Gloucestershire's original pleasure garden, Painswick Rococo Garden, is living up to its reputation as one of the county's top visitor attractions, with two brand-new family events for spring 2023.
This year's Easter trail promises something extra special, with nests of freshly-laid dragon eggs to discover all over the garden from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April 2023.
Rumour has it that dragons have returned to lay their eggs in the enchanted garden for the first time in 280 years – and keen kids can help the official Cotswold Dragon Conservation Society to locate them by becoming a dragonologist for the day.
An unmissable event that's sure to capture their imagination, children need to scramble through the maze, search the follies and seek high and low in the woodland to find the magical eggs, with a chocolate prize at the end of the trail.
Rococo Garden, which is famously dog-friendly, also has it on good authority that four-legged friends have a special ability to sniff out dragon eggs – with pups on short leads welcome to come along for the adventure.
Speaking of dogs, Painswick Rococo Garden is teaming up with local charity the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home for its next event: a paw-some family dog show on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May 2023.
Families can see if their furry friends have what it takes to be named top dog across a range of categories, including prettiest girl; most handsome male; and cutest pup. Don't miss the grand finale, when the winning dogs from each category go head to head to win best in show, too.
There's also a 'my best friend and me' round, giving children the chance to enter with their dogs, as well as additional kids' games and craft activities to take part in.
Each dog show class costs £2 to enter, with all funds from the dog show and additional activities going to support the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home.
Nature lovers can expect stunning displays of seasonal beauty, too, with carpets of daffodils and more spring bulbs than ever before blooming in 2023.
Painswick Rococo Garden is open from 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday, as well as every day during the school holidays.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-book their tickets to the popular Gloucestershire attraction during the Easter school holidays – and there's a 10 per cent discount for anyone who pre-books their admission tickets for Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May 2023, when the dog show is on.
Tickets can be booked online in advance via rococogarden.org.uk, costing from £10.50 for adults and £4.90 for children aged four to 16. Admission is free for little ones under four.
