Things to Do in the Cotswolds This Autumn
Autumn is the perfect time to get out and about and explore the beautiful Cotswolds. From pumpkin carving to breathtaking walks through golden-coloured countryside, here’s our ultimate guide to this season’s offerings.
Halloween Happenings
Pumpkins, wizards and maybe even the odd ghost – there’s something for all ages this Halloween, as well as some great events to keep the kids entertained during half-term:
Cotswold Farm Park: Head to the pumpkin patch for some spooky family-friendly fun. Pick and carve your own pumpkin or follow the evening pumpkin glow trail at this special event from 11th-31st October. Dogs are welcome too! More about Cotswold Park Farm
Jolly Nice: The Jolly Nice Pumpkin Paddock will be opening its gates to pumpkin lovers from 11th-13th October and 19th-31st October. With an impressive array of different sized and shaped pumpkins, this family-friendly event is the perfect antidote to Halloween. Plus, the Jolly Nice chefs will be cooking up some delicious autumnal fayre including homemade pumpkin soup and their very own pumpkin spiced latte. More about Jolly Nice
Sudeley Castle: Discover the castle’s haunted history on a chilling evening ghost hunt through the castle’s ancient rooms and dungeon tower on 29th October. Alternatively, enjoy a stroll through the autumnal gardens or take the kids on a medieval monster trail. More about Sudeley Castle
Woodchester Mansion: Head to this Victorian gothic mansion, hailed as an unfinished masterpiece, to explore the spooky cellars from 25th October-3rd November. Beware of the rattling skeletons and silent mummy! Kids can follow a special pumpkin trail with a prize at the end. More about Woodchester Mansion
Corinium Museum: Soak up some spine-tingling stories and explore some of Cirencester’s ghostly happenings on this one-hour Haunted Cirencester Town Tour on 17th and 24th October at 7pm. Suitable for ages 16+ and booking is essential. The museum is also holding a monstrous mosaic session for kids on 28th October. More about the Corinium Museum
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum: Children will love this spooky Night at the Museum event journeying through the museum after dark, ending with fun stories around a special indoor ‘camp fire’ and toasted marshmallows, along with some Halloween clay craft activities. This event in Cheltenham takes place at 5pm on 30th October and is suitable for children aged 7 and over. More about Wilson Art Gallery
Birdland Park & Gardens: Trick or Tweet Week returns for some half term Halloween fun from 26th October-3rd November. Keepers will be hiding creepy crawlies inside pumpkins for the birds to find. There will also be a family friendly Halloween trail around the gardens and keeper talks. More about Birdland
Roves Farm: Aspiring young witches and wizards can join the Roves Farm professors this Halloween for some special lessons in potion mixing, wand making, spell casting and broomstick flying. This fun-packed event which runs from 24th October-3rd November will also include pumpkin carving and a fiendish fancy dress with prizes to be won. More about Roves Farm
Chedworth Roman Villa: Something sinister is lurking at Chedworth Roman Villa’s murder mystery event this half term. Solve clues and puzzles to uncover the truth about the death of Censorinus, the villa’s wealthy owner, on an interactive quest. This murder mystery experience takes place 26th October-3rd November and is suitable for all ages. More about Chedworth
New Brewery Arts: Creativity workshops with a Halloween twist at Cirencester’s New Brewery Arts will keep kids entertained this half term. There’s lots of workshops to choose from including Halloween Costumes, Spooky Accessories and Halloween Cats. Morning and afternoon sessions available from 28th October-1st November. More about New Brewery Arts
Cultural Connections
The Cotswolds has a vibrant arts scene with nationally acclaimed theatre performances and music and literary festivals right on the doorstep. Here are a few highlights this autumn:
Cirencester History Festival: Running throughout half term, Cirencester’s first ever History Festival has an impressive programme of local, national and global history for all ages, including family events, stimulating talks and lectures, walks and tours, creative workshops and community activities. Running from 26th October-3rd November. More about the History Festival
The Barn Theatre: Audiences will be gripped by the Cirencester theatre’s latest offering – Room 13. This heart-pounding play centres around an isolated hotel where four strangers are thrust into the confines of Room 13 and forced to spend the night. Runs until 9th November. More about Barn Theatre
Stroud Book Festival: With some 40 events across a packed five-day programme, this popular book festival has something for everyone, bringing together authors from a wide range of genres from fiction to history and politics to nature. The festival opens on 6th November and finishes with a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas on 10th November. More about Stroud Book Festival
The Great Outdoors
Soak up the Cotswolds’ rich autumnal hues on a breathtaking walk through scenic valleys or parklands, then stop off at a local pub for a well-earned rest (and a welcome drink) in front of a warm, cosy fire. Some of our favourite outdoor spaces to explore include:
Westonbirt Arboretum: At this time of year the arboretum, home to 2,500 different species of trees, is ablaze with golden colours. It’s the perfect place for couples, families and their four-legged friends to take a walk and enjoy the serenity of nature under an autumnal canopy. Open daily 9am-5pm. More about Westonbirt
Painswick Rococo Garden: Designed in the 18th century as a pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick House, Painswick Rococo Garden has magical follies and far-reaching views across the Cotswold countryside. Open Thursday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Dogs on short leads are welcome. More about Painswick Rococo Garden
Cirencester Park: Originally laid out as a deer park in the 18th century by the first Earl Bathurst, this beautiful park has a variety of walks through stunning woods and historic parkland. Walking guides and maps are available. Open daily 8am-5pm (last entrance 4.30pm). Dogs are welcome. More about Cirencester Park
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons: For a breathtaking walk with stunning views across the Stroud valleys and Severn estuary, head to Minchinhampton or Rodborough Common, both maintained by the National Trust, to enjoy all that nature has to offer at this wonderful time of year. More about the Commons
