Posted on October 16, 2025
October half-term is the perfect time to embrace all that the Cotswolds has to offer, from creative workshops and farm trails to woodland adventures. Whether you're a family looking for fresh air and fun or simply seeking slow days and cosy corners, there’s something for everyone this autumn.
Explore more on foot and stop for a drink or bite via our top pubs walks in The Cotwolds journal.
.
Looking for places to stay? Browse recommendations of Boutique places to stay in The Cotswolds this autumn.
Pumpkin Patches & Picking
Cotswold Farm Park, Pumpkin Patch
Open on weekends through October and daily during the half term, Cotswold Farm Park’s Pumpkin Patch offers pick-your-own fun, carving stations, themed trails and plenty of seasonal charm. It’s a family favourite for a reason: bright pumpkins, farm animals and hot drinks make it the perfect autumn day out.
Jolly Nice Farm Shop Pumpkin Events
Located near Stroud, Jolly Nice hosts dedicated pumpkin weekends and autumn festivities. Pick your favourite from their colourful patch, grab a warming drink from the farm café and browse their shop for local produce and treats, a wholesome way to celebrate the season.
Arboretums & Autumn Colour
Westonbirt Arboretum
Known for one of the most breathtaking autumn displays in the country, Westonbirt’s treetop walks and winding trails glow with reds, golds and copper tones throughout October. With accessible routes and family-friendly trails, it’s an idyllic day out to admire the changing colours.
Batsford Arboretum
A quieter yet equally stunning alternative, Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh offers peaceful paths through Japanese maples, oaks and acers. The café overlooks the arboretum, making it the ideal spot for a post-walk hot chocolate.
If you’re looking for more wonderful woodland places to see autumnal colours, check out our journal here.
Art Galleries, Museums & Craft Spaces
Arty Farty Retreat
Through the half-term, you can partake in a multitude of activities including ‘Wick Art Day’, ‘Autumnal Watercolours’ and craft-afternoons suitable for all ages. Perfect for creative families wanting hands-on fun without travelling far.
Watts Gallery
This October, have an adventure with a day out at Watts Gallery, with lots of free with admission activities, such as: a drop-in sketching studio, visit the artist in Residence studio, multiple collaborative installations and an outdoors scent seekers trail, inspired by the current exhibit.
Unique Outdoor Adventures
Alpaca Walking at Cotswold Alpacas
For something a little different, try an alpaca walk through the Cotswold hills. Cotswold Alpacas in Cowley offer guided walks where you can lead your own alpaca, learning about these gentle creatures while soaking up the countryside views.
Aztec Adventure Adventure Golf
This attraction offers an 18-hole themed adventure golf course coupled with a high ropes aerial course. It’s a fun mix of adrenaline and playful outdoor adventure. And this half-term, there’s a Day of the Dead themed celebration running. Every hole features fun facts about the colourful celebration, with decorations throughout the course to bring the tradition to life. Extra craft activity is also available for £5 per person.
Spooky Half-Term Suggestions
Primrose Vale Pumpkin Trail
Running throughout half-term, Primrose Vale hosts a fun-filled pumpkin trail perfect for younger children. Follow the clues around the farm, solve puzzles, and finish your visit by choosing your very own pumpkin to take home.
Over Farm Spookyard Festival
Over Farm’s annual half-term festival offers plenty to do, animal trails, woodland walks, mini golf and even a corn cannon. While some elements have a Halloween twist, there’s plenty of general autumn fun for little ones and grown-ups alike.
If you are looking for something more Halloween inspired, read our blog here.
Sudeley Castle – Halloweek & Tudor All Hallows’ Eve
From 25 October to 2 November, Sudeley Castle’s Halloweek brings spooky fun and seasonal charm to the Cotswolds. Follow the Great Sudeley Pumpkin Trail through the castle gardens, discover hidden pumpkins and enjoy autumnal beauty at every turn. On 31 October, step back in time for Tudor All Hallows’ Eve, an evening of storytelling, ghostly encounters and historic superstition. With fancy dress encouraged and Halloween treats on offer, it’s a wonderfully atmospheric day out for the whole family.WWT Slimbridge – Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience
From 17-18 October and 24 October-1 November, Slimbridge’s Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience transforms the wetlands into a glowing, enchanted trail. Walk among luminous insects, oversized birds, interactive bat puppets and firefly tunnels, and try your hand at making your own lanterns or casting wishes with the marsh witch. Evening slots run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm (in 15-minute intervals).
Creative & Hands-On Workshops
Natural Cookery School - Kids’ Kitchen Halloween Baking Afternoon Tea
Treat your little ghosts and ghouls to a spooky baking session at the Natural Cookery School. Their Kids’ Kitchen Halloween Baking Afternoon Tea lets children decorate cookies, bake pumpkin-themed treats and enjoy their creations with a seasonal afternoon tea twist.
Daylesford Cookery School
Celebrate the season’s harvest at Daylesford with cookery classes focusing on local produce, warming dishes and traditional preserves. With a wide variety of courses running through the half term, It’s the perfect time to learn something new and enjoy the best of Cotswold flavours.
New Brewery Arts Workshops
For those who prefer crafts, New Brewery Arts offers half-term pottery, textile and creative workshops for all ages, they also offer weeklong courses to really refine your new skills.These sessions are relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for rainy days.