Autumn is a fabulous time to visit The Cotswolds. The summer hoards have largely retreated and the whole area is bathed in the oranges, reds and rusets of the season. But how to make the most out of this oh so colourful time of year. Here is my list of things to do in Autumn in The Cotswolds.
Take in the Autumnal shades on a walk in the Forest
For me the months of September, October and November are all about the colours. The best places to soak these in are deep in one of the Cotswolds many wooded areas. Pretty much wherever you stay, you’ll be within a few minutes walk of a beautiful forest. I love Laurie Lee wood located near Stroud in the mid Cotswolds which is part of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Or you could try Wychwood Forest near Chipping Norton, the largest area of ancient woodland in Oxfordshire.
Visit a beautiful Garden
The Cotswolds are full of stunning public gardens which seem to come alive during Autumn. Painswick Rococo Garden is surely one of the best. It’s pretty, quirky and a gorgeous place to roam free. Designed in the 1740s Painswick is home to many magical follies, typical of the Rococo style. During September the Japanese maples start to turn a vibrant red and the fruit gardens offer up an abundance of produce. The garden closes at the end of November and during this month you can receive discounted tickets.
Snap one of the most photographed streets in the UK
Arlington Row in Bibury is one of the most photographed streets in the UK and Autumn is the ideal time to get a crowd free shot. Built in the 14th century, this row of cotswold stone Weavers cottages are grade 1 listed and so quintessentially British you can’t fail to fall in love with them. Bibury was once described by William Morris as the “most beautiful village in Britain” and I have to agree, it’s where we got married!
Get your Arts Fix
For me, Autumn is all about being outdoors, being inspired by the variety of colours. The Cotswolds Sculpture Park is the perfect place to do this. Think 140 contemporary sculptures in a charmingly rustic outdoor gallery. All the sculptures are for sale so you may well come back from the Cotswolds with more than you had originally planned! The sculpture park closes at the end of October.
Visit a village straight out of a chocolate box
Cotswolds villages are world renowned for being pretty much the perfect representation of British living. They’re not, they’re far prettier than most of the UK. Some of the most famous villages include Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold and Burford. They’re all fabulous at this time of year, the honey coloured stone is at it’s best during the late afternoon light. I also recommend just driving around and following the signs to the quirkily named settlements, they’re pretty much all jaw dropingly stunning.
Stay active on the water
Just because the temperatures drop dramatically in Autumn, it doesn’t mean you have to stay on dry land. The Cotswold Water park which is home to several lakes and an inland beach is a great place to try a new watersport. Hire a wetsuit and give paddleboarding or kayaking a go or if you’re feeling very brave this is a great place for wild swimming.
Snuggle up in a cosy country pub
Without sounding like a total lush, this is one of my favourite autumnal activities in the Cotswolds. The pubs here are amazing, you’ll find traditional style drinking pubs, high end gastro pubs and pretty much everything in between. Most will have a roaring fire and cosy nooks to hide away with a good book. Be lazy, get a little tipsy and enjoy the break. You’ll find the luxury one in the main tourist villages but if you fancy something a little more authentic, follow one of the signs off the main roads whenever you’re ready to slow down.
Visit a magnificent stately home
Most of the Cotswolds home are pretty magnificent but some really do go over and above. Snowshill Manor near Broadway is owned and preserved by the National Trust so free to visit for those with membership. Originally owned by Charles Wade who restored the property in 1919, filling out with various curios from around the world. For me, the building is stunning but the grounds are particularly stunning in Autumn.
Follow in Tolkeins footsteps
Whilst originally from Birmingham the Lord of the Rings author spent a lot of time in the Cotswolds. The Bell Inn in Moreton-in-Marsh is thought to be the inspiration for The Prancing Pony and Broadway Tower is said to be behind Amon Hen. Top of the list for Tolkein fans however should be the village of Stow-on-the-Wold and St Edwards Church. The ancient doorway is flanked by two yew trees and is as Lord of the Ringsy as you can get in this universe.
Take in the colours from the top of a tower
Broadway Tower near the village of Broadway is the highest “castle” in the Cotswolds. Built with the help of famous landscaper Capability Brown in the 1700’s mirrors Saxon design. The outlook from the top offers a birds eye view of the surrounding Cotswold countryside which in Autumn is all the shades of red, brown and orange imaginable. It’s located on a 50 acre estate with a deer park, shopping area, hiking trails and even a nuclear bunker.
Start your Christmas shopping early
I love getting unusual christmas gifts in sweet, independent Cotswolds stores. Most villages are home to several craft and homeware stores or delightful high end grocery stores selling unique foodie gifts you’ll want to eat before they get below the tree. For a bigger haul, head to the larger town of Cirencester in the South Cotswolds. Here you’ll find several well known brand names alongside independent retailers perfect for quirky gifts for everyone on your list.
Enjoy a slower pace of nightlife
Nightlife is the Cotswolds is a totally different experience to much of the UK. You will not find lively cocktail bars or banging nightclubs but that doesn’t mean its boring. This is the place to take your time over tasting menu dinners, perfectly paired with fine wines and finish the evening in a cosy, country pub wit a night cap by the fire. At this time of year most village will string up fairy lights to guide you in the dark making them perfect for a twilight stroll. Make sure you look up, the night sky in this part of the world is absolutely dazzling.
Feel like a giant in a model village
There really is something a bit magical about model villages. The one in Bourton on the Water is perhaps my favourite in the UK. Built with Cotswold Stone it is an exact replica of the village as it was in the 1930’s and you’ll delight at seeing buildings you passed in miniature. The Model Village is open year round apart from Christmas Day.
Where to stay in the Cotswolds in Autumn
My favourite hotel in the Cotswolds is the De Vere at the Cotswolds Water Park. Nestled between beautiful lakes and Cotwolds countryside it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring.
Make sure you pin for later to plan Autumn stay in the Cotswolds.
