Autumn on Tap: Where to Walk, Dine, and Toast the Season

Men walking two dogs next to an old stone wall in the Cotswolds.

October brings crisp air, the crunch of boots along hedgerows, and the promise of a pint in a quintessentially British pub. To mark the season, we’ve rounded up some of the finest pubs to fold into your autumn rituals, whether you’re wandering through the Cotswolds golden landscape, lingering over a Sunday roast, or ducking into a city pub after a day of exploring.

Walks and Watering Holes

Nothing pairs better with October than a walk framed by auburn leaves, ending in a welcoming pub. Here are our picks this season:

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Bourton-on-the-Water & Stow-on-the-Wold Circular → The Fox Inn, Broadwell

‍The circular route between Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold showcases honey-stone cottages, winding lanes, and fields edged with bracing hedgerows. The River Windrush threads through Bourton, giving the village its “on-water” name and storybook charm. After wandering the quaint streets, and perhaps stopping to browse the independent shops of Stow-on-the-Wold, a 20-minute stroll brings you to The Fox Inn in Broadwell. Owned by famed locals Pete Creed and Tom Noest, who also run beloved pubs such as the Sherbourne Arms, The Fox Inn is no exception: it serves seasonal food without sacrificing a traditional cosy setting and keeps things interesting with rotating guest chefs.

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‍Walk Two: Broadway and Broadway Tower Loop → The Swan, Broadway

‍‍A four-mile loop with views stretching over the rolling hills to Broadway Tower, this walk delivers iconic Cotswold views so you can see the changing leaves from the best perspective. The Swan, just a short stroll from Broadway Tower, offers the perfect stop where you can soak up the countryside scenery before heading back into town.

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Walk Three: Westonbirt Arboretum → The Royal Oak, Leighterton

‍People travel to Westonbirt Arboretum to see the leaves change, it’s famous for it. The maples and acer branches form a canopy of autumn light that feels straight out of a postcard. After wandering the arboretum’s groves, The Royal Oak nearby is our pick for a stop: a classic Cotswold inn that doesn’t need to announce itself.

Warm Up and Tuck In

From hearty roasts and seasonal pies to pubs with fireside corners perfect for chilly days, these are our top picks for warming up and tucking in this autumn:

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Best Pub Roast: The Horse and Groom, Bourton on the Hill

‍The Horse and Groom is August’s top pick for a Cotswolds roast. The latest opening from Wild Rabbit alumni Nathan and Liam has already earned praise from Giles Coren and Condé Nast Traveller. This is a true community pub, surrounded by scenic walks, serving roast potatoes crisped to perfection, rich gravy, and seasonal vegetables that taste unmistakably of the Cotswolds.

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Best Local Pie: The Bull, Charlbury

‍Housed in a 16th-century Grade II listed building, The Bull is autumn at its cosiest: candlelight, an open fire, and a monthly rotating “Bull Pie” made from seasonal ingredients. On sunny, crisp days, you can even settle by the outdoor fireplaces under a provided blanket, a simple but unforgettable cosy experience.

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Top Pub with a Fireplace: The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

‍‍A modern take on a traditional Cotswold inn, The Wild Rabbit sources produce from Daylesford Farm, a local institution in the Cotswolds and roots the menu in the season. The pub’s open fireplace offers the perfect escape on those crisp autumn days, while a long lunch by the fire invites you to slow down and soak in the season.

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Part-Pub, Part Retreat: The Double Red Duke, Clanfield

‍For days when you need to truly unwind, The Double Red Duke combines the comforts of a pub with the indulgence of a spa retreat. Plush corners, generous plates, and the spa within make it the ultimate autumn stop to warm the cockles, offering the perfect dose of R&R after a walk in the bracing countryside.

A man stands dressed for a country walk on a path, holding a walking stick and his dog on a lead.

A dinner table with candles, wine, roast potatoes, wine, and vegetables.

A hand is gently holding a brown leaf above clear lake water.

An Urban Autumn

Even in the city, autumn calls for hearty British fare, these London pubs are our top picks for a pint, a roast, and the perfect seasonal atmosphere:

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The Pelican, Notting Hill

‍While the Devonshire is London’s more famous classic roast, our pick for the ultimate autumnal atmosphere is The Pelican. Tucked away in Notting Hill, it serves timeless British dishes with zero pretension. Don’t miss the bar snacks or the ever-changing cocktail menu, perfect by the fireplace. To top it off, you’re just steps from Westbourne Grove, one of London’s best shopping streets, which is definitely worth a stroll afterward.

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The Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell

‍Set within a charming village-style wine and deli shop, Quality Chop House brings the warmth of a countryside Sunday lunch straight into the city. Known for having some of the best roast potatoes around, its candlelit tables and traditional tiled flooring create the perfect autumnal retreat.

Here's to Autumn

Pub season is more than a pint: it’s the walk that earns it, the meal that is shared, and the cosy spaces that invites pause. Lace up, step out, and let October unfold, one walk, one pint, one plate at a time.

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A white and blue arm chair next to a stone hearth.

Kitchen prep table with cutting board, recipe book, spices and olive oil in bottles.

Two men talking over pints next to a fire, while a dog looks back at you.