There’s a quiet charm to the Cotswolds in early autumn. The pace slows, the air feels fresher, and the countryside settles into a softer golden light.
This is a season of small pleasures: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the comfort of a well-worn footpath, hedgerows brimming with berries and the satisfaction of a hearty lunch after a morning’s exploring. It’s a time less about ticking things off a list and more about being present, taking in the colours, the light, and the slower pace that comes with the turning of the year.
Without the summer crowds it is pleasurable to explore the famous Cotswold villages such as Castle Combe, Lacock, and Tetbury. The mellow stone buildings take on a warm glow in autumn, adding to their timeless character.
It’s a great time of year to take a walk, wander through the beech woods of the Slad Valley, or stroll through the tree-lined avenues of Westonbirt Arboretum, just as they begin to showcase their outstanding autumn colours. Top tip, the famous tree canopy at Westonbirt Arboretum is at its most stunning in late October. The riverside walk in nearby Malmesbury is a gentle way to explore the surrounding countryside and the softer beauty of the landscape. Even a simple loop through farmland near Sherston offers moments of quiet charm. Our team can assist with walking routes, from short strolls to longer hikes.
Food and drink naturally take on a more comforting note. Menus showcase heartier, seasonal dishes and warming puddings. Our kitchen garden is at its most abundant and our orchards deliver an exceptional harvest of apples, pears and plums.
Local Apple Day celebrations in October bring tastings of heritage varieties, local ciders, and community festivities with a sense of tradition. Look out for Sherston Apple Day, on the 12th October, it’s a favourite in the Whatley calendar.
From our countryside setting, Whatley is perfectly placed to experience the Cotswolds in this season of change. Whether you set out along a winding footpath, amble among the antique shops of Tetbury or simply watch the colours shift across our gardens, autumn rewards those who take their time.
Discover our autumn offers, perfect breaks for the new season:
