Autumn in the Cotswolds unfolds gently. Warmth gives way to stillness, shadows lengthen and the landscape softens. Crisp air carries the faint scent of wood smoke and damp earth, villages are framed by copper beech trees, and log fires crackle in the hearths of local pubs. Dawn breaks over hills wrapped in mist, while the last light of day lingers over quiet lanes and afternoons stretch into copper sunsets. It is a season of comfort and quiet reflection, one that celebrates the land’s generosity and the beauty of nature’s slower pace.
At Daylesford’s farm, the market garden brims with autumn colour: plump squash in every shade of orange and ochre and nutty Jerusalem artichokes emerge from the soil; trees are laden with tender pears and crunchy apples, and a scattering of freshly fallen wet walnuts carpets the ground. The harvest inspires the chefs across our Cotswold pubs, whose menus evolve with the landscape.
Whether you’re joining us for a peaceful retreat or settling in beside the fire for longer, autumn in the Cotswolds is a time to slow down and savour bracing walks, candlelit suppers and moments of quiet connection to nature. Here, we share our guide to the best of the season.
Few places rival Batsford Arboretum in October and early November, when acers and rowans paint the landscape in every shade of red and gold.
Closer to home, Daylesford’s Curated Craft Fair brings together a gathering of makers in a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage and artistic exchange. While you’re on site take a wander around the Daylesford Farmshop to stock up on provisions, homeware, plants and garden tools and gifts.
Elsewhere, explore the charm of the Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water or the quietly eccentric Snowshill Manor, with its collection of curiosities and beautiful gardens.
Autumn is a season of celebration and creativity across the Cotswolds. The Cheltenham Literature Festival fills the town with writers, thinkers and readers from around the world, while The November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse provides thrilling sport and lively crowds.
Back at Daylesford, the Cookery School offers hands-on classes in game preparation and seasonal cooking, while evening supper clubs bring together the best of the harvest, from orchard fruits to venison from our sister estate at Wootton. Those seeking something more spirited can join the Day of the Dead Party at Heritage House, a vibrant annual celebration that lights up late October.
Renowned for its exceptional ingredients and skilled producers, the Cotswolds offers a true taste of the English countryside. Begin with a visit to the Cotswolds Distillery, where hedgerow gin infused with blackberries, sloes and damsons captures the deep, rich notes of autumn. On Sundays, enjoy a leisurely roast at The Fox or join the much-loved Retro Roast series at The Bell at Charlbury, where the chefs light up the grill to share the deep, charred flavours of their slow-cooked feasting menu.
At The Wild Rabbit, the Seasonal Supper Clubs pay homage to the land, celebrating home-grown produce, such as fruit from the orchard and game from the British Isles. Each dish tells the story of the season.
There’s no better way to embrace autumn than by stepping outdoors and the Cotswolds’ footpaths are at their most magnificent at this time of year. Stroll the scenic trail between Upper and Lower Slaughter, explore the golden stone villages near Broadway, or join one of Daylesford’s guided nature walks through woodland and field to witness the full spectrum of autumn colour.
The Cotswolds are blessed with some of the darkest skies in southern England. For truly special and memorable night, join a stargazing tour or simply find your vantage point at the Rollright Stones or Painswick Beacon and watch the constellations emerge.
For those visiting in early November, the Guiting Power Firework Display lights up the village sky in a celebration of community spirit. Or join us around the fire at one of our pubs to mark Bonfire Night with roasted chestnuts, toasted marshmallows and warming hot toddies.
Rooted in nature, each wellness experience is designed to restore and realign, gently encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect.
Ashton Winkler Hughes is a Mexican chef and founder of BashBites, now based in the Cotswolds.
Provenance and the welfare of the produce we work with is as important to us as its flavour, and when seafood isn’t sourced responsibly, the impact is far-reaching: overfishing and harmful practices threaten delicate marine life, damage ocean habitats and…...
