Things to Do in Autumn (and on Rainy Days) in the Cotswolds
Why Autumn Might Be the Best Time to Visit
Golden leaves, crackling fires, and the smell of fresh rain on stone, autumn in the Cotswolds is nothing short of magical. The summer crowds ease, the colours deepen, and every pub and tearoom feels like an invitation to slow down.
Even when the weather turns drizzly, there’s plenty to see and do, from cosy cafés and creative workshops to grand houses and wildlife spots that look even more beautiful beneath a canopy of amber trees.
Here are our favourite things to do in the Cotswolds in autumn or on a rainy day, all easy to reach from Bourton-on-the-Water.
1: Visit a Stately Home or Historic House
When the rain starts to fall, head indoors to one of the region’s beautiful heritage sites.
A few favourites within half an hour of Bourton:
Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe – fascinating history and beautiful autumn gardens
Snowshill Manor, near Broadway – a treasure trove of eccentric collections and curiosities
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock – magnificent architecture and autumn parkland at its finest
2: Indulge in Tea & Cake (It’s Practically a Tradition)
There’s something perfectly British about sheltering from the drizzle with a pot of tea and a slice of cake.
Favourites include:
The Croft, Bourton – a warm, riverside setting
Lucy’s Tearoom, Stow – homemade bakes and real comfort food
Huffkins Bakery, Burford – legendary lardy cakes and hot chocolate worth the drive
5: Visit Family Attractions
If you’ve got kids (or are just young at heart), you don’t need sunshine for a great day out. Try:
Birdland’s Discovery Zone & Jurassic Journey – undercover fun for animal and dinosaur lovers
Cotswold Motoring Museum, Bourton – quirky indoor museum, with some amazing cars, vintage toys, and nostalgia galore
Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford – Wrap up warm to visit, but there are lots of sheltered enclosures and warm cafés
The Model Village, Bourton - stroll over the little stone bridges and marvel at the miniature wonderland, where the stone cottages look even more charming framed by golden leaves and crisp blue skies
The museum, Model Village and Birdland are both walkable from Bourton village centre!
4: Explore Local Galleries & Crafts
The Cotswolds is a haven for artists — and Bourton, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Broadway are home to some brilliant small galleries.
Pop into:
The Fosse Gallery in Stow – one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces
The Cotswold Pottery in Bourton – tucked away, handmade ceramics and friendly faces
Broadway’s Gordon Russell Design Museum – celebrating timeless craftsmanship
Ideal for a quiet, reflective day out (and maybe a little Christmas gift shopping too!).
5: Sample Local Food & Drink
Autumn is harvest season in the Cotswolds — which means cosy pubs, local produce, and full glasses.
For a relaxing afternoon:
Try a local ale at The Old New Inn, just off the high street
Visit Cotswold Distillery (Stourton) for whisky & gin tastings
Pop into the Cotswold Cheese Company in Stow for a picnic bag full of local goodies
Perfect for pairing with a log fire evening back at your cottage or B&B.
6: Take a Woodland Walk (Raincoat Optional!)
When the clouds break, head outdoors — autumn in the Cotswolds is made for walking.
Top picks include:
Batsford Arboretum – stunning autumn colours
Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter – a short, peaceful riverside walk
The Windrush Way – scenic trails straight from Bourton
🌳 Don’t forget your wellies — muddy boots are part of the fun.
7: Cosy Up in a Country Pub
When all else fails (or even if it doesn’t), the answer is simple: find a roaring fire, order something hearty, and settle in.
You’ll find plenty of cosy pubs throughout the Cotswolds — but we might be biased and say ours, The Old New Inn, is a lovely place to start 😉
Locally brewed ales, hearty lunches, and that unmistakable Cotswold warmth, rain or shine.
Make It a Season to Remember
Autumn in the Cotswolds is about slowing down, savouring the scenery, and finding joy in the simple things, from golden trees to hot chocolate. So pack your scarf, bring your umbrella, and embrace the cosiest months of the year in one of the most beautiful parts of England.
Ready to experience the charm of Bourton-on-the-Water? Book your stay at The Old New Inn and immerse yourself in the heart of the Cotswolds. We look forward to welcoming you!