the yew trees growing in its churchyard. Rumour has it that every 100th tree planted is condemned to die by the devil. Other tourist traps in the town include the Painswick Rococo Garden, a lasting tribute to 18th century garden design, the Painswick Golf Club, and Painswick Beacon, which at 283 metres above sea level has ideal views of the Severn Estuary, Malvern Hills, and Brecon Beacons.
If the great outdoors doesn’t appeal, then why not check out the Guild of Craftsmen Gallery at the Painswick Centre, and the antique/specialist fabric shops in the town, or enjoy a meal at outlets like The Falcon Inn, The Painswick Hotel, The Royal Oak, and the March Hare. Facilities aren’t just limited to shopping and dining though, you can stay here too, with choices including the boutique Cotswolds 88 Hotel, and Cardynham House. For a small town, there is a lot on offer here, the question is: will this part of Gloucestshire live up to its nickname? Only one way to find out!
