November brings with it the start of a long winter, and unlike woodland creatures, we cannot feasibly hibernate - even if we would like to! Instead of retiring in hermitage until the spring, pick yourself up and explore what there is on offer in the Cotswolds at this time of year. Throughout the vast Cotswold geological area there is a distinctive, Jurassic limestone that weathers a golden honey colour. Extensive mining of this resource has meant that across hundreds of towns and villages, Cotswold stone is the primary building material. This commonality ensures that the Cotswold village is an instantly recognisable cultural feature, making it the perfect place for those seeking a quintessentially British break.
Events in The Cotswolds - The November Guide
For those of you wanting to discover more about the Cotswold's acclaimed towns and villages, we've put together a different type of guide for you this month, which details what's on in the Cotswolds by town. With seven iconic towns listed, you may even discover somewhere new.
Chipping Campden
At the start of the Cotswold Way, Chipping Campden in Oxfordshire is ideally located for accessing some incredible manor houses and gardens.
- Take a walk through the medieval Market Hall in the centre of the town. If you happen to arrive onSaturday the 11th of November, there is a craft market in the town hall that is excellent. If you fancy a walk, the walled gardens atHidcote Manortake about an hour and a half but it is well worth it on a good day.
- If you happen to get there on the25th or 26th of November, you couldhelp the National TrustdecorateChristmastrees around the property. After a walk around the garden, head in and help to make Hidcote manor look fantastic for winter. All decorations are provided, and the standard entry fee applies.
- For the green-fingered amongst you, a short drive away in Gloucestershire isKiftsgate Court Gardens, a fantastic spot to see the season change in action.
Where to stay:If you are travelling as a large group (up to 18), considerWatery Park Barnin the village of Weston Subedge is just a short drive from Chipping Campden. Here you will find plenty of space in the house, and a great village pub that will happily accommodate your brood. For groups of up to six,Singer houseis another top-rated Cotswold home and is situated in the centre of Chipping Campden.
Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is quaint, quiet and quite affluent too; famed as much for itscelebrity inhabitantsas it is for theGreat Rollrights(a circle of stones that are claimed to date back to 3000bc).
- If you are in Chipping Norton onSunday 19th November, head to the Chipping Norton Theatre and watch the new documentary'Tawei: a Voice from the Forest'by Bruce Parry; a leading advocate for indigenous peoples across the world, who will be there during the screening to answer questions afterwards.
Where to stay: Although a little further north of Chipping Norton,Stourton Manoris a very special property for groups of up to ten. From the Manor, you are well poised to explore the rest of the Cotswolds, although you'd be forgiven for wanting to stay at home in a property like this!
Stow-on-the-Wold
Famous for its antique shops and twice yearly gipsy horse fair, Stow-on-the-wold can be found in the north of Gloucestershire.
- Why not swing by theStowe Gift, Craft and Collectables Fairon the11th and 12th November. You might even be able to get your Christmas shopping out of the way early!
- Have you ever fancied learning a bit more about wine? You may be given the perfect opportunity on the18th November.Why not book a place at theOxford Chelt Wine school's introductory course -a great taster course for any amateur sommeliers.Where to stay:Teagles Cottageis right in the centre of town, it sleeps up to seven, and is the perfect Cotswold cottage escape for those seeking a little downtime.
Bourton-on the-water
Consistently voted one of the prettiest towns in the UK,Bourton-on the-wateris the essence of the Cotswolds. Set across the calm Windrush river, a tributary of the Thames, it is a town bursting with bijou Cotswold Cottages. For the outdoorsy,Greystones Farmnature reserve is only a short drive away and a fantastic place to walk and explore.
- If you find yourself in this neck of the woods onSaturday, November the 25th, head to Moreton-on-Marsh and wander around theChristmas market. If you get there at the right time, you may even see the lights getting turned on (4:30 pm).
Where to stay:Millstone Cottageis right in town and offers an immaculate space for up to eleven people.
Cirencester
Cirencester is the largest town in the Cotswolds and has a deep, Roman history. For four Centuries the Romans flourished in Cirencester, or 'Corinium Dobunnorum' as it was then known.
- TheCorinium Museumis running a number of events throughout November including a day course in Roman Calligraphy onTuesday the 16th of November.There's also an evening lecture with acclaimed author and TV presenterDominic SandbrookonThursday the 23rd of November
- Young family in tow? Think about taking a day out atMagicland, a 13,000 square-foot soft-play kingdom.
- A short drive from Cirencester isChedworth Roman Villa. On the16th of Novembermeet Censorinus, a fourth-century villa owner. A guided lecture will provide you with a great way to learn more about Roman Britain.
Where to stay:For large groups seeking accommodation,Yew Tree Farmhousejust north of Cirencester is a wonderful option.
Stroud
If browsing, reading and eating excellent food is your kind of things, drive down the A419 from Cirencester to the West Cotswold town of Stroud. The setting of recent Channel four programmeBackstarring David Mitchel and Robert Webb, Stroud is a town with literary and artistic connections.
- Between the 2nd and the 5th of Novemberis theStroud Book Festival, offering a thorough programme of talks for anybody interested in literature.
- Every Saturdaythere is a fantastic farmers market held in the Cornhill market. Those with a sweet tooth, grab a pippins doughnut *drools*.
Where to stay:Why not trySpringfield housein Rendcomb? Accommodating up to 12 guests, this property is a true luxury Cotswold home.
Tetbury
A short drive from Cirencester and Stroud is the bustling market town of Tetbury. With more antique shops per square mile than any other town in the country, Tetbury is an antique lover's haven.
- No visit is complete without a trip toWestonbirt Arboretum, a great day out for adults and children alike. The forestry commission provides all kinds of learning materials to get your little ones acquainted with the forest.
Where to stay:have a look atNew Church Cottage, a bijou cottage to suit all of your needs.
Spend November with Jigsaw Holidays
Tired of waiting around for something to happen? Set a new precedent; spend some time browsing antique markets in a town you've never heard of, drink real ale in front of a real fire, and brace the outdoors for some of the best walks in the country. Shrug off the ever-present desire to roll into bed, have a look at all the different events in the Cotswolds and get planning your retreat. Plan any activities in advance and ensure that your whole family has a great time. Remember, no luxury Cotswold break is complete without somewhere special to stay. AtJigsaw Holidaysyou can find an unrivalled selection of the best holiday cottages in the Cotswolds to make your break away perfect.