Posted on September 08, 2023
Despite the recent heatwave, hints of autumn are starting to creep in. The days are getting shorter and before you know it, orange leaves will be crunching away under your shoes. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of spots all across The Cotswolds to either take in the autumnal colours or enjoy a seasonal day out with friends or loved ones. Here are our recommendations for the best ways to enjoy one of the most photogenic seasons.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt is a treasure to visit all year round. With the grounds having roughly 15,000 trees and shrubs of 2,500 different species spread across 600 acres of land, There’s scarcer a more beautiful year-round spot for outdoor lovers, however autumn is when Westonbirt truly shines. You can go on self-led sensory walks or there are daily led walks that last around two hours. If you’re looking for a family day out, there’s a new ‘zog’ trail for kids to undertake and plenty of play areas. For the more daring, Go-Ape also has a site in Westonbirt. So why not make up a picnic and spend the day amongst the changing trees?
For more spots in The Cotswolds to admire the changing leaves, check out our journal here.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
This year, the festival will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary from the 4th to the 13th of October 2024. Cheltenham Literature Festival is the world’s first literature festival ‘leading the way in celebrating the written and spoken word’. Hear from an amazing line-up of guests like: Judi Dench, Brendan O'Hea, Miriam Margolyes, Jordan Stephens, Asako Yuzuki and plenty more. Plus there’s a huge number of free workshops and talks or ticketed debates and reads meaning there’s plenty to do for book lovers of all ages.
Giffords Circus
Returning this year from the 25th of July till the 29th of September across several locations across The Cotswolds, the Giffords Circus ‘Les Enfants du Paradis’, takes inspiration from French Romanticism in the mid-19th Century. This award-winning show promises to be the most lavish yet by the director Cal McCrystal. An evening spent at this dazzling show will most certainly be one to remember for the whole family!
Autumn Fest at Blenheim Palace
Running 30th September - 1st October, against the backdrop of one of Britain's finest palace’s, Autumn Fest offers a full day out of activities with 50 independent Oxfordshire creators, makers and producers to explore alongside artisanal food and drink stalls to sample. With even a hay bale pyramid for the kids to race up, you won’t be lost for things to do on this very autumnal day out in The Cotswolds.
Pumpkin Patch at the Cotswolds Farm Park
Running in four different waves: 4th - 6th Oct, 11th - 13th Oct, 18th - 20th Oct, 23rd - 31st Oct, thousands of pumpkins will be ready to pick and become part of your autumn home decor! You’ll be hard pressed to find a more photogenic pumpkin patch than the one at Cotswolds Farm Park. You and the little ones can also make the most of the on-site carving station to complete your masterpiece, with a carving kit and help of assistants if needed for only £3. Being dog friendly with food and drinks available, you can truly make this a memorable family day out.
‘A Taste of an English Harvest’ at Woodchester Valley Vineyard
Visiting a vineyard in The Cotswolds during autumn is a seasonal delight, as the grapevines are lush and ready for harvest. This ‘Taste of an English Harvest’ event gives you the chance to learn exactly what happens as soon as the grapes are picked from the vines. You’ll enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine, before being taken on a guided tour of the vineyard and winery. Stops include a taster of some juice straight from the tanks, and a tasty artisan pizza lunch with a glass of wine of your choice.
Spot wild deer
A silhouette of a stag in the mist during an autumn sunset is a classic Cotswold image. If you time it well, in October, you’ll catch the annual deer rut, where the stags will be fighting to impress the females. There’s plenty of places you can find deer all over The Cotswolds, there’s deer parks in both Sherbourne estate and Charlecote Park and you can always encounter the herd at Broadway Tower.
If you’re looking for a slightly different day out to take in all the autumnal colours the British countryside has to offer, why not head out and try foraging. When autumn gets into full swing sloes, hawthorn berries, rosehips and sweet chestnuts are bountiful along hedgerows and bushes. Not just a great way for the family to spend the day, you also get the added benefit of being able to use what you’ve found to create some lovely dishes at home.