Visit Cotswolds – Sometimes you stumble across the most spectacular hidden gems right on your doorstep and we would classify the Rococo Garden as one of those very things. We have always seen pictures in the local press every February of the beautiful carpets of Snowdrops however in all the years we have lived in Gloucestershire, we have never taken the time out of our busy schedules to pay a visit. So on a very cold, crisp and clear winter morning, wrapped up warm and armed with our cameras on the spur of the moment we set off to find out what all the fuss was about.
The Rococo Garden is based just a short walking distance from the main Painswick town in it’s own hidden valley. Early in February, when the snowdrops are in fall bloom you will find signposts directing you. It has ample parking space so that you can park nearby and walk into the garden very easily. The Gardens are owned by a charitable trust and with all the money going to the up keep and preservation of this historic garden we did not mind paying the £8 per person entry fee.
Painswick Rococo Garden was designed in the 1740s as a flamboyant pleasure garden for Benjamin Hyett to entertain his guests. This was a time when gardens were fashionable theatrical sets, providing a stunning backdrop to decadent garden parties.
You probably need to set aside a good 3 hours to wander around the different undulating areas of this very well kept garden and we guarantee you will not be disappointed. The snowdrops were just coming into bloom during our visit during Mid-January but nether the less there were plenty to see and they were stunningly beautiful. We were able to take lots of photographs.
A purpose built trail takes you into all the different areas of the garden and past the most amazing buildings. There are benches en-route to take a break and admire the splendid, tranquil and well kept surroundings. We loved the woodland trail, the Red House, Orangery and Eagle House and had fun getting lost in the garden maze.
At noon every day, during snowdrop season there are daily talks about the flowers and there is also a very popular coffee shop and restaurant serving delicious homemade light lunches and snacks using as much as possible produce from the kitchen garden. During our visit it was full which pays testament to the quality and popularity.
In summary we had a lovely morning out and came away feeling very chilled. If you have a few hours to spare and fancy something different to do pay the Rococo Gardens a visit.
http://www.rococogarden.org.uk/