A Sunday in the Cotswolds (from Swindon)
By Alistair Lowe · Updated
An easy, unhurried Sunday: autumn colour at Westonbirt, a wander round Tetbury, a proper Sunday roast, then home via Cirencester as it gets dark. About 60 miles of driving in total, in short hops.
The plan
- 10:00 Leave Swindon.
- 10:45 Westonbirt Arboretum: walk among the maples.
- 12:45 Tetbury: antique shops and the high street.
- 13:30 Sunday roast (book ahead).
- 15:30 Pudding and coffee by the fire.
- 16:15 Drive home via Cirencester, back in Swindon around 17:00, just after dark.
No car? You can hire our electric Fiat 500e in Swindon from £35 a day; see dates and today's price on Turo.
Drive times
- Swindon to Westonbirt: about 45 minutes (around 28 miles, via Cirencester).
- Westonbirt to Tetbury: about 10 minutes (3–4 miles).
- Tetbury to the Wild Duck at Ewen: about 20 minutes (around 9 miles).
- Ewen or Tetbury to Cirencester: 10–20 minutes.
- Cirencester to Swindon: about 25–30 minutes (around 16 miles).
Times are typical road-planner estimates; Sunday traffic is usually light, but check a live route planner on the day.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Westonbirt, near Tetbury, is run by Forestry England and is famous for its Japanese maples in October. Allow around two hours: the Old Arboretum has the classic maple glades, and Silk Wood is quieter and dog friendly.
- Opening: every day except Christmas Day from 9am; last admission 4.30pm.
- Prices (peak autumn, 25 Sep to 15 Nov 2026): adults £22 at weekends (£19 weekdays), children 5–18 £5, under-5s free. From 16 November, weekend adults are £19. See the official admission rates.
- Book ahead: Forestry England strongly advises pre-booking in autumn to guarantee entry.
- Dogs: welcome on leads on the Downs and off lead (under close control) in Silk Wood, but not in the Old Arboretum, except assistance dogs. See the dog rules.
Checked on the official site on 23 October 2026.
Tetbury
Tetbury is known for its antique and interiors shops, with honey-stone streets around the Market House and the tall spire of St Mary's church. It's a good place for a slow browse before lunch. Many independent shops keep shorter hours or close on Sundays, so check any shop you particularly want to visit.
Where to have Sunday roast
All three serve Sunday lunch and get busy on autumn weekends, so book.
- The Royal Oak, Tetbury: a free house on Cirencester Road, a short walk from the shops. Sunday roast served 12:00–15:30.
- The Trouble House: just outside Tetbury on the Cirencester road. Sunday lunch served 12:00–15:00.
- The Wild Duck, Ewen: a 16th-century inn near Cirencester with open fires, on your way home. Sunday roast served 12:00–16:30, and dogs on leads are welcome.
Serving times are from each pub's own website (checked 23 October 2026). Menus change, so check before you go.
Pudding by the fire
Save room. When you book, ask for a table near the fire; the Wild Duck's open fires make it the cosiest choice for a long lunch that runs into pudding.
Home via Cirencester by dark
Head back through Cirencester for a last look at the market place, then it's under half an hour to Swindon. After the clocks go back (Sunday 25 October 2026), sunset is around 4.55pm, and around 4.20pm by mid-November, so the last stretch will be in the dusk.
Charging an electric car
Westonbirt has no EV charging points (per Forestry England), so set off with a good charge. The whole loop is about 60 miles, well within the range of most EVs, even in cold weather. If you want a top-up, Cirencester has public chargers; check Zap-Map for live availability.
Tips
- Book both Westonbirt and lunch, especially on autumn weekends.
- Wear boots: arboretum paths can be muddy after rain.
- Arrive at Westonbirt early; car parks and paths are busiest from late morning.
- Bringing a dog? Plan your Westonbirt walk around Silk Wood and the Downs.
Photo credits: William Warby (top photo, Westonbirt; maples at Leighterton, next to Westonbirt), Andrew Moore (cottage, Unsplash License), Ben Prater (Tetbury), Geraud pfeiffer (Sunday roast), Kader Azra Namuslu (wood-burning stove; location unknown), Maciej Cisowski (autumn sunset; location unknown). All Pexels License unless stated. The roast, stove and sunset photos are illustrative and not taken at the places named.
Train + drive
Arriving by train? Collect our grey electric Fiat 500e at Swindon station and explore at your own pace. Today's price, availability and protection options are shown on Turo.
Check dates and price on Turo →FAQ
How long does it take to drive from Swindon to Westonbirt Arboretum?
About 45 minutes (around 28 miles) via Cirencester, depending on traffic.
Can you take dogs to Westonbirt Arboretum?
Yes, on leads on the Downs and off lead under close control in Silk Wood. Dogs are not allowed in the Old Arboretum, except assistance dogs.
Do I need to book Westonbirt in autumn?
Forestry England strongly advises pre-booking from 25 September to 15 November to guarantee entry.