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The Painswick Retreat, Stroud

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The Painswick Retreat is a luxury three-bedroom property in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire. This detached stone cottage sleeps six guests and sits in one of England's most beautiful Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property features exposed beams and original stonework throughout, creating an authentic country house atmosphere. Three well-appointed bedrooms and two modern bathrooms provide comfortable accommodation for families or groups.

Painswick village offers independent shops, traditional pubs and the famous Rococo Garden.

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About The Painswick Retreat

The Painswick Retreat is a luxury three-bedroom property in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire. This detached stone cottage sleeps six guests and sits in one of England's most beautiful Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property features exposed beams and original stonework throughout, creating an authentic country house atmosphere. Three well-appointed bedrooms and two modern bathrooms provide comfortable accommodation for families or groups.

Painswick village offers independent shops, traditional pubs and the famous Rococo Garden. The surrounding countryside provides endless walking routes through rolling hills and ancient woodlands.

The ground floor includes a spacious sitting room with wood-burning stove, separate dining room and fully equipped kitchen. Upstairs you'll find three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Private gardens with outdoor seating let you enjoy the Cotswold views.

Gloucester Cathedral sits 7 miles away (20 minutes). Cheltenham Racecourse is 8 miles distant (25 minutes). Westonbirt Arboretum lies 10 miles away (25 minutes). Slimbridge Wetland Centre is 12 miles distant (30 minutes).

The Painswick Retreat combines period features with modern comfort. Perfect for families wanting authentic Cotswold living with easy access to major attractions.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Painswick Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Stroud, Gloucestershire

Weather & Local Conditions

14°C

Clear sky

Updated: 24 Jul 2026, 3:13am

🌡️
14.00°C
Temperature
💨
10 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
83%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A luxury cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Painswick Retreat sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

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9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

130m

(427 feet above sea level)

The Painswick Retreat sits in a peaceful Gloucestershire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a luxury escape.

🏔️
130m
Elevation
📍
Stroud
Nearest Village
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Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
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Driving Note: The roads to Stroud are typical Gloucestershire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.7839570° N | Longitude: 2.1942244° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Stroud (Friday, 24 July 2026):

4:17am

Sunrise

7:12pm

Golden Hour

8:12pm

Sunset

🌅
4:17am
Sunrise
🌇
8:12pm
Sunset
📸
7:12pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:12pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Stroud, you have approximately 15.91 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Painswick Retreat.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Gloucestershire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 24 Jul 2026 | Location: 51.7839570, -2.1942244

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at The Painswick Retreat

Authentic Cotswold Stone Cottage

Original stone walls and exposed beams create genuine period character throughout this beautifully maintained property in the heart of Painswick village.

Spacious Accommodation for Six

Three generous bedrooms and two bathrooms provide ample space for families or groups wanting comfortable countryside accommodation together.

Wood-Burning Stove

The sitting room's working wood-burner creates a cosy focal point for gathering together on cooler evenings after exploring the Cotswolds.

Private Garden with Views

Enclosed outdoor space offers peaceful seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding Cotswold countryside views.

Prime Painswick Location

Walk to village shops, pubs and the famous Rococo Garden from this central position in one of the Cotswolds' prettiest villages.

Pet-Friendly Policy

Dogs are welcome to join your holiday, making this ideal for families who want to bring their four-legged companions along.

Getting To The Painswick Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Painswick Retreat by car, take the A46 towards Painswick and follow signs into the village centre. The cottage is centrally located with off-road parking available for guests upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Stroud, approximately 4 miles away. Gloucester station offers more frequent services and is 7 miles distant, with taxi services available to Painswick.

Off-road parking available
Stroud station (4 miles)
Central Painswick village location

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Painswick Rococo Garden
Distance: 0.5 miles
GL6 6TH
Gloucester Cathedral
Distance: 7 miles
GL1 2LX
Westonbirt Arboretum
Distance: 10 miles
GL8 8QS
Cotswold Way National Trail
Distance: 0.3 miles
GL6 6YB
Painswick Beacon
Distance: 1.5 miles
GL6 6SU
Slad Valley
Distance: 2 miles
GL6 7QA
Painswick Village Shops
Distance: 0.2 miles
GL6 6QR
Stroud Farmers Market
Distance: 4 miles
GL5 1AP
Gloucester Quays
Distance: 7 miles
GL1 2EH
Stroud Railway Station
Distance: 4 miles
GL5 2AF
Gloucester Railway Station
Distance: 7 miles
GL1 1SS
Cheltenham Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
GL50 1PP
Painswick Rococo Garden
Distance: 0.5 miles
GL6 6TH
Gloucester Cathedral
Distance: 7 miles
GL1 2LX
Westonbirt Arboretum
Distance: 10 miles
GL8 8QS
Cotswold Way National Trail
Distance: 0.3 miles
GL6 6YB
Painswick Beacon
Distance: 1.5 miles
GL6 6SU
Slad Valley
Distance: 2 miles
GL6 7QA
Painswick Village Shops
Distance: 0.2 miles
GL6 6QR
Stroud Farmers Market
Distance: 4 miles
GL5 1AP
Gloucester Quays
Distance: 7 miles
GL1 2EH
Stroud Railway Station
Distance: 4 miles
GL5 2AF
Gloucester Railway Station
Distance: 7 miles
GL1 1SS
Cheltenham Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
GL50 1PP

Is The Painswick Retreat Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The Painswick Retreat offers families excellent access to outdoor activities. Painswick Rococo Garden provides seasonal trails and events for children. Westonbirt Arboretum features adventure playgrounds and woodland walks. Slimbridge Wetland Centre has interactive exhibits and wildlife watching opportunities. The private garden gives kids safe outdoor space. Gloucester Cathedral offers family tours. Local walking trails suit all ages and abilities.
Groups Will Love...
The wood-burning stove creates a perfect gathering point for groups. The separate dining room seats six comfortably for meals together. The spacious sitting room provides ample seating for everyone to relax. Combined with the fully equipped kitchen, this layout works brilliantly for celebrations and special occasions. The private garden extends your entertaining space outdoors during warmer months.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at The Painswick Retreat. The enclosed private garden provides secure outdoor space for pets. Direct access to the Cotswold Way and surrounding countryside offers endless walking opportunities from the doorstep. Painswick village has several dog-friendly pubs. Local walks include Painswick Beacon and Slad Valley routes. Many nearby attractions welcome well-behaved dogs on leads.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Painswick Retreat

The Falcon Inn

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL6 6UN

Painswick Golf Club Restaurant

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL6 6TL

The Woolpack Inn

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL6 7QA

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Painswick Retreat

How many people does The Painswick Retreat sleep?
The property sleeps six guests across three bedrooms. Two bathrooms serve all guests comfortably.
Is The Painswick Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at this property. Please check specific pet policies and any additional charges when booking.
What kitchen facilities are provided?
The cottage has a fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and microwave. All essential cookware and utensils are included for preparing meals.
Is there parking at the property?
Off-road parking is available for guests. The property's central village location means many amenities are within walking distance.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
The cottage has three bedrooms configured to sleep six people. Two bathrooms ensure adequate facilities for all guests throughout your stay.
What heating is provided?
The property has central heating throughout. A wood-burning stove in the sitting room provides additional warmth and atmosphere during cooler months.
Are towels and linen included?
All bed linen is provided for your stay. Check your booking confirmation regarding towel provision and any items you may need to bring.
What attractions are nearby?
Gloucester Cathedral is 7 miles away, Cheltenham Racecourse 8 miles, Westonbirt Arboretum 10 miles and Slimbridge Wetland Centre 12 miles. Painswick Rococo Garden is within walking distance.

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