Following its recent triumph in the Village of the Year competition, Painswick Rococo Gardens—known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’—has received another prestigious honour. It has been ranked in the top 10% of attractions worldwide by Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025.
This esteemed recognition is awarded to businesses that consistently earn outstanding traveller reviews over the previous year. As the world’s largest travel review platform, Tripadvisor’s accolade reflects genuine feedback from visitors, making it a reliable mark of excellence.
In a heartfelt statement, the gardens expressed their gratitude: “We are honoured to be included among travellers’ favourites this year. A sincere thank you to all visitors, staff, and dedicated volunteers whose passion and support make Rococo Garden such a special place.”
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Located on Gloucester Road, Painswick Rococo Gardens was originally designed in the 1740s. By 1980, it had fallen into disrepair, becoming overgrown and wild before undergoing a remarkable restoration. The term ‘rococo’ refers to an 18th-century artistic style known for ornate decoration, pastel colours, and asymmetrical designs—all features reflected in the garden’s unique character.
Earlier this year, the gardens gained widespread attention for their breathtaking display of approximately five million snowdrop blooms. Snowdrop season, which runs from late January to early February, attracts up to 1,000 visitors a day eager to witness this spectacular floral carpet.
Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor, praised the gardens’ achievement: “Congratulations to Painswick Rococo Garden on earning a place in our Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Being among the top businesses globally indicates the lasting impression you have made on visitors, many of whom took time to share glowing online reviews. We hope this honour continues to bring success in 2025 and beyond.” The gardens are open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Visitors have shared glowing testimonials. Alan Hawkes from London noted, “Lovely garden and woodland stroll. It’s not huge, so you can easily explore it in an hour or so. Plus, there’s a senior discount for over 60s.”
Another guest, Hethers2019, highlighted the peaceful atmosphere: “Lovely place, dog friendly, bring a picnic! Friendly staff and plenty of parking. Great spot for photos, and there’s even a maze.”
Lisa G was amazed by her first visit: “I don’t live far away but had never been before. I was surprised by how beautiful it is—stunning architecture and charming little huts by the spring water pond.”
RJHall, who visited in February, said: “Beautiful gardens. We came for the snowdrops but were equally impressed by the varied planting and magnificent views. The staff were cheerful and welcoming—I even had a lovely chat with one of the gardeners.”
Madgebrand shared their delight: “A lovely day out, with snowdrops carpeting every inch. The bright sun and clear blue sky made it thoroughly enjoyable.”
However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Anne P commented on the crowds during the snowdrop event: “It was overcrowded with too many visitors packed in. The overflow car parking on a grass field turned to mud, which was inconvenient.”
Despite occasional challenges, Painswick Rococo Gardens continues to enchant visitors and secure its place as a top global attraction.