From golden countryside walks and family-friendly attractions to pumpkin picking, historic houses and cosy pub lunches, discover how to make the most of autumn in the Cotswolds.
Autumn is one of our favourite times of year in Bourton-on-the-Water. The honey-coloured buildings seem to glow against the changing leaves, the countryside turns shades of gold and russet, and the cooler days give us all the perfect excuse to find a cosy café or settle in for a hearty pub lunch.
Whether you're planning a half-term adventure with the children, a romantic weekend away or a countryside escape with friends, there's plenty to keep you busy around Bourton and the wider Cotswolds.
Here are 10 things to do this autumn, all perfect to consider during a stay at The Old New Inn.
🎃 1. Pick Your Own Pumpkin at Cotswold Farm Park
📍 Guiting Power | 🚗 Around 15–20 minutes from Bourton
Nothing says autumn quite like choosing your own pumpkin! Cotswold Farm Park is a brilliant choice for families during October, combining farm animals, outdoor adventures and seasonal activities.
This October, the farm's pumpkin patch is running on selected dates through to 31 October. Pick out your favourite pumpkin, enjoy the autumn atmosphere and, on selected sessions, get involved in pumpkin carving and other seasonal activities.
It's a lovely way to spend a crisp autumn day, especially if you're visiting during the school holidays.
🍂 Top tip: Check available dates and book tickets in advance, as pumpkin sessions can be popular.
🏰 2. Get Spooky at Sudeley Castle
📍 Near Winchcombe | 🚗 Around 25–30 minutes from Bourton
If your family enjoys a little Halloween magic, Sudeley Castle is well worth considering this autumn.
With its fascinating royal history, beautiful grounds and atmospheric historic buildings, Sudeley makes a memorable day out at any time of year. During October half-term, look out for seasonal family activities, including the advertised Ghosts, Pumpkins and Tudor Tales experience.
It's a wonderful opportunity to combine a little history with some spooky seasonal fun.
🕯️ Perfect for: Families, history lovers and anyone looking for a Halloween-themed day out.
🍁 3. Take in the Autumn Colours at Batsford Arboretum
📍 Near Moreton-in-Marsh | 🚗 Around 20–25 minutes from Bourton
For a proper dose of autumn colour, head to Batsford Arboretum. As the season progresses, the trees transform into a spectacular mixture of fiery reds, golden yellows and rich oranges.
Follow the woodland paths, admire the changing leaves and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's a lovely place for a leisurely stroll, and the changing colours make it particularly rewarding for photographers.
Children can enjoy spotting different leaves and collecting ideas for autumn crafts, while couples can take their time exploring the quieter corners of the grounds.
📸 Photo tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for beautiful light filtering through the trees. Autumn colour varies with the weather, so check conditions before setting off.
🏘️ 4. Explore Bourton-on-the-Water in Its Autumn Colours
📍 Right on our doorstep!
You don't have to travel far to enjoy some of the Cotswolds' prettiest autumn scenery. Bourton-on-the-Water is particularly charming when the leaves turn golden and the honey-coloured buildings stand out against the changing landscape.
Take a gentle stroll along the River Windrush, cross the famous little stone bridges and explore the village's independent shops. With fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures, it's also a lovely time to enjoy a slower-paced visit.
And, of course, no autumn wander would be complete without stopping for a warming drink or a hearty lunch.
🍂 Our tip: Visit earlier in the day for a quieter stroll and lovely photographs of the bridges and riverside.
🏡 5. Discover The Bourton Model Village
A visit to Bourton wouldn't be complete without exploring The Bourton Model Village, a wonderfully detailed miniature version of the village itself.
Built at one-ninth scale, it features tiny Cotswold stone cottages, miniature gardens and familiar landmarks. Children love spotting the little details and discovering the famous model within the model.
On a crisp autumn day, the miniature buildings look especially lovely against the seasonal colours. It's also an easy attraction to combine with a wander around the real village.
And when you've finished exploring, you're already in the perfect place to enjoy lunch or a drink at The Old New Inn, with its spacious beer garden for those brighter autumn afternoons.
🏘️ Fun for all ages: See how many miniature buildings you can match to their full-sized counterparts around Bourton.
🐧 6. Join Trick or Tweet Week at Birdland
📍 Bourton-on-the-Water | 🚶 A short walk from the village centre
Looking for some spooky family fun this autumn? Head to Birdland Park & Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water for Trick or Tweet Week, running from 17 October to 1 November 2026. Families can follow a Halloween trail through the park’s woodland paths, gardens and aviaries, enjoy spooky keeper talks, and watch the birds discover tasty treats and creepy crawlies hidden inside pumpkins. 🐦👻
Even better, children aged 3–15 go free with each full-paying adult, making it a brilliant October half-term day out. Activities are included with standard admission, so there’s plenty of wildlife discovery and Halloween fun to enjoy!
🦖 Perfect for: Animal lovers, curious children and family days out during half-term.
🚗 7. Step Back in Time at the Cotswold Motoring Museum
📍 Bourton-on-the-Water | 🚶 In the village centre
When the autumn weather turns wet and windy, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a fantastic place to head indoors.
Housed in a historic mill, the museum is packed with classic cars, vintage motorbikes, caravans, toys and motoring memorabilia. There's plenty to interest adults who remember motoring in years gone by, while younger visitors can look out for Brum, the famous little yellow car from children's television.
It's an enjoyable way to spend a rainy afternoon without venturing far from the village centre.
☔ Rainy-day tip: Pair a visit with lunch at a local pub or a warming hot chocolate in one of Bourton's cafés.
🕯️ 8. Enjoy Halloween Trails and Autumn Half-Term Adventures
📍 Various locations across the Cotswolds
October half-term is one of the busiest times of year for family-friendly seasonal activities. From spooky trails to pumpkin patches, there's plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
For this year's autumn break, consider:
Cotswold Farm Park – pumpkin picking and seasonal farm activities.
Sudeley Castle – check for its Halloween-themed family experiences.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum – autumn foliage, woodland trails and seasonal family activities.
Chedworth Roman Villa – explore the remains of a Roman country house and look out for its autumn-themed historical activities.
There are also additional Halloween trails and illuminated experiences elsewhere in the region. The official Cotswolds visitor website has a useful What's On guide for checking events and dates
🎃 Our tip: If you're planning a half-term visit, check the dates carefully and book ahead for timed-entry events.
🥾 9. Take a Countryside Walk to Lower Slaughter
📍 Lower Slaughter | 🥾 Walkable from Bourton-on-the-Water
One of the simplest pleasures of autumn in the Cotswolds is pulling on your walking boots and heading into the countryside.
The walk from Bourton-on-the-Water towards Lower Slaughter takes you away from the busier village centre and into peaceful countryside, with lovely views along the way. Once you arrive, explore the village's beautiful stone cottages, follow the River Eye and admire the historic mill.
If you're feeling energetic, you can continue towards Upper Slaughter for a longer countryside outing.
The changing leaves, quiet lanes and crisp air make this a particularly rewarding walk at this time of year.
🥾 Remember: Countryside paths can become muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear and a waterproof jacket are worthwhile.
🛍️ 10. Spend a Cosy Afternoon in Stow-on-the-Wold
📍 Stow-on-the-Wold | 🚗 Around 10 minutes from Bourton
If you'd prefer a more leisurely autumn outing, Stow-on-the-Wold is a wonderful place to explore.
Browse independent shops and antique stores, stop for coffee and cake, or discover the historic market square and St Edward's Church. It's a lovely town for a relaxed afternoon, particularly when the weather is a little too chilly for a long countryside walk.
You'll find plenty of opportunities to pick up unique gifts, enjoy a traditional cream tea or simply watch the world go by from a cosy café.
☕ Perfect for: Couples, shoppers and anyone who enjoys exploring traditional Cotswold market towns.
🍺 Finish Your Autumn Day at The Old New Inn
After a day spent exploring the Cotswolds, there's nothing better than returning to somewhere warm and welcoming.
At The Old New Inn, we're perfectly placed for enjoying everything Bourton-on-the-Water has to offer. Whether you've spent the day walking through golden countryside, visiting family attractions or exploring historic villages, we're an ideal place to stop for a relaxed meal or a well-earned drink.
On brighter autumn afternoons, our spacious beer garden is a lovely spot to enjoy the last of the sunshine. And with The Bourton Model Village right behind the inn, you can easily combine a visit to this much-loved attraction with a meal.
❤️ Make the Most of Autumn in the Cotswolds
Autumn is all about enjoying the simple things: colourful leaves, countryside walks, family adventures, historic places and cosy stops along the way.
Whether you're visiting for a day or staying for a longer break, Bourton-on-the-Water makes a wonderful base for exploring the wider Cotswolds.
From pumpkin picking and Halloween trails to peaceful village walks and rainy-day museums, there's something to enjoy whatever the weather brings.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Old New Inn this autumn!
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!