Painswick Local History Trail.
| Accessibility: Yes, but some narrow pavements and some steep inclines. Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes (why not stop for a coffee. or two?). Distance: 0.4 Miles (0.64km) Cost: None of the stops on this route incur an admission charge. |
Painswick's title of "Queen of the Cotswolds" is well earned. Its Cotswold stone building lined streets reveal treat after treat.
Stone has been quarried from Painswick Beacon for the town buildings since Roman times. From at least the 16th Century Painswick's wool cloth industry guaranteed its prosperity.
Follow this short, but fascinating, trail to see many of the sights of Painswick town centre and learn lots about it's history along the way.
This trail is provided by the Painswick Local History Society.
 | View the MapIf you find it easier to follow the stops on this trail using a map, download your copy now. |
Where possible we suggest walking or cycling to your starter location, however there is a bus stop close to the starting point of this trail (services between Stroud and Brockworth (for Gloucester) and Cheltenham) and the Stamages Lane Car Park is the starting point for this trail.
1. Stamages Lane Car Park
| ///what3words ///satellite.majors.stressed | From the board near the pedestrian access at the top of the car park, read the board to learn more about the story of Painswick. |
Walk out of the car park, turn right and head towards the centre of town. The pavement is narrow between here and the next point, so you may wish to cross the road.
2. Victoria Square
| ///what3words ///variances.owls.speedy | On this board, near the Victoria Jubilee Lamp, learn about the nearby buildings including The Falcon and Beacon House, plus the lamp itself. Board image |
Head away from the A46 into the town, keeping St. Mary's Churchyard on your right. At the end of the road turn right into St. Mary's Street, and continue walking a little way along until you reach The Stocks.
3. The Stocks
| ///what3words ///linguists.callers.servers | This board, adjacent to The Stocks, tells you some fascinating facts about St. Mary's Church and The Stocks. |
Retrace your steps along St. Mary's Street and keep walking ahead until you reach Tibbiwell Lane (which falls to your right). Cross over the road to the corner of Friday Street (on your left) and St. Mary's Street.
4. Friday Street
| ///what3words ///minus.cave.contemplate | This board, on the right of Friday Street, explains you are in the medieval centre of Painswick and gives you historical information about the buildings around you. There is also information about the WW2 German bombing of Painswick. |
Continue along Friday Street, with the Catholic Church and its distinctive tower on your left. When you reach the end of Friday Street, turn right (downhill) to the entrance of The Painswick Centre on your left.
5. Bisley Street / Painswick Centre
| ///what3words ///laser.until.riskiest | This board, in Bisley Street, gives you more information about this oldest street in Painswick. Learn more about the history of The Painswick Centre, Vicarage Street and Quakers in Painswick. |
Return up Bisley Street until you almost reach the main road (New Street). The board is on your right in Bisley Street.
6. New Street
| ///what3words ///halt.abolish.schematic | This final board reveals the history of New Street, a nearby chapel, and Gloucester Street. You'll also learn a little about the nearby Rococo Garden and Painswick House. |
You have now finished the trail. You can turn left along New Street (crossing the road as there is no pavement on the left) to return to the beginning of the trail.
Is history your thing? Click here to read about the local Museums, Heritage Centres and Mills across the Stroud District.
Discover the History and Heritage of the Stroud District
Maybe you would like to visit one of the many Historic Houses in the District?
Discover Historic Houses in the Stroud District
Perhaps Historic Buildings, Architecture and Monuments are more your thing?
Discover Historic Buildings, Architecture and Monuments
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