My Painswick

8am — Jog

I love running the winding alleyways of Painswick and finding new incredible details. The building opposite ARC was once a swimming baths, and the carved signs are in the Gill Sans font. ‘Gill’ was a designer from the area who designed the BBC logoand the London underground map.

9.30am — Breakfast

I go to the Painswick Arts Café. Laura who runs it is an amazing baker and it’s the perfect spot for chatting to the neighbours.

10am — Walk

The Painswick old road (which you can find on most maps or walking apps) from Stroud.  love getting off the train and walking on a road that would have been used in the 16th century – Painswick’s heyday – when wool was made here and it was one of the richest parts of Europe.

1pm — Lunch

The fabulous Woolpack is an hour’s walk across the valley. It’s always wining awards for being one of the UK’s best pubs, it’s a treasure... and always packed, so make sure you book ahead.

2pm — Outings

Stroud is brilliant for shops and culture, particularly the Saturday market. I also love the Rococo Garden. It has a fantastic events program, where its history as a pleasure garden gets brought to life. Think Moulin Rouge meets Bridgerton.

6pm — Drinks

The Painswick Hotel has possibly the most romantic terrace in the country, with 200-year-old wisteria as thick as a tree winding around it. I often stop in for a negroni to start the evening.

7.30pm — Dinner

I nearly always eat at ARC. We have some of the best local chefs on the ARC lobby and they serve up exquisite local food. The Falcon pub in town has a brilliant kitchen.

9pm — Nightcap

The Oak next door is a hoot, with the best bar staff I have ever met. It’s a gorgeous pub, and they sometimes have lock-ins on a summer’s night. I’m trying to create a small passage from the pub garden directly into ARC, so guests would have Narnia-like access night and day!

I hope you enjoy your day(s) in Painswick as much as I do!