Perfect 7-Day Cotswolds Itinerary: Colorful Autumn Adventures

Planning a trip to the Cotswolds? This comprehensive 7-day autumn itinerary gives you exact times, real locations, and current prices—everything you need for a genuine English countryside experience during the most colorful season.

Rolling hills ablaze with russet and gold, honey-coloured limestone villages glowing in the low autumn sun, misty mornings giving way to crisp blue skies, and cozy pubs with roaring log fires. Autumn in the Cotswolds is a time of harvest, warmth, and spectacular natural beauty.

Why Visit in Autumn?

Autumn (September to November) is a magical time to visit the Cotswolds. The summer crowds have departed, the weather remains mild (10-18°C), and the landscape transforms into a tapestry of warm colours.

Seasonal Highlights:

Spectacular autumn foliage (peak: mid-October)
Golden stone villages glowing in autumn light
Harvest festivals and farmers' markets
Cozy pub evenings by crackling fires
Morning mists over the valleys
Wildlife preparing for winter
Lower accommodation prices

Best Autumn Activities:

Woodland walks through golden beech and oak forests
Visiting harvest festivals and food events
Cosy pub lunches with hearty seasonal food
Photography in the golden autumn light
Foraging for mushrooms and blackberries
Exploring historic houses with autumn gardens
Stargazing on clear autumn nights

Day 1: Bibury & Arlington Row – England's Most Beautiful Village in Autumn Gold

Morning: Arrival and Arlington Row

8:00 AM – Arrive at Bibury

Your Cotswolds autumn adventure begins in Bibury, the chocolate-box village that William Morris described as "the most beautiful village in England." Autumn brings a special magic as the surrounding trees turn gold and russet.

Arlington Row These iconic 17th-century weavers' cottages are the most photographed street in the Cotswolds. In autumn, the trees behind the cottages explode with fiery colours, creating a stunning backdrop.

Best Time: Early morning mist creates magical atmospheric conditions
Photography Tip: The low autumn sun illuminates the honey-coloured stone beautifully in late afternoon
Respect the Residents: These are private homes—admire from the path

Parking: Bibury village car park — £2 for 2 hours, £4 all day. Very limited spaces—arrive early

10:00 AM – St. Mary's Church Visit this beautiful Saxon church with its autumn flower displays featuring dahlias, chrysanthemums, and berries.

10:30 AM – Bibury Trout Farm One of Britain's oldest working trout farms, established in 1902. Autumn is feeding time before winter.

Address: Clapton Row, Bibury GL7 5NL
Phone: 01285 740215
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily (autumn hours)
Entry Fee: £5.50 adults, £4.00 children
Highlights: Feed the trout, explore the nature trail, autumn colours along the river
Must Try: Smoked trout from the farm shop—perfect for autumn picnics

Afternoon: Autumn Walk to Coln St. Aldwyns

12:00 PM – Lunch at The Catherine Wheel

A traditional Cotswold pub in the heart of Bibury, perfect for an autumn lunch.

Address: Arlington, Bibury GL7 5ND
Phone: 01285 740215
Price Range: ££
Autumn Specials: Look for game dishes, pumpkin soup, hearty stews
Must Try: Venison burger with autumn chutney
Fire: Log fire burning for cozy autumn atmosphere

1:30 PM – Bibury to Coln St. Aldwyns Autumn Circular Walk This gentle 3-mile walk takes you through autumn woodlands and along the River Coln, where the trees display spectacular colours.

Route:

From Bibury, follow the footpath along the River Coln
Cross through golden beech woods
Pass through Coln St. Aldwyns with its autumn gardens
Return via Rack Isle—look for migrating birds
Spot autumn fungi and late blackberries

Walking Time: 1.5 – 2 hours Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat What to Bring: Waterproof boots (paths can be muddy after autumn rains)

4:00 PM – Rack Isle This unique water meadow between the river and the mill stream is a designated wildlife reserve. In autumn, it's a staging post for migrating birds.

Evening: Dinner by the Fire

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Swan Hotel

A stunning 17th-century coaching inn overlooking the River Coln, with a welcoming bar featuring a roaring log fire—perfect for autumn evenings.

Address: Bibury GL7 5NW
Phone: 01285 740695
Price Range: £££
Known For: Riverside dining, game dishes, autumn menu
Must Try: Slow-braised venison with root vegetables
Atmosphere: Cozy bar with open fire
Booking: Essential for dinner, especially weekends

Day 2: Bourton-on-the-Water & The Slaughters – Autumn Reflections

Morning: Bourton-on-the-Water

8:30 AM – Arrive at Bourton-on-the-Water

Known as "The Venice of the Cotswolds," this village is famous for its low stone bridges spanning the River Windrush. In autumn, the surrounding trees create spectacular reflections in the water.

Parking: Riverside car park or village centre — £3 for 3 hours, £6 all day. Quieter in autumn but weekends still busy

9:00 AM – Explore the Village Stroll along the riverbanks, crossing the iconic stone bridges. Autumn highlights include:

Golden reflections in the river
The Model Village (a one-ninth scale replica of Bourton)
Autumn colours in the riverside gardens
Birdland Park and Gardens

10:00 AM – Birdland Park & Gardens A wonderful autumn destination with exotic birds and gardens displaying late-season colour.

Address: Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN
Phone: 01451 820480
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (autumn hours)
Entry Fee: £11.95 adults, £8.50 children (autumn rates)
Autumn Highlights: Penguin feeding, autumn colours in the gardens
Halloween Events: Special activities in October

12:00 PM – Lunch at The Croft Restaurant

A charming restaurant in the heart of Bourton, perfect for an autumn lunch.

Address: The Croft, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AA
Phone: 01451 820188
Price Range: ££
Specialty: Seasonal British cuisine with autumn vegetables
Must Try: Pumpkin and sage risotto, sticky toffee pudding

Afternoon: Lower & Upper Slaughter in Autumn

1:30 PM – Walk to Lower Slaughter Follow the Wardens' Way footpath from Bourton to Lower Slaughter (1.5 miles). This walk is spectacular in autumn as you pass through golden woodland.

2:00 PM – Lower Slaughter This impossibly pretty village features a mill stream running through its centre. Autumn brings:

Golden trees reflected in the water
Autumn gardens with dahlias and chrysanthemums
The Old Mill Museum with its autumn displays

Points of Interest:

The Old Mill Museum: Working water mill with a riverside tea room
The Manor House: Autumn colours in the grounds
Copse Hill Road: Voted "Britain's Most Romantic Street"—stunning in autumn

3:30 PM – Walk to Upper Slaughter Continue along the footpath to Upper Slaughter (1 mile). The beech woods along this path are spectacular in autumn.

4:30 PM – Tea by the Fire at The Lords of the Manor Hotel Enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant drawing room with a roaring log fire.

Address: Upper Slaughter GL54 2JD
Phone: 01451 820243
Price Range: £££ for afternoon tea
Must Try: Autumn afternoon tea with spiced apple cake

Evening: Dinner in Bourton

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Mousetrap Inn

A charming 18th-century inn with a reputation for excellent autumn food and cozy atmosphere.

Address: Lansdowne, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AR
Phone: 01451 820334
Price Range: £££
Known For: Seasonal menu, game dishes, log fires
Must Try: Pan-roasted pheasant with autumn vegetables
Booking: Recommended

Day 3: Broadway Tower & Chipping Campden – Panoramic Autumn Views

Morning: Broadway Tower

8:00 AM – Drive to Broadway Tower

Start your day at one of the Cotswolds' most iconic landmarks. Autumn offers the clearest views as the summer haze clears.

Parking: Broadway Tower car park — £3 for 2 hours, £5 all day

9:00 AM – Broadway Tower This Capability Brown-designed folly sits atop Broadway Hill. In autumn, the 360-degree views reveal a patchwork of gold, russet, and bronze across the countryside.

Address: Middle Hill, Broadway WR12 7LB
Phone: 01386 852390
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (autumn hours)
Entry Fee: £7.50 adults, £4.50 children (autumn rates)
Grounds: Free to explore
Autumn Highlights: Spectacular foliage views, red deer rutting season, clear autumn skies

10:30 AM – Tower Climb Climb the spiral staircase to the viewing platform for panoramic autumn views across 16 counties.

11:00 AM – Broadway Tower Park Explore the surrounding parkland. Autumn brings:

Spectacular beech and oak colours
Red deer in the deer park (rutting season in October)
Fungi spotting opportunities
Dramatic misty valley views

Afternoon: Chipping Campden

12:30 PM – Lunch at The Bantam Tea Rooms & Restaurant

A delightful restaurant in a historic building in Chipping Campden's famous High Street.

Address: 12 High Street, Chipping Campden GL55 6AA
Phone: 01386 840386
Price Range: £££
Known For: Seasonal British cuisine, autumn menu
Must Try: Slow-cooked beef with autumn root vegetables

2:00 PM – Explore Chipping Campden This beautiful market town is famous for its terraced High Street and historic wool church.

Points of Interest:

The Market Hall: 17th-century covered market (look for autumn produce)
St. James' Church: The "Cathedral of the Cotswolds" with autumn flower displays
The Guild of Handicraft: Arts and Crafts heritage
Autumn Walks: The Cotswold Way starts here

3:00 PM – St. James' Church This magnificent "wool church" features:

Medieval altar tapestries
Beautiful stained glass
Autumn flower arrangements
The famous Denys tombs

4:00 PM – The Cotswold Way Walk a section of the famous long-distance trail for autumn views. The first mile from Chipping Campden offers spectacular vistas.

Evening: Dinner at a Country Pub

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Ebrington Arms

A multi-award-winning village pub with exceptional food and a cozy autumn atmosphere.

Address: Ebrington, Chipping Campden GL55 6NH
Phone: 01386 593223
Price Range: £££
Known For: Award-winning food, local ales, log fires
Must Try: Wild mushroom risotto, local game
Dog Friendly: Yes
Booking: Essential

Day 4: Stow-on-the-Wold & Daylesford – Harvest Time

Morning: Stow-on-the-Wold

9:00 AM – Arrive at Stow-on-the-Wold

The highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow sits atop a hill with far-reaching autumn views across the coloured countryside.

Parking: The Square car park — £2 for 2 hours, £4 all day

9:30 AM – Explore the Square The wide market square has been a trading centre since the 12th century. Autumn market days feature:

Local apples and orchard fruits
Pumpkins and squash
Autumn vegetables
Local crafts

Points of Interest:

St. Edward's Church: Famous for its north door flanked by ancient yew trees
The Royalist Hotel: One of England's oldest inns
Antique Shops: Browse for autumn treasures

11:00 AM – St. Edward's Church This beautiful medieval church is worth a visit in autumn for:

Harvest festival displays
The famous "Tolkien Door" surrounded by autumn berries
Beautiful light through stained glass on autumn afternoons

Afternoon: Daylesford Organic Farm – Harvest Time

12:00 PM – Lunch at The Old Butchers, Stow-on-the-Wold

A highly acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Stow.

Address: 7 Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AQ
Phone: 01451 831700
Price Range: ££££
Known For: Exceptional seasonal cooking, autumn game dishes
Must Try: Autumn tasting menu, local venison
Booking: Essential

2:00 PM – Drive to Daylesford Organic Farm Autumn is harvest time at Daylesford. The farm is bustling with activity as crops are gathered.

Address: Daylesford, Kingham GL56 0YG
Phone: 01608 731700
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry: Free (parking £5, redeemable against purchases)

Autumn Highlights:

Harvest displays in the farm shop
Pumpkins and squash from the market garden
Autumn workshops (preserving, foraging)
Seasonal produce: apples, pears, root vegetables
Autumn decorations and gifts

3:00 PM – Explore Daylesford

Farm Shop: Organic harvest produce, preserves, cheeses
Creamery: Watch autumn cheese-making
Bakery: Seasonal breads and pastries
Garden Shop: Autumn bulbs and gardening supplies
Pumpkin Patch: Seasonal (October)

4:30 PM – Autumn Cream Tea at The Old Spot Enjoy a seasonal cream tea with pumpkin scones or apple cake.

Price: £12.50 for autumn cream tea
Must Try: Spiced apple cake with cinnamon cream

Evening: Dinner in Stow

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Porch House

Claiming to be England's oldest inn (947 AD), this historic pub offers excellent autumn food.

Address: Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BN
Phone: 01451 870048
Price Range: £££
Known For: Historic atmosphere, seasonal menu, log fires
Must Try: Beef and ale pie, harvest vegetable stew

Day 5: Westonbirt Arboretum & Tetbury – Autumn Colour Paradise

Morning: Westonbirt Arboretum

9:00 AM – Arrive at Westonbirt Arboretum

This is the highlight of any autumn Cotswolds visit. Westonbirt is England's premier arboretum and puts on the most spectacular autumn display in the country.

Parking: Free on-site parking (can fill up on peak autumn weekends—arrive early)

9:30 AM – Westonbirt National Arboretum Managed by Forestry England, Westonbirt contains 15,000 trees from around the world.

Address: Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS
Phone: 0300 067 4890
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (autumn)
Entry Fee: £12 adults, £4.20 children (peak autumn rates)

Autumn Highlights:

The Acer Glade: World-famous Japanese maple collection—peak colour in October
The Old Arboretum: Historic collection with spectacular autumn colours
The Silk Wood: Native woodland with golden beech and oak
The Maple Loop: Best route for autumn colour
The Tree Top Walkway: Views across the canopy

11:30 AM – Seasonal Events Check the events calendar for:

Guided autumn colour walks
Photography workshops
Fungi forays
Apple weekends

Afternoon: Tetbury

12:30 PM – Lunch at The Close Hotel, Tetbury

A charming hotel restaurant in the heart of Tetbury.

Address: Long Street, Tetbury GL8 8AQ
Phone: 01666 502272
Price Range: £££
Known For: Seasonal menu, autumn ingredients
Must Try: Game pie, local cheeses

2:00 PM – Explore Tetbury This charming market town is known for its royal connections and antique shops.

Points of Interest:

The Market House: 17th-century market hall
Antique Shops: Numerous shops to browse for autumn treasures
St. Mary's Church: Historic church with autumn displays
The Chipping Steps: Historic steps lined with cottages

3:00 PM – Highgrove Shop (Optional) The Prince of Wales's shop selling organic products from his estate.

Address: 10 Long Street, Tetbury GL8 8AA
Phone: 01666 502416
Highlights: Organic preserves, autumn gifts

4:00 PM – Afternoon Tea at The Priory Inn Enjoy autumn afternoon tea in this eco-friendly hotel.

Address: London Road, Tetbury GL8 8HS
Phone: 01666 502251
Price: £12-15
Must Try: Pumpkin spice scones

Evening: Dinner in Malmesbury

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Old Bell Hotel

England's oldest hotel (1220) offers excellent food in a historic setting.

Address: Abbey Row, Malmesbury SN16 0BW
Phone: 01666 822344
Price Range: £££
Known For: Historic atmosphere, seasonal menu
Must Try: Slow-roasted pork belly with apple

Day 6: Chedworth Roman Villa & Cirencester – History and Harvest

Morning: Chedworth Roman Villa

9:00 AM – Arrive at Chedworth Roman Villa

One of the largest and best-preserved Roman villas in Britain, set in a beautiful wooded valley that's spectacular in autumn.

Parking: Free on-site parking

9:30 AM – Chedworth Roman Villa This National Trust property offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman Britain, surrounded by autumn woodland.

Address: Yanworth, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ
Phone: 01242 890256
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (autumn)
Entry Fee: £12.50 adults, £6.25 children (NT members free)

Autumn Highlights:

The Mosaics: Remarkable Roman floor mosaics
The Bath Houses: Hypocaust heating system
The Nymphaeum: Water shrine
Autumn Woodland: Beautiful beech woods surrounding the villa
Fungi: Excellent variety in the autumn woods

11:00 AM – Autumn Woodland Walk Explore the surrounding woodland trails with their autumn colours and fungi.

Afternoon: Cirencester – The Capital of the Cotswolds

12:30 PM – Lunch at The Fleece at Cirencester

A historic coaching inn in the heart of the town.

Address: Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NZ
Phone: 01285 658507
Price Range: ££
Must Try: Harvest platter, autumn soup

2:00 PM – Cirencester Park This vast parkland designed by Alexander Pope is beautiful in autumn.

Entry: Free
Autumn Highlights:
- Golden lime avenues
- Autumn colours in the woodland
- Fungi spotting
- Fallen leaves creating golden carpets

3:00 PM – The Abbey Grounds Beautiful public gardens with autumn colour.

Features: Roman wall remains, autumn trees
Entry: Free

3:30 PM – Cirencester Parish Church The "Cathedral of the Cotswolds" with harvest festival displays.

4:00 PM – Market Place Browse the historic market place. Look for:

Local apples and cider
Autumn vegetables
Harvest crafts

Evening: Dinner in Cirencester

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Bear

A historic hotel and restaurant with an excellent reputation.

Address: Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NR
Phone: 01285 659922
Price Range: £££
Known For: Fine dining, seasonal menu
Must Try: Autumn game platter, wild mushroom risotto

Day 7: Burford & The Windrush Valley – Golden Finale

Morning: Burford

9:00 AM – Arrive at Burford

Often called "The Gateway to the Cotswolds," Burford is a beautiful hillside town with a medieval High Street glowing golden in autumn light.

Parking: Shilton Road Car Park — £2 for 2 hours, £4 all day

9:30 AM – Explore the High Street Wander down the steep High Street lined with antique shops and historic buildings. Autumn brings:

Golden stone glowing in the low sun
Autumn window displays
Seasonal produce in the shops

Points of Interest:

The Tolsey: Medieval market house
St. John the Baptist Church: Magnificent wool church with harvest displays
Antique Shops: Browse for autumn treasures

10:30 AM – St. John the Baptist Church This magnificent "wool church" features:

Medieval tombs
Kempe stained glass
Harvest festival decorations
Beautiful autumn light

11:30 AM – Burford Garden Company A destination garden centre with autumn displays, bulbs for spring planting, and a café.

Address: Shilton Road, Burford OX18 4PA
Phone: 01993 823117
Highlights: Autumn plants, pumpkins, seasonal gifts

Afternoon: The Windrush Valley

12:30 PM – Lunch at The Lamb Inn, Burford

A charming 15th-century inn with excellent autumn food.

Address: Sheep Street, Burford OX18 4LR
Phone: 01993 823155
Price Range: £££
Known For: Historic character, seasonal menu, log fires
Must Try: Roast pheasant, harvest vegetable pie

2:00 PM – Drive to Swinbrook This tiny village on the River Windrush is the perfect autumn destination.

2:30 PM – Swinbrook Church Visit the church containing the famous Fettiplace monuments and connections to the Mitford sisters.

3:00 PM – The Swan at Swinbrook Enjoy a final autumn afternoon by the river or by the fire.

Address: Swinbrook, Burford OX18 4DY
Phone: 01993 774441
Highlights: Riverside location, autumn colours, literary history

3:30 PM – Windrush Valley Walk Take a short walk along the river, where the autumn colours reflect in the water.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

7:00 PM – Dinner at The Swan at Swinbrook

End your Cotswolds autumn adventure at this iconic pub, once frequented by the Mitford sisters.

Address: Swinbrook, Burford OX18 4DY
Phone: 01993 774441
Price Range: £££
Known For: Excellent food, riverside setting, cozy atmosphere
Must Try: Autumn game pie, sticky toffee pudding
Atmosphere: Quintessential Cotswold pub with flagstone floors and roaring log fires

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: The Cotswolds is easily accessible by car:

From London: M40 to Oxford, then A40 west (approximately 1.5 hours)
From Birmingham: M5 south, then A46 (approximately 1 hour)
From Bristol: M4 east, then A46 north (approximately 45 minutes)

Car Rental:

Enterprise: Moreton-in-Marsh — 01608 650251
Hertz: Cheltenham — 01242 584333

By Train: The Cotswolds has several train stations:

Moreton-in-Marsh: Great Western Railway — 1 hour 40 minutes from London
Kemble: Great Western Railway — 1 hour 15 minutes from London
Cheltenham Spa: CrossCountry and GWR — 2 hours from London
Stroud: Great Western Railway — 1 hour 30 minutes from London

Train Fares:

London to Moreton-in-Marsh: £25-50 return (book in advance)
London to Kemble: £20-40 return

By Bus: Local bus services connect the main towns:

Stagecoach: Routes 51, 801, 802
Pulhams: Rural services connecting villages
Day Tickets: £8-10 for unlimited travel

Autumn Weather

September:

Temperature: 12-18°C
Conditions: Often warm and settled ("Indian Summer")
Daylight: 12-14 hours
What to Expect: Early autumn colours, harvest activities

October:

Temperature: 9-15°C
Conditions: Variable, can be wet and windy
Daylight: 10-12 hours
What to Expect: Peak autumn colours, misty mornings

November:

Temperature: 6-11°C
Conditions: Cooler, shorter days
Daylight: 8-10 hours
What to Expect: Late autumn colours, frosty mornings, cozy pub season

What to Pack for Autumn

Essential Clothing:

Waterproof jacket (essential—autumn can be wet)
Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
Comfortable walking boots (waterproof)
Warm coat for evenings
Scarf and gloves (especially November)
Casual clothes for daytime
Smart-casual for restaurants

Autumn-Specific Items:

Umbrella
Warm hat
Camera (autumn is incredibly photogenic)
Binoculars (for birdwatching)
Torch (shorter daylight hours)

Walking Gear:

Daypack
Water bottle
Map or GPS
Waterproof trousers (for wet days)

Other Essentials:

UK plug adapter
Reusable shopping bag
Small first aid kit
Personal medications

Getting Around

By Car: The most convenient way to explore. Roads are generally good but can be busy on peak autumn weekends.

Parking Tips:

Arrive early at Westonbirt (before 9:30 AM on peak weekends)
Bring coins for parking meters
Use Park & Ride in larger towns

By Bicycle: Excellent cycling routes remain open in autumn. Bike hire available in:

Moreton-in-Marsh: Cotswold Cycling — 01608 650065
Bourton-on-the-Water: Hartwells — 01451 820033

On Foot: The Cotswolds has over 3,000 miles of footpaths. Autumn is ideal for walking with cooler temperatures and spectacular colours.

Money Matters

Currency: British Pound Sterling (£) ATMs: Available in all towns, limited in villages Cards: Widely accepted, but carry cash for small purchases and parking Tipping: 10-12.5% in restaurants if service not included

Typical Costs:

Lunch: £12-20 per person
Dinner: £25-50 per person
Coffee: £2.50-3.50
Pint of beer: £4-5
Attraction entry: £8-16

Useful Contacts

Emergency: 999 or 112 Non-Emergency Police: 101 NHS Medical Advice: 111

Tourist Information:

Cirencester: 01285 654180
Stow-on-the-Wold: 01451 831855
Bourton-on-the-Water: 01451 820211

Where to Eat – Complete Restaurant Guide

Fine Dining

1. The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

Type: Gastropub/Michelin listed
Price Range: ££££
Specialty: Organic, local ingredients, autumn game
Address: Church Street, Kingham OX7 6YA
Phone: 01608 658389
Must Try: Autumn game dishes, local cheeses
Booking: Essential

2. The Old Butchers, Stow-on-the-Wold

Type: Fine dining
Price Range: ££££
Specialty: Seasonal tasting menus
Address: 7 Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AQ
Phone: 01451 831700
Booking: Essential

Excellent Gastropubs

3. The Swan at Swinbrook

Type: Historic gastropub
Price Range: £££
Address: Swinbrook, Burford OX18 4DY
Phone: 01993 774441

4. The Ebrington Arms, Ebrington

Type: Award-winning village pub
Price Range: £££
Address: Ebrington, Chipping Campden GL55 6NH
Phone: 01386 593223
Dog Friendly: Yes

5. The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold

Type: Historic inn
Price Range: £££
Address: Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BN
Phone: 01451 870048

Mid-Range Restaurants

6. The Swan Hotel, Bibury

Type: Riverside hotel restaurant
Price Range: £££
Address: Bibury GL7 5NW
Phone: 01285 740695

7. The Mousetrap Inn, Bourton

Type: Traditional inn
Price Range: £££
Address: Lansdowne, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AR
Phone: 01451 820334

8. The Lamb Inn, Burford

Type: Historic coaching inn
Price Range: £££
Address: Sheep Street, Burford OX18 4LR
Phone: 01993 823155

9. The Bantam Tea Rooms, Chipping Campden

Type: Restaurant/Tea rooms
Price Range: £££
Address: 12 High Street, Chipping Campden GL55 6AA
Phone: 01386 840386

Casual Dining

10. The Catherine Wheel, Bibury

Type: Village pub
Price Range: ££
Address: Arlington, Bibury GL7 5ND
Phone: 01285 740215

11. The Croft Restaurant, Bourton

Type: Café/Restaurant
Price Range: ££
Address: The Croft, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AA
Phone: 01451 820188

12. The Crown & Trumpet, Broadway

Type: Traditional pub
Price Range: ££
Address: Church Street, Broadway WR12 7AE
Phone: 01386 853202

13. The Fleece, Cirencester

Type: Historic inn
Price Range: ££
Address: Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NZ
Phone: 01285 658507

Where to Stay – Accommodation Guide

Luxury Hotels

1. The Swan Hotel, Bibury

Type: Historic riverside hotel
Price: £180-300/night (autumn rates)
Address: Bibury GL7 5NW
Phone: 01285 740695
Highlights: Riverside location, log fires, excellent restaurant

2. Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter

Type: Country house hotel
Price: £220-380/night (autumn rates)
Address: Upper Slaughter GL54 2JD
Phone: 01451 820243
Highlights: Luxury accommodation, fine dining, autumn gardens

3. Dormy House, Broadway

Type: Boutique hotel
Price: £180-320/night (autumn rates)
Address: Willersey Hill, Broadway WR12 7LF
Phone: 01386 852711
Highlights: Spa, stunning autumn views, cozy atmosphere

Mid-Range Hotels

4. The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach

Type: Coaching inn
Price: £100-160/night
Address: West End, Northleach GL54 3EZ
Phone: 01451 860244
Highlights: Stylish rooms, excellent food, log fires

5. The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold

Type: Historic inn
Price: £130-200/night
Address: Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BN
Phone: 01451 870048
Highlights: England's oldest inn, character rooms, cozy fires

Budget Options

6. YHA Stow-on-the-Wold

Type: Hostel
Price: £20-32/night (autumn rates)
Address: The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AJ
Phone: 0345 371 9347
Highlights: Historic building, central location, kitchen facilities

7. The Cotswold Gateway Hotel, Burford

Type: Budget hotel
Price: £50-85/night
Address: Burford OX18 4JJ
Phone: 01993 823121

B&Bs and Guest Houses

8. The Old Post Office, Stow

Type: B&B
Price: £80-120/night
Address: 12 The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AB
Phone: 01451 830240

9. Arlington Mill, Bibury

Type: B&B
Price: £90-140/night
Address: Arlington, Bibury GL7 5ND
Phone: 01285 740337

Autumn Events and Festivals

September:

Harvest festivals: Throughout the Cotswolds
Westonbirt autumn colour: Begins in late September
Heritage Open Days: Free access to historic buildings

October:

Westonbirt autumn colour: Peak season
Halloween events: At various attractions
Apple festivals: Celebrating the orchard harvest
Fungi forays: Guided walks to spot mushrooms

November:

Firework displays: Bonfire Night (November 5th)
Christmas markets: Begin in late November
Stirling Moss Memorial: Classic car events

Final Tips for Your Autumn Visit

Book Westonbirt early: Peak autumn weekends get very busy
Bring warm clothes: Autumn evenings can be chilly
Check sunset times: Days get shorter quickly—plan accordingly
Book restaurants: Cosy pubs fill up quickly on autumn evenings
Respect the countryside: Close gates, keep dogs on leads
Support local businesses: Buy local produce and crafts
Take your time: The Cotswolds is best enjoyed slowly
Photograph respectfully: Ask before photographing private homes
Try the local specialties: Game, apples, local ales, harvest produce
Enjoy the cosiness: Autumn is the perfect season for pub lunches by the fire

Enjoy your colorful Cotswolds autumn adventure!