It’s mid-September and we are still being graced with some truly beautiful sunshine left over from the hot summer that we’ve had this year, but we all know that October is just around the corner, and with that comes Autumn.   The end of summer can leave us feeling a little glum, anticipating those long, cold months ahead is not always a nice thought if you are a warm-weather lover. Fear not though, Autumn is a stunningly beautiful time of the year, especially here in our beautiful Cotswolds where the countryside bursts into life with flame reds, burnt oranges, and yellow hues.

Autumn is the perfect time to get out and about, go walking, and soak up the beauty that surrounds you in the many Cotswold gardens. Here are some of the most beautiful gardens to visit in the Cotswolds this autumn to give you some inspiration on where to pick for your first autumnal walk.

1. Painswick Rococo Gardens

The autumn colours are just starting to peep through at these gorgeous Cotswold gardens, after a warm summer the green leaves have held their own a little longer than normal but are just starting to give in to the slow season change. Head along this month to see the extensive range of heritage fruit in the garden as September is the month that the crop swells and ripens. Any apples and pears that they are unable to use themselves are supplied to local juice and jam makers.

2. Batsford Arboretum

The divine Cotswold gardens at Batsford Arboretum are a delight at any time of the year, but the vast array of trees is quite a spectacle come the autumn. Stroll the paths, see the waterfall, and take in the sublime views of the countryside.

It’s good to be mindful that the walks at Batsford are a little hilly, but should be achievable for most walkers. After you’ve had a wander, head for a coffee or spot of lunch in the lovely cafe on site and have a mooch around the shop and garden center.

3. Pittville Park, Cheltenham

A beautiful example of Cotswold Gardens right in the heart of Cheltenham, Pittville Park is often frequented by parents and their little ones because of the wonderful park, but there are gorgeous short walks for all ages. Start in the tree-lined park side and head under the road using the tunnel to bring you out by the gorgeous lakes.

This is an easy walk and there are even a couple of coffee shops along the way if you fancy a pit stop. The Boat House is a lovely spot and if the weather is mild enough you can sit outside right on the lakeside.

4. Westonbirt Arboretum

The Cotswold gardens at Westonbirt Arboretum pride themselves on their autumn colour displays, labeling them natural fireworks, they are among some of the most breathtaking in the whole of the Cotswolds region and are not to be missed. The famous Japanese maples in particular are ablaze in reds, oranges and yellows so do look out for these on your visit.

5. Blenheim Palace

From the awe-inspiring colours on display in the Cotswold Gardens to the variety of events that they put on such as the Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film, and Music and the annual Contemporary Art Exhibition with the Blenheim Art Foundation, you’ll find lots to keep you busy here this autumn and will be blown away by the autumnal scenes.

6. Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote

Soak up the fresh autumn air with a nice walk around the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote which is a 15th-century former Oxfordshire manor house. Situated next to the peaceful River Windrush this is a truly beautiful spot and you’ll be certain to see all of the colours of autumn as you wander around.

7. Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

A hidden gem spanning England, Wales, and the three counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Monmouthshire, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean is beautiful destination. One of the last ancient forests in the UK and an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Forest of Dean, which is also the largest oak woodland is home to some 20 million trees located between the River Severn and the River Wye. Pick your spot and just walk, the autumn scenes are breathtaking and it really is a slice of the Cotswold countryside at its finest.