Magic, Mazes, and big smiles: Our unforgettable ascension day trip to rococo gardens 2026
Painswick Rococo Gardens
Designed all the way back in the 1740s by Benjamin Hyett, the gardens were originally built as a playful sanctuar for the wealthy. Today, it’s a gorgeous escape for anyone to enjoy, and it provided the perfect backdrop for our latest community adventure!
You might have noticed our captions full of celebration for Ascension Day! But what exactly is this festival, and why is it so meaningful to our community?
Ascension Day is a significant Christian festival observed 40 days after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, marking the transition from his earthly service to his heavenly reign.
Celebrating seasonal festivals like Ascension Day is a deeply cherished part of our community life. Festivals like these help us connect with the natural rhythms of the year, bringing a sense of structure, spiritual reflection, and shared joy. Historically, Ascension Day was celebrated outdoors with processions and hilltop picnics, making our open-air adventure into nature the perfect way to honour the spirit of the day!
Exploring a Playful Sanctuary:
The day was absolutely packed with laughter and exploration. We spent hours adventuring through the beautiful, historic grounds, weaving our way through a labyrinth of winding paths and natural pools. Some of our highlights included:
The Maze:
Located at the top of the gardens was a maze that was seemingly small but, despite its size, proved more confusing to get out of than we expected. It was such a fun little activity, and we’re happy to say, we made it out.
Whimsical Discoveries: We stumbled upon a fairy tale house carved right into a tree, spotted giant acorns, and small wooden owls dotted around. We couldn't help but wonder... who do you think lives in that little house?
The Gardens: In the centre lay a beautiful garden with trees and flowers, with gardeners, green in thumb, sowing and seeding and working together to make the gardens even more beautiful than they are (if that’s even possible). And a central path leads your eyes to a white columned structure that looked as though it had stepped right out of a fairy tale.
Sunny Smiles (and a Quick Dash!)
We were blessed with delightful sunshine that let everyone soak up the serenity of the gardens, but after our snack break the clouds began to loom.
A very dramatic torrential downpour met us right at the very end of our trip, with roaring thunder as the rain turned to hail. Luckily, we’d had enough time to enjoy the spectacle of the Rococo Gardens and enjoy our wonderful Ascension Day celebration.
A Huge Thank You
We want to send a massive thank you to the team at Rococo Gardens, with a special shout out to the amazing Lisa!
Their incredible inclusivity and warm hospitality ensured that all our residents felt completely supported, comfortable, and able to enjoy the magic of the gardens to the absolute fullest. We cannot recommend them highly enough as a place to visit.
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