The Cotswolds are the stuff of English countryside dreams. This part of Britain is bursting with charm, from thatched-roof cottages to chocolate-box villages. Given how much I love visiting the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, today I’m off to spend 24 hours in the Cotswolds in autumn. Not only is it an easy trip from London, but also the perfect getaway at this time of year. Read on for my guide. I’ve included a map, too.
24 Hours in the Cotswolds in Autumn
I’m traveling to the Cotswolds to visit friends who live in Moreton-in-Marsh. Situated in the Evenlode Valley near the meeting point of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and Oxfordshire, this historic market town is the perfect place to use as a base when visiting the region.
There’s plenty to do and see in Moreton, and lots more to discover in the area around it. From country walks to historic houses and famous follies, the town and its environs have a range of the best things the Cotswolds have to offer.
Now that I’m here, I can’t wait to go around with locals and see the best of this beautiful part of the English countryside. I know I’m in for a treat.
How to Get to Here
There are direct trains from London to Moreton-in-Marsh. The one I’ve taken has transported me to the heart of the Cotswolds in just 90 minutes. The journey is one of the most scenic train rides from London, and in autumn it’s stunning with the changing leaves. You can book tickets here.
Services depart from Paddington station, and they stop at places like Charlbury and Kingham before reaching Moreton-in-Marsh. In the past I’ve combined them into one multi-day trip. They’re easy for weekend getaways and country breaks, too.
If you prefer a guided tour, there are plenty of options. From day trips to walks, there are lots to choose from. You can see a range and book one that appeals to you here.
Where to Stay
I’m staying with my friends on this trip, but they recommend a place in town called The White Hart Royal Hotel. Located right on the high street a few minutes’ walk from the train station, this 17th-century inn has loads of charm and lots of heritage. It famously hosted King Charles I during the English Civil War. You can book a room here.
Cotswolds Itinerary
When my train arrives in Moreton-in-Marsh, I meet one of my friends at the station. We make the short stroll into town, where the Cotswold stone buildings offer us a warm golden welcome.
As we walk along the road, my friend points out the main sights, including The Redesdale Hall. It’s Moreton-in-Marsh’s Grade II-listed town hall, and it’s topped by a picturesque clock tower.
From there we pass The White Hart Royal Hotel, where we pop in to make a dinner reservation. It’s one of my friend’s favorite places in town for classic Cotswolds atmosphere, and I look forward to dining in the cozy Snug Bar when evening comes.
Broadway Tower
After a quick tour of the town, I leave my bags at my friends’ place and we hop in their car to explore the Cotswolds. Our first stop is Broadway Tower, a place I once visited on a spring weekend trip to the Cotswolds.
Broadway Tower is an 18th-century folly perched atop the Cotswold escarpment in Worcestershire. A Grade II-listed building in the middle of 200 acres (80 hectares) of parkland, it was the brainchild of famous landscape designer Lancelot “Capability” Brown.
The tower was commissioned by the Earl of Coventry as a token of eternal love for his wife, who was enthralled by the landscape here on Beacon Hill. Not only is it stunning to see, but there are also sweeping views from the top.
My friend and I buy tickets to climb the tower, heading up the narrow staircase to check out each floor. From a sitting room to a dining room and a library, they’re all decorated in period style. It’s fun to imagine settling in for an afternoon.
When we reach the top, we’re rewarded with sweeping views across the English countryside. We can see over a dozen counties from here, including some in Wales. The landscape is particularly beautiful with the autumn foliage out.
Broadway
After visiting the tower, we drive down the hill into the village of Broadway. Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” this place is home to one of the longest high streets in England.
It’s blue hour when we arrive, and the Cotswold stone buildings glow golden in the lamplight. It’s amazing to take it all in, and as we walk up and down the road we feel like we’ve fallen into a fairy tale.
Eventually we end up at a local pub. The Horse & Hound is packed when we walk in, and we enjoy a drink as the crowd buzzes around us.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Back in Moreton-in-Marsh, we go for a drink and nibbles at a pub called the Inn on the Marsh. This no-frills spot on the high street is full of locals, and it’s a great place to get a feel for life in the Cotswolds away from the tourist crowds.
From the pub we head to dinner at The White Hart Royal Hotel. There’s a warming glow in the fireplace, and we’re seated at a table right in front of it. Next to us is a half-timbered wall, and on the menu are all the British classics.
We settle in for a long autumn evening of fish and chips and other traditional fare, recounting our day and planning the following morning’s adventures.
Batsford Arboretum
In the morning we head off on a walk to Batsford Arboretum. This is one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds in autumn, not least because of its stunning foliage.
It’s a beautiful 40-minute walk along the Monarch’s Way from Moreton to the arboretum. En route we spot fluffy sheep in the foreground, and the village of Bourton-on-the-Hill in the background. There are plenty of changing leaves, and it all feels very autumnal.
Once at Batsford Arboretum, we pay our entry fee, sip a quick coffee at the cafe, and head out to explore the grounds. The leaves are usually at their best from mid-October to early November, and we feel lucky to be visiting during this time.
We spend an hour walking the paths, taking in everything from the vivid reds of the Japanese maples to the stately form of the 19th-century Batsford House.
When we’ve gotten our autumn leaf fix, we walk back to Moreton. We’re just in time for lunch at a local spot called Martha’s Coffee + Kitchen.
We order sandwiches and savory scones, tucking into a feast at an outdoor table in the back. It’s a delicious reward after a big morning of walking, and it all goes down a treat.
Train
Food consumed, my trip to the Cotswolds comes to an end. My friends walk me the short distance to the railway station, and soon I’m taking in the stunning autumn scenery from the window of a train carriage.
It’s been a great trip, if a quick one. I can’t wait to come back again and see more. I hope I’ve inspired you to do the same.
Itinerary Map
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the places I visited on my trip. You can find it here. It can help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your stay in the Cotswolds.
If you want to get a feel for the greater area, you can take a look at my map of the Cotswolds. It has all the highlights.
Autumn Trip to the Cotswolds
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post and that you get a chance to visit this part of the UK someday. If you want more inspiration, you can take a look at my guide to an autumn weekend in the Cotswolds and my other Cotswolds itineraries. If you found this post helpful, buy me a coffee!
New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
Pin it!