With crisp sunny days and misty mornings, Autumn is one of the most magical times to pull up your wellies and head out for a walk in the Cotswold countryside. Whether you’re dreaming of walking through a woodland path of golden trees, kicking your way through piles of fallen leaves, collecting conkers or picking juicy blackberries, we have some enchanting Cotswold walks, trails and National Trust gardens for you to explore.
Enjoy a leaf crunching walk
Dyrham Park-National Trust: A park awash with colour, conkers falling from the trees and a bountiful pear harvest are just some of the delights at Dyrham Park in autumn. With 270-acres of open parkland, home to hundreds of trees, Dyrham Park is a great place to enjoy an autumn stroll where a landscape of sunset reds, orange and yellows exist.
The Windrush Way Walk: At 23km (14mi), the Windrush Way is a great choice for those looking for a challenging walk that can be finished in a day. The circular route links the Cotswold Way at Winchcombe with the Oxfordshire Way at Bourton-on-the-Water. Follow the trail up over the Cotswold Hills, through the remains of “lost” medieval villages and along the peaceful River Windrush. This quiet walk is the perfect route for getting away from it all. Just make sure you pack a picnic to refuel midway!
Westonbirt Arboretum: You can expect to see tree canopies that dazzle in shades of gold, orange and red between early October and mid-November. The days are getting shorter, the air that bit cooler which means the native and exotic trees in the arboretum will be coming to life in a rich, blaze of colour.
The diversity and vibrancy of leaf colours to be found at Westonbirt Arboretum are unsurpassed in Britain. Combine this with fruits, hips and berries in profusion, and you have the makings of a botanical experience like no other.
Journey through Bibury & Coln St Aldwyns: This Bibury walk is a longer route that joins the two beautiful Cotswold villages of Bibury and Coln St Aldwyns. There are pubs in each village to choose from, or maybe stop half way for refreshments. The walk starts in the village of Bibury where you can see the world famous Arlington Row and the route takes you on a scenic journey through the Cotswold countryside. This walk includes picture postcard villages, a stroll alongside the River Coln, woodland and lovely countryside views, plus with pubs in both villages, you are spoilt for choice.
The joy of Autumn is that there is a mix of enjoying the colourful outdoors as well as cosying up inside, as the days get shorter and we want to snuggle up by the fire, and delving into the seasonal activities held in the countdown to Halloween!
Pick your own Pumpkin
Autumn means pumpkin season, so whether you’re planning on carving one for Halloween or cooking up a tasty pumpkin soup, you can choose a prize specimen at one of the Cotswolds’ pumpkin patches this October.
Cotswold Farm Park hosts pumpkin nights with live music, a glowing pumpkin trail and hot food and drinks available. Alternatively you can pre-book a day ticket which includes access to both the pumpkin patch and the Maize Maze along with carving activities and face painting, a complimentary seasonal treat and 10% off in the restaurant and shop. And if you are simply after a pumpkin then pumpkin patch only tickets do still include entry to the Maize Maze and free face painting.
Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley opens their pumpkin patch from the 21th to the 31st October. Visitors can browse their range of pumpkin varieties, complete their family games tournament and take those insta-worth pumpkin-picking-pics amongst the crops before taking home your very own pumpkin.
Hayles Fruit Farm near Winchcombe offers free entry to their pick your own pumpkin field and children pay just £3 to complete the pumpkin trail and receive a sweet treat at the end. Booking is not required – but wellies might be! Open from the 20th to the 31st October, but closed on Mondays.
Over Farm Market just outside Gloucester boasts a 10 acre pick your own patch. The patch is very photo-friendly with eye-catching displays to be found, a spacious undercover seating area, as well as food and drinks available at the on-site bar and independent food traders.
Book Tickets to a Bonfire and Fireworks Display
Just before Winter kicks in, wrap up warm and get together with friends to enjoy a local fireworks display. With all of the dark skies in the area the fireworks and roaring bonfires make an incredible contrast of colour. Here are a few of our favourites:
26th October – Ground & Airborne Fireworks Display, Cotswold Gliding Club. Find out more about the Pyro Air Display »
27th October – Ducklington Fireworks Spectacular. Find out more about Ducklington Fireworks Spectacular »
1st November – Shipston Sports Club Fireworks Display. Book tickets to Shipston Sports Club Fireworks Display »
1st November – Our friends over at Far Peak are taking on a slightly more environmentally aware approach by putting on a display, but without the bonfire. Book tickets to Far Peak
2nd November the Dursley Fireworks are back and there is no need to book. Simply turn up at 5pm for two ten minute displays at around 6pm – the first one is a quieter and more gentle display for sensitive ears. Find out more here >>
3rd November – Guiting Power Bonfire and Fireworks. Book tickets to Guiting Power Bonfire and Fireworks
9 November – Fairford Primary School, PTFA Fireworks display at Fairford Cricket Club. Find our more here >>
Enjoy a Sunday Lunch by a Log Fire
What better way to spend an autumnal Sunday than tucking into a tradition roast dinner by a roaring fire in a country pub? We’re spoilt for choice in the Cotswolds with a whole host of cosy spots serving delicious, locally sourced dishes from
The Bell at Sapperton has stunning flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and the all important log fires. Their Sunday lunch menus feature locally sourced regional produce and mouth-watering puddings – if you’ve got room!
The Green Dragon Inn nestled in the hamlet of Cockleford, dates back to the 17th Century. Serving good food, fine wines and real ales in front of their roaring log fires.
Tom Downing and Robert Wilks welcome you to The Five Alls at Filkins. All the family and your four legged friends are welcome for a hearty Sunday roast
The Angel at Burford, a mid-week favourite of the team here, is an award-winning gastro pub with rooms. Run by the King family since 2011 their delicious food is served with a typical Cotswolds warm welcome. Wood-burning stoves ensure a cosy atmosphere whatever the weather.
The Masons Arms at Meysey Hampton serves an evening set menu Monday to Thursday, but it is their Sunday roasts, served from 12noon through to 7pm, featuring roast beef sirloin, pork loin and chicken – all served with roasties, Yorkshire puds and seasonal gravy, that are hard to resist.
Warm up with Hot Chocolate & Cake
Enjoy a velvety hot chocolate with soft marshmallows & whipped cream alongside a piece of delicious cake that takes your fancy at one of the many warm and welcoming local cafes in the Cotswolds.
Lynwoods, now have eight cafes across the Cotswolds serving fabulous coffee, cakes and freshly baked bread.
Bakery on the Water in Bourton is a cosy cafe with a delightful terrace on the River Windrush. Known for its freshly baked local produce and outstanding coffee, pop in for your faily bread, delicious breakfast or lovely lunch.
The Old Prison in Northleach is home to an unusual cafe. But don’t let the location put you off – they serve breakfast, pizza, light bites and cake alongside warming coffees and refreshing cold drinks.
Scare Yourself Silly at a Spooky Space
Ghost Hunt at Woodchester Mansion: Spend the night at the spooky Victorian Gothic Woodchester Mansion… if you dare! The mansion was abandoned partway through construction in 1868, when works mysteriously downed tools and left, never to return. Since then, there have been tales of strange happenings and ghostly sightings including a phantom horseman and floating head.
Bloody Bourton: Discover the dark side of the idyllic and pretty riverside town of Bourton with a Bloody Bourton Walking Tour, led by customed guide Edward Charnel. These two-hour Friday & Saturday evening tours reveal the town’s secrets, introducing you to its ghostly residents as well as discovering a cast of a fairies, witches, priests and murderers as you learn more about the history of Bourton.
Considering a move to The Cotswolds? Here at The Cotswold Letting Agency, we can help you find the perfect rental in the Cotswolds – get in touch on 01993 684572 or drop us an email at hello@cotswoldlettingagency.com for helpful advice from our team!
