October

Dates for your diary

As the Cotswolds shifts into its most photogenic season, wrapped in amber tones and morning mist, our October curation delivers an effortless blend of countryside pursuits, cultural heavyweights, and refined gastronomy.

Get in the spirit of the season with a little pumpkin picking at Over Farm, 17 acres of pumpkin patch to explore. Over Farm’s Pumpkin Festival runs from 10am – 5.30pm every weekend (last entries at 4:30pm) from the 3rd of October. AND every single day from the 23rd – 31st October too, so you can enjoy a family pumpkin picking session during half term. Tickets from £2.99 pp, dogs £1, plus £2 per transaction booking fee. Book your slot here.

From the 9–18 October head over to Cheltenham Literature Festival, widely regarded as one of the finest celebrations of the written word. Immerse yourself in talks from literary greats and global thought-leaders against the vibrant backdrop of Montpellier Gardens, Check the schedule here.

Jump season thunders back into view from 23-24 October. Dust off your finest and prepare for two days of elite racing and exceptional hospitality at Cheltenham Racecourse – secure badges here. Following an action-packed Saturday of racing, keep the celebrations at an all-time high with iconic hits from the world leading ABBA tribute act – the FABBAGIRLS. AND if you’re looking to make this an utterly memorable weekend, do check out the steam train, landing right at the racecourse – what a way to travel. Find tickets, routes and timetables here.

If you’re keen to know what else is happening in and around Cheltenham this month and beyond, do check keep your eyes peeled for our Cheltenham area guide, that’ll be live here, on Friday!

Go check out Cirencester Autumn Market on 17-18 October. An eclectic mix of stalls with groceries, crafts and street food, in the old Market Place (GL7 2NY), open 9-6 on Saturday and 9-5 on Sunday. A great morning or afternoon or retail therapy, and a chance to stock on some seasonal delicacies.

…If you’re ready to be spoilt this season,  get yourself a spot at the Bollinger Wine Dinner at Lucknam Park on the 22 October. Prepare for an exclusive evening of gastronomic refinement featuring a 5-course seasonal menu and canapés created by Michelin-starred Chef Hywel Jones, thoughtfully paired with exceptional cuvées from Champagne Bollinger. £295 p/p, for a night you won’t forget.

History lovers will go wild for the Cirencester History Festival running from 23 October – 1 November. Over 40 events with renowned historians—including BBC star Alice Loxton, alongside leading biographers and so much more – find the full programme here.

If you are up for a DANCE, don’t miss Dunkertons 90s House vs Indie Night on 24 October. Witness Denise van Outen and Johnny Vaughn go head-to-head on the decks, £35 a ticket these will sell out fast.

For a more relaxed weekend vibe, Dunkertons continues its weekend residency with free live music every Saturday, pairing soloists with delicious street food and of course their signature organic cider (other drinks available) – no need to book, just turn up and enjoy.

If you’re ready for a little peace and quiet, get at one with nature at one of the areas most spectacular gardens, see Batsford or Westonbirt Arboretums – to witness peak canopy transformations as the famous Japanese maples burst into deep reds and vibrant oranges. Or indulge yourself with an expertly guided Seasonal Garden Walk at Highgrove, finished perfectly with a cream tea or a two-course lunch in the Orchard Room. Pick your date here.

Of course, October means half term and Halloween. For a suitably spooky evening, head to Sudeley Castle on 31 October for an after-hours Victorian murder mystery. Follow the clues through the castle and gardens, question the suspects, then make your accusation before the dramatic reveal. With exclusive access to the castle, a three course meal included and just 50 spaces available, these are hot tickets! Secure yours here.

For wellness, checkout the unrivalled small and very personal freeform yoga with Roisin, held weekly at the back of bar Foletta in Stow-on-the-Wold… leave lighter, floating. Spaces need to be booked directly with Roisin in advance (07854 403164).

And if you’re a reformers addict, or yet to give it a go, do check out the stunning new Reformer Studios in Middle Aston, with a very special welcome offer of 2 classes for £25, open 7 days – offering small group sessions and one on one sessions – ‘strengthen your body, clear your mind and make space for you’.

Or for some superior TLC and to kick start you’re a/w skin journey, did you know that Dr David Jack has just opened his latest clinic in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold… the first out-of-city expansion of his acclaimed Harley Street practice, the permanent clinic brings his signature “less is more” holistic approach to skin health and aesthetic medicine to the Gloucestershire countryside.

For the ultimate in autumnal Sunday lunching, do check out The Feathered Nest Inn, Nether Westcote. Perched high on a ridge with sweeping views over the Evenlode Valley, this sophisticated inn offers the ultimate fireside sanctuary. Settle in for elevated, impeccably sourced pub fare —think 28-day dry-aged roast beef sirloin with towering Yorkshire puddings, or inventive small plates like soft shell crab with Thai basil and chili, all complemented by an exceptional, sommelier-curated wine list.

Also check out, The Bell Inn, Langford, from acclaimed chef Tom Noest and his business partner Peter Creed, this award-winning countryside destination, which secured a Michelin Bib Gourmand shortly after opening – delivers the gold standard. The ideal balance between a proper local neighbourhood pub and hip hotspot. Expect roaring fires, flagstone floors, a wood-fired oven and food to languor over – a perfect autumn afternoon.