Rocco the Rock Star visits Painswick

Painswick

As we drove through the town of Painswick, Rocco and the gang looked through the windows of the jeep all dreamily at the quaint little town with the narrow streets. Rachel and I both agreed that there was something very cozy and idyllic about this historic wool town with its beautiful buildings built of Cotswold stone. We followed the parking signs to the end of the village and our adventures began.

Painswick was Featured on BBC television "The Casual Vacancy" by J.K.Rowling. The opening scenes and the shop and other sites can be found by walking around the town.

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Painswick

We walked through a little narrow path for our eyes to be pleasantly surprised by the splendid church yard of St Mary's. We all stood and marveled at the scene of perfectly kept yew trees all around the church yard, apparently 99 of them and the unusual amount of flat stoned graves. I wanted to grab my camera to start taking photos however this magical scene had to be appreciated first through the naked eye.

The Church was not open when we arrived, however that was fine as we were all very fixated at the wondrous church grounds.

Facts about the Church

• A priest was mention in Painswick in the Domesday book which was suggested there was a church here around the time of 1042 to 1066.
• The spire was not added until 1632 yes the oldest part of the church was built in 1377.
• For some unknown reason only 99 yew trees grow in the ground, suspicion has it that the Devil will not allow a 100th tree to grow. And for some bizarre reason our pack of misfits did not attempt to wee on any of the 99 yew trees!

Painswick Beacon

From the Painswick Golf Course by Painswick Rococo Gardens, there are marked trails to Painswick Beacon which we all highly recommend at Rocco HQ, just a short walk through the Golf Course. The views are breathtaking on a clear day and the walk is relatively easy, our dogs love this part the best and we recommenced taking a packed lunch because you can spend as little or as much time as you like exploring this walk and Rocco and his pack just love to be out and about exploring.

Painswick Rococo Gardens

Painswick Rococo Garden is only a short walk from the centre and we loved, loved, loved Rococo Gardens not only because their is a similarity to Rococo's name but the gardens are absolutely stunning and dogs are most welcome....especially when the snow drops are in full bloom with thousands of and daffodils. We also loved the unusual maze, and when we all were seeking refreshments the coffee and cakes are a must.

Rocco loves the thought of Rococo Gardens as it resembles his name and is seriously thinking about opening his own garden and the entrance fee with be 3 chewy bones for humans and dogs alike.

A Benjamin Hyett designed this unusual garden almost 300 years ago to entertain his guests at Painswick House.

Dog Friendly Accommodation and places to eat in Painswick

Accommodation in Painswick ranges from luxury boutique hotels, to homely bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages and friendly inns. We did not have the opportunity to explore all the dog friendly places to stay and eat, however the options are extensive.

Charlie and Rachel - www.roccotherockstar.com