2026 was dubbed the ‘year of whimsy’, as more of us look for ways to bring a little more playfulness, nostalgia and wonder into everyday life. And as we head into autumn, where better to embrace the trend than the Cotswolds.
Think crisp countryside walks beneath changing leaves, wandering through a Victorian arboretum, lakeside mornings surrounded by wildlife, botanical spa treatments and afternoons spent over tea and cake.
With autumn stays available from just £129 per room, per night, De Vere has two Cotswolds escapes that offer a little everyday magic without needing to travel far: De Vere Tortworth Court and De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
Having recently completed a £1.3M refurbishment, this 30-acre estate is the perfect spot to experience the best of the British countryside, featuring a spa focused on botanical treatments, an intimate orangery with a 60-foot-high glass roof and plenty of natural light, and of course an unparalleled location. Encased by rolling hills and vineyards, guests can spend the morning strolling through the manicured gardens and Victorian arboretum, home to a myriad of native plants and flowers, before stopping by the open plan 1853 Restaurant & Library Bar for a spot of lunch prepared using seasonal and local ingredients. Alternatively, the afternoon tea is a delicious option with traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats and a glass of bubbly served alfresco on the terrace.
In the afternoon, forest bathing merges with five-star heritage at The Leaf Spa, where the treatment menu has been designed to restore emotional balance and enhance physical wellbeing. Incorporating essential oils infused with a natural blend of botanicals in every massage, facial and body experience, guests are sure to be leaving feeling detoxed, pure and calm – even more so thanks to the complimentary gin and tonic and homemade chocolate offered upon departure! Whether they’ve had a day of exploring or relaxing, come afternoon guests will be ready to lay their head in a freshly renovated bedroom – many of which have been converted from the original horse stables – complete with luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries, walk-in showers and original features and fittings.
De Vere Tortworth Court is home to Victorian arboretum, housing more than 300 plant and tree specimens – download our map here.
Encased by 152 lakes, De Vere Cotswold Water Park is perched on lake six, offering panoramic views of the surrounding waters and wildlife from every apartment and hotel room. Effortlessly blending modern design with the natural world, apartment guests can expect wood, stone and glass seamlessly integrated to create light, airy and contemporary lakeside living spaces for the whole family to enjoy. Holiday apartment guests can enjoy the seclusion of their own space, while still receiving access to the hotel’s full amenities (spa, swimming pool, breakfast etc).
Secluded, pet-friendly and fully equipped, the holiday apartments are ideal for families looking to soak up the buzz of the Cotswolds within the serenity of their own privacy – complete with a kitchenette for preparing family favourites, a light-filled lounge area for quality time and a private balcony or garden.
Whether more on the adventurous, foodie or outdoorsy side, the Cotswolds is an area rich in history with an abundance of fascinating places for families to explore, with many attractions and hotspots having been around for generations. Pulses can be raised at the thrilling water sports destination of Lakeside Ski & Wake or Cotswold Range, offering a range of shooting, archery or crossbow experiences. For something more laidback, the nearby, family-run Butts Farm offers a chance for little ones to meet and engage with rare breed farm animals while Cotswold Sculpture Park spotlights both traditional and contemporary art installations across its serene gardens. And with everything less than a 10 minute drive from the property, De Vere Cotswold Water Park is the perfect base from which to explore