Posted on August 07, 2025
As the golden haze of August lingers in the air, The Cotswolds offers a final flourish of summer magic. It’s a time when the countryside slows to a gentle rhythm, the crowds thin, and locals savour the quieter, more peaceful pleasures of the season. Whether you're seeking relaxed rambles, local feasts, or hidden beauty spots, here’s how to embrace the final stretch of summer in the Cotswolds.
Take a Sunset Stroll Through the Meadows
There’s something quietly poetic about a late-summer walk through Cotswold meadows. Head to Minchinhampton Common or the Windrush Valley for wide, open skies, wildflowers still in bloom, and the gentle buzz of insects preparing for dusk. The golden hour here feels cinematic, pack a blanket and stay to watch the sun melt into the hills.
Indulge in a Long, Lazy Outdoor Lunch
Make the most of alfresco dining before autumn sets in. Places like The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, The Bell at Sapperton, or The King’s Head Inn at Bledington offer beautiful outdoor spaces and menus brimming with seasonal produce. For something more casual, pack a picnic with local goodies from Daylesford Organic and find a quiet riverside spot in Bourton-on-the-Water or Lower Slaughter.
For more great pub gardens to visit, read our list here.
Discover a Late Summer Garden in Full Bloom
While many gardens peak in early summer, several in the Cotswolds hold their own well into August and September. Kiftsgate Court Gardens and Hidcote Manor are known for their late-season vibrancy, you can expect dahlias, salvias, and lush herbaceous borders still thriving. It’s the perfect moment to take things slowly and soak up the colours.
Cycle the Quiet Country Lanes
As the summer holiday rush begins to ease, the winding lanes of the Cotswolds become even more inviting for cyclists. Try the Chipping Campden to Broadway loop or follow part of the Cotswold Line Cycle Route. It’s an ideal way to take in the honey-hued villages, hidden churches and rolling hills at your own pace.
If getting out on two wheels is your speed, we have some recommendations for routes and stops for you here.
Book a Vineyard Tour Before Harvest Season
Late summer is the perfect time to visit one of the region’s growing number of vineyards. Woodchester Valley Vineyard and Poulton Hill Estate both offer tastings and tours through their picturesque grounds. You’ll not only sample excellent English wine but also catch the vines just before harvest, a rare and beautiful window.
For more vineyard tour ideas, read our journal here.
Paddle or Kayak Along Peaceful Waterways
The water is warm, the air is still, and there’s no better way to unwind than gliding through nature. Try paddleboarding at Lechlade-on-Thames or kayaking from Tewkesbury to Deerhurst, quiet, leafy stretches where kingfishers dart and reflections dance on the surface. Equipment can be hired locally, making it an easy afternoon out.
There’s plenty of other places to get out onto the water across The Cotswolds, you can find our recommendations here.
Catch an Outdoor Performance or Village Fête
There’s a real charm to open-air theatre or village events in late summer. Keep an eye out for The RSC’s outdoor performances or intimate concerts held in manor house gardens. Local fêtes, like those in Guiting Power or Painswick, often feature homemade food, craft stalls and live music, a truly authentically Cotswold experience and it’s filled wonderfully with a nostalgic feeling.
Stock Up at a Farmers’ Market
As summer turns, so does the seasonal produce. Visit one of the many Cotswold farmers’ markets, places like Stroud, Cirencester, or Moreton-in-Marsh, offer plenty of time to fill your baskets with late summer tomatoes, berries, soft cheeses and sourdough. It’s the ideal excuse to cook something slow and seasonal at home with a glass of local wine in hand.
Plan a Late Summer Foraging Walk
As August drifts into September, hedgerows begin to fill with seasonal treats, think blackberries, elderberries, and wild herbs. Join a local foraging course or head out with a basket and good walking shoes. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with nature and take home a taste of The Cotswolds.
If you’d like to join a course, we have some wonderful recommendations for you here.