As September dawns, the Cotswolds is bathed in the golden glow of autumn, an enchanting light that brings a new filter to the untouched beauty of the area. From picture-perfect villages crafted centuries ago out of the honey-coloured Cotswolds stone to the rolling countryside with trees in full autumn splendour and hedgerows heavy with blackberries, it’s truly a magical time to visit.
The warm shades of autumn cast a soft light on the gentle beauty of the North Cotswolds where breathtaking views greet you at every turn. The rich Cotswold limestone, so precious it was used to build St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, takes on a deeper hue, and the hills and valleys burst with vivid colours.
Explore some of the most iconic spots in the Cotswolds with our expert driver-guides who bring everywhere alive with their local knowledge and stories. Marvel at the mediaeval architecture in Chipping Campden, explore the stunning settlements of Snowshill, Winchcombe, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water, and wander along the tranquil pathways by the River Eye in the exquisite Upper and Lower Slaughter, autumn leaves crunching under your feet.
Appreciate the galleries in Broadway, a nod to the 19th-century artists who found solace in the area’s tranquillity. Take in the sweeping views from the “highest little castle in the Cotswolds”, the Broadway Tower, once inhabited by the Pre-Raphaelite artist, William Morris. And don’t miss the world-renowned Batsford Arboretum, where the burnished hues of the maple and cherry trees take centre stage at this time of year.
There’s so many activities you can include on the day, from a brewery tour – our favourite is the sublime Donnington Brewery housed in a Grade II-listed Cotswold stone building – to taking afternoon tea in a country house hotel, to warming up next to an open fire with a local ale in a traditional English pub. We also love a falconry experience at this time of year, with majestic birds of prey displaying their awe-inspiring flying skills.
Note: The tour route can be arranged to fit with any start and finish point in the north Cotswolds. Charges will apply for outside of the north Cotswolds.
During this tour, we’ll also be venturing off the beaten track to view some of the lesser-known gems – tiny hamlets and secluded manors – at the heart of this rural idyll.
