UK Travel

The Best Cotswolds Villages to Visit This Autumn

24/09/2024

A picturesque view of a quaint village with traditional stone houses lining a wet street, featuring a bridge over a stream, surrounded by autumnal trees.

With its charming landscapes and honey-hued cottages, the Cotswolds is a dream destination to visit no matter what time of year. But if you want to experience a more serene visit without the crowds and instead with a touch of magic, autumn is without a doubt the best time to visit this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here are five of the best villages in the Cotswolds to visit in autumn.

Burford

Often called the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Burford is a bustling town with a rich history and scenic beauty. I also think it’s one of the best Cotswold villages! In autumn, the high street comes alive with the colours of the season and ancient stone buildings decorated with red creeping Virginia. You’ll find plenty of seasonal shops along the high street too, making Burford one of the best villages in the Cotswolds for autumn and Christmas shopping. I’d recommend taking time to visit the 12th-century St. John the Baptist Church, which offers a stunning graveyard that is particularly beautiful against an autumn sky. Burford also has many cosy pubs to grab a bite to eat at too, and the surrounding Cotswold countryside means it’s the perfect place to base yourself for countryside walks.

An old wooden door is framed by two large, ancient trees with intertwined roots and branches. A lantern hangs above the arched door, set in a stone building typical of the best villages in the Cotswolds. Moss and greenery surround the scene, adding to its mystical atmosphere.

A quaint stone building with red ivy climbing its walls, labeled "The Bell," in one of the best villages in the Cotswolds. It features large, paned windows, a sign with a "B," wooden benches outside, and a small fenced area. The scene is overcast, with a wet street and a stone wall in the foreground.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Though it’s technically a town and not a village, Stow-on-the-Wold is the perfect place to visit for an autumn afternoon spent meandering about! This stunning historic market town is the highest town in the Cotswolds and has a lot to offer – come rain or shine. There are lots of cosy historic pubs and traditional inns to enjoy a seasonal lunch, and a mix of high-end and antique shops to pick up some early-Christmas gifts. My favourite shop is The Borzoi bookshop, hidden down an almost blink-and-you’ll-miss-it courtyard. I always have to treat myself to a book when visiting.

Don’t miss the Tolkien Door (The Yew Tree Door) at St Edward’s Church either – this magical door surrounded by two ancient yew trees looks so much like a gateway to another world that it’s rumoured to have inspired the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring!

A grand, ivy-covered stone manor set amidst lush greenery and autumn trees. The historic building features tall chimneys and detailed architecture. An ornate staircase leads to the entrance, and a manicured lawn with stone structures is visible on the left. The photo is taking in Castle Combe, one of the best villages in the Cotswolds to visit during the autumn.

Castle Combe

Often hailed as one of the most well-preserved mediaeval villages in England, Castle Combe village has been the backdrop for many film productions including Doctor Dolittle and the magical Stardust. Though it’s small, the village creates a picture-perfect scene with its stone bridge and gentle river flowing through the base of the village. Here, turn back around and look up through the village to find bouts of autumn colour creeping up the cottages. This – a spot that overlooks the Manor House Hotel – is where you’ll get that essential Instagram shot. The Manor House Hotel comes alive in the autumn, with lots of vibrant colour against its almost gothic facade. You could also explore the village’s surrounding woodland, where the autumn foliage is at its finest.

Being one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages, Castle Combe is packed with visitors in the summer. But in autumn? It’s much quieter and lovelier to enjoy. Please ensure you give back to the community too, as people still live in this tiny village! I’d recommend visiting The Little Picnic Shop – operated right out of one of the charming cottages – and ordering (in advance!) a seasonal picnic to go.

The picturesque village of Bilbury, with the famous stone-built houses in Arlington Row, featuring gabled roofs lines a narrow path. Lush greenery and vibrant flowers frame the scene, leading into countryside under a cloudy sky.

Bibury

Bibury is often referred to as the most beautiful village in England, and in autumn, you’ll find it much quieter than a summertime visit. The famous Arlington Row cottages, which date back to the 14th century, are framed by trees that explode with colour if you time your visit right. Wander along the River Coln, where ducks paddle through the fallen leaves, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this quiet village. Don’t miss Bibury Trout Farm, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish, or head to The Swan Hotel for a cosy afternoon tea.

Lower Slaughter

Lower Slaughter is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, and in autumn, its quiet lanes and riverside setting are enchanting. The River Eye runs through the village, with the Old Mill (currently under refurbishment) offering a timeless appeal (and a great spot for coffee!). Quieter than most Cotswolds villages, Lower Slaughter is one of the best places to take a walk and experience the beauty of autumn colours. Make sure to take a relaxing stroll along the river to the nearby Upper Slaughter for one of the best autumn walks in the Cotswolds.

Visiting the Cotswolds in autumn is like stepping into a fairytale. The region’s villages, with their honey-coloured stone cottages, winding lanes, and stunning landscapes, are even more enchanting against the backdrop of vibrant fall foliage. Whether you’re strolling along a river, exploring an ancient church, or warming up in a cosy pub after a crisp country walk, these picturesque Cotswolds villages offer the perfect autumn escape.