1 Best Sight in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

Painswick Rococo Garden

Half a mile north of town, this delightful garden is a rare survivor from the exuberant rococo period of English garden design (1720–60). After 50 years in its original form, the 6-acre garden became overgrown. Fortunately, the rediscovery of a 1748 painting of the garden by local artist Thomas Robins sparked a full-scale restoration in the 1980s. Now you can view the original structures—such as the pretty Gothic Eagle House and curved Exedra—take in the asymmetrical vistas, and try the modern maze, which, unusually, has three centers you can discover. It's also famous for the snowdrops that bloom in January and February. There's a restaurant and a shop, too.

B4073, Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH, England
01452-813204
Sights Details
Rate Includes: £9.60, Closed Dec.–Feb., Mon., and Tues. except during school summer holidays