FAQs
Your questions answered
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about a visit to Painswick Rococo Garden below.
If you don’t see an answer to your question here, just get in touch.
Do you have a café?
We apologise for our current ‘temporary’ appearance. We have just moved out of the Coach House which housed our Café and we are busily creating a new Welcome Area. In the meantime, we will endeavour to keep serving our much-valued visitors with refreshments, albeit a simplified offering of hot and cold drinks, light lunches and delicious cakes and snacks. You can choose to enjoy these whilst wandering around the Garden or sat in our heated tipi.
We really appreciate your support and continued visits and for bearing with us whilst we transition to our new home.
The Café is open when the Garden is open and stops serving an hour before the Garden closes.
Do you sell vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free food in your café?
Yes! We cater for a range of dietary requirements, offering a selection of vegan options as well as food that’s free from gluten, wheat and dairy. All subject to availability: our range varies depending on the time of day and what we can source from our suppliers. Please note: we currently have a temporary cafe in place and have a simplified range of delicious cakes and snacks.
When are you open?
Our opening days and hours can vary, please click here to find out more.
What might I need to know if I have allergies?
As an outdoor attraction, you will be close to nature in all its forms when you visit the Garden. Please be aware that this can include animals and plants which can be hazardous. Please use common sense when out and about, obey signs when you see them and report anything you are not sure about to our team. Do not pick any mushrooms you see and please keep away from our bee hives. If you are aware of a specific allergy (for example to bee stings) you are advised to bring appropriate medication with you.
Our café team caters for common dietary requirements, including gluten and lactose intolerances. We also usually have a vegetarian and vegan option on the menu. Please ask our team if you have any queries at all about the ingredients we use. Whilst we are very careful to ensure there is no cross-contamination, we are unable to guarantee that our kitchen is completely nut-free.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes! Our Gift Vouchers allow you to purchase entrance to the Garden and the lucky recipient can also enjoy treats from our Shop and refreshments from our Café. You can also buy gift vouchers for our annual memberships. To purchase, please click here.
Do you offer annual membership?
If you visit Painswick Rococo Garden often, an annual membership is a great way to save money while supporting our charity, to look after and restore the garden for future generations.
- Single membership: £35
- Joint membership: £62
- Family (one adult and up to four children): £65
- Family (two adults and up to four children): £88
To purchase an annual membership, please click here.
Can I bring a picnic?
You’re welcome to bring a picnic! There are picnic tables adjacent to our car park and on the Bowling Great in the heart of the Garden.
What types of membership card do you accept?
An annual season ticket to Painswick Rococo Garden isn’t the only way to save money on a visit. We also accept RHS and Historic Houses membership cards. As we are a proudly independent conservation charity, we don’t take either National Trust or English Heritage membership cards.
Are groups welcome?
We welcome groups and coach parties to Painswick Rococo Garden all year round.
We offer…
- discounted admission for groups of 20+
- free introductory talk on arrival
- value-for-money catering packages when you pre-book
- free admission for your driver or group leader
All group visits must be pre-booked and confirmed in writing. Download our group organiser pack for a booking form and full details.
Is it suitable for buggies, scooters and bikes?
The Garden itself was built in a hidden valley almost 300 years ago and some of the paths are both steep and uneven. We suggest exploring on foot is the best option, slings for younger children are ideal. Robust buggies seem to cope with the terrain, however in some places it will require a bit of extra effort to push – we’ve plenty of benches dotted around to take a rest when needed.
Children’s bikes (including balance bikes) and scooters are not permitted as the paths are not suitable for them.
Do you offer tours or talks?
Yes! We offer guided tours of Painswick Rococo Garden for groups – see our groups page for more information.
If you’re looking for a speaker for your group event, get in touch or see our talks page for details.
Can I change or amend my tickets I purchased online?
All online tickets are non-refundable. We try to exchange tickets for a different day if we can. However, we cannot guarantee that this is always possible. We recommend creating an account when you purchase your tickets, as this allows you to manage your bookings and change the date and time, should you need to.
If you haven’t created an account and need to reschedule your visit, please get in touch with us, call 01452 813204 or email . We will try our hardest to change it, but it will be subject to availability.
When is the best time to see the snowdrops?
The simple answer is that it depends on the weather. While they’re often at their best in mid to late February, this can vary from year to year. Keep an eye on our social media pages and our blog for updates.
Can I bring my dog?
Of course! The Garden is a great place for walking with dogs, though they must be kept on a lead at all times. Dogs are also welcome in our Café and Shop, and there’s always a bowl of fresh water outside the Café.
Is Painswick Rococo Garden a good place to bring children?
We’re one of Gloucestershire’s best kept secrets when it comes to good old-fashioned fresh air, adventure and fun.
Discover our amazing maze or set their imaginations free in our rustic play area and quirky follies. Run free, play hide and seek and adventure to your heart’s content. We promise we’ll never tell you to shh, or to keep off the grass (unless for safety reasons)!
If you’re visiting with a baby, we recommend bringing your little one in a sling, if possible. The garden is steep and uneven, but robust buggies navigate it well. We also have baby-changing facilities.
Do you take contactless payments?
Yes – you’re welcome to pay for your admission, to buy gifts or plants in our shop, or to pay for food and drink in our café using contactless payment – that includes Apple Pay, Android Pay and Google Pay – provided you’re spending within the contactless limit.
How much does it cost?
Painswick Rococo Garden admission prices are shown below:
| Standard admission | |
| Adults | £12.20 |
| Seniors (60+) | £10.95 |
| Students | £7.70 |
| Children (4 to 16) | £5.70 |
| Family (2+4) | £31.50 |
Do you have toilets and baby changing facilities?
Yes, facilities are available near the Café, and include an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities.
What happens to the money you get from Gift Aid?
As a registered charity, we rely on Gift Aid donations to help the work we do to restore and protect the garden for future generations. As a UK taxpayer, you can make a Gift Aid donation of 10% above our standard entry fee. By doing so, you enable us to claim back the tax you’ve already paid. Your donation is worth an additional 25p in the pound to help us with our work.
Is there disabled access?
Paths within the Garden are steep and uneven, and only around a fifth of the Garden is accessible to wheelchairs. Our access routes map will help you plan your visit. We do not recommend attempting to enter the Garden on a mobility scooter. Entry is free to carers of registered disabled visitors.
How can I volunteer to help out at Painswick Rococo Garden?
As a registered charity, Painswick Rococo Garden is run by a small core of staff, supported by a large number of dedicated volunteers who work a range of hours to suit their lifestyle. Find out how you could join our team of volunteers.