Interesting Things to Do in the Cotswolds by Season
The Cotswolds is one of those rare places that feels like a new adventure every time you visit. Spanning six counties across rolling hills, quaint villages and timeless landscapes, it offers something unique in every season. Whether you love spring blooms, summer sunshine, autumn’s fiery colours or the festive magic of winter, there’s always an excuse to head back.
Here’s a seasonal guide to the best things to do in the Cotswolds, so you can make the most of your trip no matter when you go.
Spring: A Burst of Colour and Renewal
When spring arrives, the Cotswolds comes alive with fresh energy. After the stillness of winter, villages and countryside alike burst into bloom. It’s the perfect season for exploring outdoors while the weather is mild, the air is crisp, and the crowds are lighter than in peak summer.
What to See and Do
- Explore famous gardens: Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate Court Gardens are legendary for their spring displays, while Westonbirt Arboretum shows off a breathtaking range of blossoms.
- Take countryside walks: The Cotswold Way offers 100 miles of scenic trails. Even a shorter segment rewards you with wildflowers, green meadows and picture-perfect views.
- Village charm: Villages like Bibury, with its famous Arlington Row, look especially photogenic surrounded by daffodils and spring greenery.
- Spring lambs: Farms across the region welcome lambing season, making spring an especially endearing time to visit with families.
Travel Tip
Bring a light raincoat! Spring showers are common, but they often add a fresh glow to the golden Cotswold stone buildings. For those who want to discover hidden gems and insider stories while travelling comfortably, guided experiences are a great option. With Cotswolds Tours, you can explore the very best villages, historic houses and countryside views, tailored to the season of your visit.
Summer: Festivals, Sunshine and Alfresco Adventures
Summer is when the Cotswolds shines brightest. Long days stretch lazily into golden evenings, and the warm weather makes it ideal for outdoor festivals, riverside strolls and lingering pub lunches in gardens filled with chatter.
What to See and Do
- Village hopping: Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, is at its best in summer, with people paddling in the shallow River Windrush. Lower Slaughter, with its iconic mill, is equally enchanting.
- Festivals galore: The Cotswold Show and Food Festival in Cirencester and the Cheltenham Music Festival are highlights of the season, drawing foodies and culture lovers alike.
- Outdoor dining: Many restaurants and pubs set up beautiful terraces for alfresco dining, perfect for sampling local ciders, cheeses and seasonal dishes.
Travel Tip
Book accommodation early, as summer is peak season and popular villages fill up quickly.
Autumn: Fiery Foliage and Cosy Escapes
As summer fades, the Cotswolds transforms into a painter’s palette of red, orange and gold. Autumn is a dream season for walkers, photographers and anyone who loves the mix of fresh air and cosy pubs.
What to See and Do
- Historic charm: Stow-on-the-Wold and Painswick look particularly striking in autumn light, with golden cottages framed by turning leaves.
- Pub culture: After a countryside walk, nothing beats warming up by the fire in a traditional pub with a pint of local ale or a Sunday roast.
- Harvest treats: Farmers’ markets overflow with seasonal produce like apples, pumpkins and artisan cheeses. Autumn food festivals also showcase the region’s culinary creativity.
Travel Tip
Pack layers. It can feel crisp in the morning, warm by midday, and chilly again at night.
Winter: Frost, Festivities and Fairytale Charm
The Cotswolds in winter is pure magic. With frosty mornings, twinkling Christmas lights, and the cosy glow of fires through pub windows, it’s like stepping into a holiday card. Winter is quieter too, making it a peaceful time to enjoy the region.
What to See and Do
- Christmas markets: Cirencester and Chipping Campden host some of the most charming festive markets, with mulled wine, crafts and seasonal treats.
- Festive estates: Historic houses such as Blenheim Palace and Sudeley Castle transform with Christmas decorations, light trails and seasonal events.
- Cosy inns: Curl up by the fire with a hearty meal in a countryside inn, many date back centuries and ooze charm in the colder months.
Travel Tip
Winter days are shorter, so plan earlier activities and leave evenings for fireside relaxation.
Making the Most of Every Season
No matter when you visit, the Cotswolds always has something unique to offer. The trick is to embrace what makes each season special. Spring gives you flowers and fresh energy, summer offers festivals and golden evenings, autumn brings colour and cosiness, and winter wraps it all in festive charm.
The Cotswolds isn’t just a place to visit once; it’s a place to fall in love with over and over again, through the rhythm of the seasons.
