September and October in the Cotswolds: Autumn Events and Things to Do

September and October are wonderful times to visit the Cotswolds. As summer begins to give way to autumn, the countryside takes on a different character, with changing colours, crisp mornings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area's villages, walks, pubs, gardens and local events.

If you're looking for a Cotswolds break this autumn, our cottages in Broadway and Bretforton provide excellent bases for exploring the area, with plenty to see and do throughout September and October.

September in Broadway and the Cotswolds

September is a particularly good month for a visit, with many of the area's popular summer events continuing into early autumn.

One of the highlights right in Broadway is the Broadway Horticultural & Craft Show, taking place on Saturday 12th September 2026 on the village green. The show celebrates locally grown fruit, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants, alongside baked goods, jams and handmade crafts.

The following day, Sunday 13th September, brings the Broadway Food Festival to the village green. It's a great opportunity to discover local producers and enjoy some of the excellent food and drink associated with the Cotswolds.

For beer and cider lovers, the North Cotswold CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival takes place on 11th and 12th September, making this a particularly busy weekend for visitors looking to combine a stay in the Cotswolds with local food and drink.

Further afield, the RHS Malvern Autumn Show takes place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September 2026 at the Three Counties Showground. The show celebrates gardening, food and countryside life, with the RHS Flower Show, giant vegetable competitions, local food and drink, talks, shopping and family entertainment.

October in the Cotswolds

By October, the Cotswolds really begins to embrace autumn. The trees start to turn, the countryside becomes perfect for scenic walks and the cooler evenings make the area's traditional pubs and restaurants particularly inviting.

One of the biggest events of the month is the Cheltenham Literature Festival, which returns from 9th–18th October 2026. The world's longest-running literature festival brings leading authors, writers and thinkers to Cheltenham for ten days of talks, discussions and events. The 2026 programme includes more than 500 events, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys books, ideas and culture.

For racing fans, The William Hill Showcase takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October. It marks the opening of the new Cheltenham jump racing season, with two days of racing and the first chance to see some of the season's horses back in action.

Stay in Broadway

Our Lower Mill Cottagesand Laburnum Cottage in Broadway make a great base for an autumn visit. The cottages offer peaceful locations while being within easy walking distance of Broadway's shops, pubs and restaurants.

You can spend the day exploring the Cotswold countryside before returning to your cottage to relax, with private parking, pet-friendly accommodation and gardens or patios providing everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Broadway itself is particularly lovely in autumn. Take a stroll along the famous High Street, browse the independent shops, enjoy lunch in one of the village's pubs or restaurants, or head out into the surrounding countryside for a walk.

Stay at March Hare Cottage in Bretforton

If you're looking to explore the Vale of Evesham as well as the Cotswolds, March Hare Cottage in Bretforton is another excellent option.

This charming 19th-century cottage is located just moments from the famous Fleece Inn, one of the area's most historic and characterful pubs.

The Fleece has a busy programme of events throughout September and October, including live music, folk sessions, ceilidhs and food and drink events. September highlights include a Fleecey Folk performance by DLÙ on 3rd September, the Wyrd Folk Festival on 6th September, a Back to School Ceilidh on 10th September and an A Flavour of the Fleece Taste & Tour on 21st September.

October continues with Fleecey Folk performances from Miguel Girão on 1st October, Chloe Matharu on 8th October and Breabach on 13th October, as well as an A Flavour of the Fleece Taste & Tour on 26th October.

Being just a short walk from the Fleece means March Hare Cottage is particularly convenient if you want to enjoy an evening event without worrying about driving afterwards.

Plan an Autumn Cotswolds Break

Whether you choose Broadway or Bretforton as your base, September and October offer plenty of reasons to visit.

From village food festivals and horticultural shows to beer and cider, autumn gardening, literature and horse racing, there is something for a wide range of interests. And with the countryside beginning to change colour, it's also a beautiful time simply to slow down and enjoy the Cotswolds.

If you're planning an autumn escape, we'd love to welcome you to one of our cottages.