It’s that time of year again. The leaves are turning golden, the nights are drawing in and, unfortunately, house spiders have become far more common! All in all, with the Summer seeming like a distant memory, the Autumn seems a darker and miserable place, especially with just how wet and cold it is. Because of this, weekends should be spent getting out there and making the most of the sun and relative warmth whilst we still have it. We live in Oxfordshire and, around us, there is plenty to do and see and so I wanted to share with you all some of the best places to spend your autumn around Oxfordshire.
Virginia Water
Okay, so whilst the first place on this list technically is not Oxfordshire, it is still only about half an hour away.
Windsor Great Park is a fantastic morning out on a sunny day and the section in Virginia Water is particularly special in the Autumn. One highlight is the Maple Walk which, you guessed it, is packed filled with maple trees. At this time of the year they give off beautiful red and yellow colours. There are also plenty of other deciduous trees which bring a different warm tone to any picture. Perfect for taking that perfect autumnal photograph!
Henley-on-Thames
Henley is a beautiful part of the country, and Jack and I were fortunate enough to grow up here. On a sunny day in Autumn, the town and its riverside walk get even more beautiful. I always like to grab a warm pumpkin spice drink, throw on a thick coat and take a slow walk along the river towards Shiplake.
The autumnal colours in the river, sky and trees make me feel super cosy and I love spending a Sunday morning along the river before retreating to the shops and eventually the fireplace at home. A top-tip is to definitely arrive early to avoid the rush. Alternatively park on Deanfield road to avoid any parking charges and to guarantee a space.
Burford
Burford has a fantastic range of things to do, whether that be a trip to their famous garden centre (always fantastic!), the Cotswold Wildlife Park or simply the sleepy village with the surrounding countryside.
We always like to visit this time of year and spend some time just slowly wandering around the town. It is also the perfect location for a bit of window shopping.. Maybe start your Christmas shopping at the same time!
The best part though is finding a good pub, of which there are plenty, and ordering a roast whilst listening to a crackling fire and taking in the smells of smoke and pine. You can also mix this into other famous Cotswold sites if you wanted to make an even bigger day of it.
Warburg Nature Reserve
We’re back just outside of Henley for this one and a place that Jack and I know very well from our childhoods.
Warburg is truly a gem of the Chilterns and boasts an impressive collection of different species of flora and fauna. It is completely off the beaten track but, to get here, bring a car that will survive the bumpy roads. I would also recommend bringing a nice big flask of warm tea and your wellies so that you are prepared for anything. Either way if you are looking for a day immersed in wildlife and away from your phone signal, then this is the place for you.
Oxford University Colleges
I love exploring the twists and turns of the old Oxford town and Autumn adds a fresh dimension to this. The wet cobbled streets with the uneven walls really transports you back to the past whilst also being very pretty. To add to this, Christchurch meadows are famous for bringing out the true range of autumn colours. The other colleges also add other things to see and do, along with any shopping that you may wish to do. I think it offers you a full day out, whilst also presenting beautiful photo opportunities.
Turville
Autumns around Oxfordshire get no better than in the rural villages, and Turville may just be one of my favourite. If you have seen Vicar of Dibley or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, you will be familiar with this historic village. We love a walk around the village to see the pretty houses, before heading up towards the windmill and enjoying the view from the top out over the valley.
If you want a pretty landscape in the UK at autumn, it doesn’t get better than this. There’s also a very good pub just down the way too!
Millets Farm
If you grew up in Oxfordshire, you will have undoubtedly visited Millet’s Farm in your lifetime. If you haven’t, well, it is a rite of passage and you should go there soon.
One thing that Millets do this time of the year is ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkin’. What makes a better autumn picture than you, dressed in a coat and wellies, holding a giant pumpkin?! Once you are done, head to the farm shop and to see the animals; it’s the perfect morning out for families.
Hot Chocolate in Stow-on-the-Wold
Nothing says hot chocolate quite like an autumnal day. I love mine with cream and marshmallows and can often be found at home, under a blanket by the fire, drinking a delicious frothy chocolate drink whilst watching some binge-worthy television.
Coach House Coffee are renowned for some of the best hot chocolate in Stow-on-the-Wold. A warming hot chocolate makes for the perfect companion as you explore all of the shops that the village has to offer.
Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum, located in Moreton-on-Marsh, is home to a stunningly beautiful collection of rare trees. Whilst this unique location is a great day out all year, Autumn is my personal favourite. I just adore the different shades of yellow, red and orange that are brought about through the leaves and berries. Batsford state that it is a “natural fireworks display” and I couldn’t agree more!
Ghost Hunting
If you’re looking for something supernatural and spooky for Halloween, look no further than a ghost hunt at Woodchester Mansion. Explore the haunted area at night and look out for the fabled headless horsemen who patrols the area.
This one is definitely not for the faint hearted, but if you are into Halloween and looking for something fun and different, this could be just for you.
Autumn at Sherborne
We arguably saved the best until last. The Sherborne Estate looks absolutely gorgeous this time of year and I always try and make a point of visiting for a country walk. The colours are lovely and, to top it off, herds of roe deer can be seen patrolling the estate. This is also when the deer rut happens and, if you’re lucky, you may see large deer competing for a mate. If you have a good camera, you can get some amazing shots and it is well worth the visit.
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Other posts that may help you:
- What to do in Henley-on-Thames
- Days Out in Southern England
- Going Local | Exploring Midsomer
- Top Bonfire Nights in Oxfordshire [2023]
I hope that you enjoyed this post on autumn in Oxfordshire and I provided some inspiration. Let me know if you visit any of the places on my list! Equally if you have other suggestions send them my way!
Happy exploring,
Love Victoria x
