#My Glorious Gardens: Painswick Rococo Gardens.

For our Anniversary this year we decided to take a trip to The Painswick Rococo Gardens in Gloucestershire. When we were first married we lived near Painswick in a cute little cottage called Squirrel Cottage so have lovely memories of this area but have never been to the gardens.

Our wedding anniversary visit….

The Painswick Rococo Gardens

The Painswick Rococo Gardens are the only Rococo gardens left that are open to the public. Built in the 1740’s, they were created for the Hyett family to impress and entertain guests. Gardens at that time were in transition from the formal to the more frivolous with the idea that the garden was somewhere to enjoy and hold lavish garden parties. The garden has seen a significant restoration programme since the 1970’s based upon a painting of the original garden from 1748.

One of the fanciful garden building called The Eagle House which had to be totally restored.

One of the gorgeous gothic buildings to explore.

The gardens have a wonderful feeling of tranquility and are such a fabulous place to wander. There was a wedding taking place whilst we were there but it was not busy for a Saturday. It’s a garden to wander around or to take children to as they had a great trail looking for wildlife. There was a brilliant woodland walk and playground which younger children would love. Well behaved dogs are also welcome so next time Dottie is coming!

Duck pond with cute little white ducks.

The large duck pond was full of colourful dragon flies.

Part of the woodland playground

The kitchen garden was amazing and we loved the espalier fruit trees.

Views up towards the white gothic arch.

Espalier fruit trees.

Views across the kitchen garden

There was a delightful Plunge Pool where the water was crystal clear and looked so inviting! It was surrounded by shade loving plants such as large ferns and hostas.

Reflections in the Plunge Pool

The grotto in the shady garden

The large, white gothic arch is the star of the whole garden in my opinion; a photographers dream! It stands at the top of the hill looking down the valley over the garden. It’s certainly dramatic and I loved it!

The gothic, white Arch.

Hubbie looking out across the garden. I love the reflections in the pool.

What a place to spend an anniversary!

 The anniversary maze -how apt!

The Anniversary Maze

The rain was coming!

Painswick Rococo Gardens.

I would definitely go back here again as the heavens opened and our visit was cut short. It’s supposed to be beautiful when all the snowdrops are out In February so I would love to come back then.