November and December in the Cotswolds: Pre Christmas in Broadway and Bretforton
There is something rather special about visiting the Cotswolds in Autumn and Winter. October brings beautiful autumn colours and plenty of local events, while by November the summer crowds have gone and, as Christmas approaches, villages such as Broadway begin to sparkle with festive lights. If you're planning an autumn visit, you can also read our guide toSeptember and October in the Cotswolds for more ideas and events earlier in the season.
We look after Lower Mill Cottages and Laburnum Cottage in Broadway, as well as March Hare Cottage in nearby Bretforton, so we know this part of the Cotswolds particularly well at this time of year.
If you're thinking about a pre-Christmas break, a few days away for the racing or simply a cosy winter escape, November and December offer plenty of reasons to visit.
Christmas in Broadway
One of our favourite things about this time of year is seeing Broadway begin to get ready for Christmas.
The Broadway Christmas lights will be switched on Saturday 15th November, and from then onwards the village takes on a wonderful festive atmosphere. The lights along the High Street, decorated shop windows and traditional Cotswold buildings make Broadway particularly attractive for an evening stroll.
It's also a lovely time to browse the independent shops, many of which have plenty of ideas for Christmas presents.
If you're staying at Lower Mill Cottages or Laburnum Cottage, you're perfectly placed to enjoy Broadway without having to worry about travelling back after an evening out. You can walk into the village, browse the shops, enjoy something to eat and then make your way back to your cottage.
Late Night Christmas Shopping in Broadway
The big festive shopping evenings take place on Friday 27th November and Friday 4th December 2026, with shops staying open from 4.30pm until 8.30pm.
These evenings are always a lovely opportunity to experience Broadway at its most festive. There is music, festive food and drink, independent shops and plenty of Christmas atmosphere, with the illuminated High Street providing the backdrop.
For us, this is one of the nicest times to have guests staying in Broadway. Rather than simply visiting for an hour or two, you can make an evening of it – wander around the shops, stop for mulled wine or dinner and enjoy seeing the village lit up for Christmas.
The November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
November also brings one of the biggest weekends in the local racing calendar.
The November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse takes place from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November 2026.
The three-day meeting includes Countryside Day on Friday, Super Saturday on Saturday and Carnival Sunday on Sunday, with racing taking place against the backdrop of the Cotswold hills.
If you're coming to the area for the racing, staying in Broadway gives you the opportunity to combine your day at the racecourse with a few days exploring the Cotswolds.
A Christmas break in Broadway
As December arrives, Broadway really starts to feel like Christmas.
The second Late Night Christmas Shopping evening takes place on Friday 4th December, giving visitors another opportunity to enjoy the illuminated village and do some Christmas shopping.
We think a December stay works particularly well if you want to get away from the usual pre-Christmas rush. Spend a morning exploring the Cotswold countryside, head into Broadway for lunch and shopping in the afternoon, and then return to your cottage for a cosy evening.
The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham
For racing enthusiasts, The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse takes place on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th December 2026.
The two-day meeting combines National Hunt racing with plenty of festive atmosphere and is a popular way to start the Christmas season.
Our cottages provide a comfortable base for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it rather than travelling to and from the racecourse on the same day.
Stay near the Fleece Inn (Bretforton) this Christmas
For guests staying at March Hare Cottage, there is a very special attraction just a short walk away – the historic Fleece Inn.
The Fleece has a busy programme of music and events throughout the year, including its regular Thursday folk sessions, Celtic Folk on the third Wednesday of the month and Shifting Sunday Sessions. Its Fleecey Folk series also continues through the winter months.
December brings an especially festive programme.
The Fleece's Christmas by Candlelight evenings run from 1st–16th December on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The pub is lit by candles and fairy lights, with roaring open fires, festive food, real ales and wines – a lovely way to spend an evening when you're staying at March Hare Cottage.
There are also regular music and song sessions during December, followed by the Fleece's traditional Christmas celebrations later in the month.
On Christmas Eve, Father Christmas makes an appearance at the pub before his busy night, accompanied by carols from Bretforton Silver Band. On Boxing Day, Pebworth Morris and Shakespeare Mummers perform in the courtyard, followed by a folk session.
Being just a short stroll from March Hare Cottage means you can enjoy the atmosphere of this historic pub and then walk back to the cottage afterwards.
Staying with us in November and December
We have three cottages in this part of the Cotswolds, each offering something slightly different.
Lower Mill Cottages and Laburnum Cottage are in Broadway itself, making them particularly convenient for the Christmas lights, late-night shopping and everything else the village has to offer.
March Hare Cottage is in Bretforton, just outside the Cotswolds and close to the Vale of Evesham. Its location next to the Fleece Inn makes it an appealing choice if you enjoy traditional pubs, live music and local events, while Broadway is an easy trip away for Christmas shopping and a day exploring the village.
We also welcome dogs, so you don't necessarily have to leave your four-legged family member at home. The countryside around all three properties provides plenty of opportunities for winter walks.
Enjoy a quieter side of the Cotswolds and take advantage of our midweek breaks
We offer midweek breaks in all of our cottages with a Monday arrival and a Thursday or Friday departure. During the midweek it is generally a bit quieter than the weekends. This means that especially in the evenings our many Pubs have open log fires and are more relaxed than at weekends. Our independent shops and coffee houses are also more relaxed leaving you longer to complete your Christmas shopping.
November and December may not be the first months that come to mind when planning a Cotswolds break, but they're some of our favourite times of year here.
The countryside is quieter, Broadway looks beautiful under its Christmas lights, there are plenty of local events to enjoy and the pubs become particularly welcoming after a chilly day outside.
Whether you're coming for the racing at Cheltenham, Christmas shopping in Broadway, an evening at the Fleece Inn or simply a few days away before Christmas, we'd love to welcome you to Lower Mill Cottages, Laburnum Cottage or March Hare Cottage.
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