Posted on September 25, 2025
As summer’s golden glow fades into crisp air and rustling leaves, autumn in The Cotswolds offers something quietly magical. It's a season for seeing, tasting and savouring the finer things. Whether you’re a local or a discerning visitor seeking seasonal inspiration, here is your definitive guide to our favourite events and things to do this autumn in The Cotswolds.
Cotswold Curated Craft Fair (Daylesford Farm, Sept 26–28, 2025)
If you're looking for plans this weekend, then look no further. Conceived by Lady Carole Bamford, this inaugural fair celebrates heritage crafts, from basketry and millinery to ceramics and bespoke bridlework, with live demonstrations, artisan talks and immersive experiences.
Westonbirt and Batsford Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum and Batsford Arboretum remain unmatched for fiery canopies in October and early November. Pair your walk with a private guided photography tour or an afternoon tea. For the more daring, Go-Ape also has a site in Westonbirt. So why not make up a picnic and spend the day amongst the changing trees?
For more spots in The Cotswolds to admire the changing leaves, check out our journal here.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
This year, the festival will be celebrating from the 10–19 October 2025. Cheltenham Literature Festival is the world’s first literature festival ‘leading the way in celebrating the written and spoken word’. Hear from an amazing line-up of guests like: Michael Palin, Raymond Blanc, Noussaibah Younis, Alan Davis and plenty more.
Pumpkin Patch at the Cotswolds Farm Park
Running in four waves: 43rd - 5th Oct, 10th - 12th Oct, 17th - 19th Oct and 23rd - 31st Oct, thousands of pumpkins are ready to pick and become part of your autumn home decor! You’ll be hard pressed to find a more photogenic pumpkin patch than the one at Cotswolds Farm Park. Being dog friendly with food and drinks available, you can truly make this a memorable family day out, or check out Pumpkins 'til Late every Saturday from 11th October for more of a party atmosphere.
Bonfires & Fireworks
As darkness deepens, local bonfire nights and firework displays bring communities together. Key dates to watch (2025) include the Ground & Airborne Pyro Display at Cotswold Gliding Club (Oct 25), Ducklington (Nov 9), and local village displays through early November.
Spot wild deer
A silhouette of a stag in the mist during an autumn sunset is a classic Cotswold image. If you time it well, in October, you’ll catch the annual deer rut, where stags fight to impress the does. There are plenty of places to find deer all over The Cotswolds, there are deer parks in both Sherbourne Estate and Charlecote Park, and you can always encounter a herd at Broadway Tower.