It was a cloudy Sunday afternoon spent in the most gorgeous, greenest of gardens. I think I found my new happy place.
Rococo Garden in Painswick, Gloucestershire is the most picturesque place. I did a little research on local ‘escapes’ and came across this beauty of a location – the perfect escape to the countryside (not that you have to travel very far out of Cheltenham for beautiful views). Sunshine or not, the flowers were all in bloom and I found myself humming along to Laura Mvula’s Green Garden.
Probably not the best day to be wearing a skirt, I certainly felt the breeze between my knees, March winds in May were in full force!
It’s incredible that this is the only surviving Rococo garden in Britain, I have never seen a garden like it. The term Rococo translates to an ornate style of architecture, art and furniture, which was popular yet short-lived in the early to mid 18th century.
This is the first view you are hit with, the green valley.
We were about to embark on our stroll when the wind took a strong turn so we crept back to the Tea Room for shelter, coffee and cake were calling!
That was some of the best coffee cake I have ever eaten. I mean, it even rivals my own (my Cappuccino cake is a specialty of mine).
Bellies full, we took a wander along the first path that we came across, not knowing where we were going to end up or what we may come across…
The Red House, I’m not sure if it was because there was nobody else about or that the weather was a little overcast but the building had an eerie vibe to it. I have clearly seen too many horror films in my time and my imagination went into overdrive, so I stayed clear of entering the house and admired the architecture from outside instead.
Then out of nowhere, a visitor came to greet us.
Our new friend escorted us along the next path, stopping now and then as I took photographs, what a purrfect companion.
Coat | Oasis
Top | Vintage
Skirt | Miss Selfridge
Boots | H&M
Bag | Zara
The ‘Excedra’ is an impressive feature within the grounds, a structure that you must take a snap of before you leave…
A photo opportunity arose…
I had quite the audience during my silly shenanigans…
Shakespeare and Augustus Caesar to name just two watched on, as I frolicked around the garden. Parting is such sweet sorrow but it was time to continue my escapades elsewhere – the maze was just around the corner!
“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
I have had a fascination with mazes dating back to when I was just a small child. The excitement of entering the ‘unknown’, racing friends and family to get to the middle first, pretending that I’m in the Labyrinth and I’m en route to the Goblin Kingdom…
No? Just me who does that? Okay, let’s move on..
You can quite easily find yourself getting lost here within the six-acre valley garden, with the wondrous woodland paths surrounded by wild flowers.
As one path ended, we turned back round to find the next one to explore. Passing our friends Bill and Augustus, more beautiful flowers caught our attention.
Hay! Who is this guy?
His jokes were a bit corny but he impressed me with how outstanding he was in his field.
It’s difficult not to fall in love with this place, it’s a fantastic backdrop for whatever occasion – you can even get married here!
The sun came out just as we decided to call it a day (which the camera didn’t capture).
I’m already planning my next trip – perhaps when the sun comes out to play and I’ll be sure to wear more sensible attire for walking adventures.
Check out the website for full details on admission and events coming up!
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