As harvest draws to a close and the vineyard begins to quieten, the pace of life here changes too. The vines turn from green to shades of gold and red, mornings become crisper and evenings are made for lighting the fire, opening a bottle of wine and settling in.

By winter, the vineyard feels wonderfully peaceful. The Cotswolds may be quieter, but there is still plenty to see and do – from long countryside walks and cosy pubs to Stroud Farmers' Market, independent shops and, of course, a vineyard tour and wine tasting.

For us, autumn and winter are less about trying to fit everything in and more about having the time to properly enjoy where you are.

Self-catering vineyard accommodation in the Cotswolds

Set amongst our vines near Stroud, our self-catering accommodation gives you a peaceful base for exploring the Cotswolds – or simply somewhere lovely to stay put for a few days.

For couples, friends or families looking for dog-friendly accommodation in the Cotswolds, The Retreat is our two-bedroom farmhouse within the vineyard.

Sleeping up to four, it has a large kitchen-diner, two log burners, an enclosed garden and plenty of space for muddy boots after a day exploring the countryside.

Spend the morning walking, come home to put the kettle on, light the fire and settle in for the afternoon. Sometimes the best part of a countryside break is having nowhere else you need to be.

With a three-night minimum over weekends, there is time to properly settle in. Or escape during the week, when the vineyard and surrounding countryside feel quieter still.

A large Cotswolds country house for family and group stays

For bigger gatherings, Woodchester Valley House is our six-bedroom private vineyard home near Stroud, sleeping up to 14 guests.

The six bedrooms sleep 12, with additional sleeping space for either one adult or two children on the sofa bed in the master bedroom dressing room.

With a large kitchen and dining area at the heart of the house, two living rooms and log burners, there is plenty of room for everyone to come together – and enough space to spread out too.

For an extra touch, hot tub hire can also be arranged for your stay through our trusted local supplier. After a day walking in the Cotswolds, there's something rather lovely about sinking into a hot tub overlooking the valley before heading inside for a cosy evening by the fire.

It makes a wonderful base for a family gathering, a few days away with friends, a milestone celebration or simply one of those increasingly rare occasions when you manage to get everyone together in the same place.

And while long weekends are always popular, a midweek stay can be one of the loveliest ways to experience the house. Stay a little longer, enjoy quieter days in the Cotswolds and make the vineyard your home for a few days.

We also still have selected availability over Christmas, for anyone dreaming of bringing everyone together and spending Christmas in the Cotswolds.

Explore the Cotswolds at a slower pace

A countryside escape doesn't have to mean spending your entire stay in the car. Stroud is easily reached by train, and from the station it's only a short journey to the vineyard. We're happy to recommend local taxi companies to help you plan your journey to and from the station.

Once you've arrived, you can make your stay as busy – or as wonderfully uneventful – as you like. Pack your walking boots and explore the beautiful countryside around the Stroud Valleys, with plenty of local footpaths and Cotswold Way walking routes to discover.

If you'd prefer two wheels, bikes can be hired locally and are a great way to explore the valley, surrounding countryside and nearby villages at your own pace.

On Saturday morning, head into Stroud for its famous Farmers' Market, browse the town's independent shops and cafés, or spend some time exploring nearby Nailsworth.

Then head back to the vineyard, put your feet up and open a bottle of wine.

How to spend a few days near Stroud in the Cotswolds

There is no need for a strict itinerary, but if you're wondering how to fill a few days at Woodchester Valley, we'd suggest keeping things simple.

Day one: Arrive and settle in

Take the train to Stroud or make your way to us by car, unpack and give yourself some time to explore your surroundings.

Take a stroll amongst the vines before heading back to your accommodation. Light the fire, cook something together – or arrange a local takeaway or meal from one of our recommended caterers – open a bottle of Woodchester Valley wine and enjoy an evening with nowhere else to be.

Day two: Explore the Stroud Valleys

Start slowly with breakfast before heading out into the surrounding countryside.

Follow one of the local walking routes or a section of the Cotswold Way, or hire bikes and explore the valley on two wheels.

If it's Saturday, make time for Stroud Farmers' Market, where you can pick up local produce for dinner before browsing the town's independent shops and cafés.

Back at the vineyard, light the fire and put your feet up. If you're staying at Woodchester Valley House, you could arrange hot tub hire and soak while the sun goes down across the valley – or head into Stroud or Nailsworth for dinner.

Day three: Discover the vineyard

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before joining one of our Vineyard Tour & Tasting experiences.

You'll discover more about growing grapes in the Cotswolds, explore the vineyard and taste a selection of Woodchester Valley wines.

Spend the afternoon exploring a little further afield, head out for a long lunch, squeeze in another countryside walk – or go back to your accommodation and do absolutely nothing.

That's rather the point.

Walking breaks in the Cotswolds – with your dog

Autumn and winter are brilliant seasons for walking in the Cotswolds.

The cooler weather makes longer walks particularly enjoyable, the paths become quieter and the changing landscape gives you a completely different view of the countryside.

The Retreat and Woodchester Valley House are dog friendly, making Woodchester Valley a great base if you're looking for a dog-friendly Cotswolds break.

Explore the Stroud Valleys, discover nearby Cotswold Way routes or venture to Woodchester Park before returning to the warmth of your accommodation.

Muddy boots – and paws – are very welcome.

Our Winter Vineyard Escape

If you'd like us to make your winter break a little easier, our Winter Vineyard Escape brings together some of our favourite parts of a stay at Woodchester Valley.

Your stay includes a bottle of our Cotswold Classic sparkling wine on arrival, a locally sourced breakfast and grazing hamper, and a Vineyard Tour & Tasting for two.

Available at The Retreat as well as our Vineyard Barns for couples, it's an easy way to combine a Cotswolds break with good food, English wine and a little time away from everyday life.

Walk, eat, drink, explore… or don't

There is plenty to fill a few days here, but there's absolutely no requirement to.

Visit Stroud Farmers' Market. Walk part of the Cotswold Way. Hire a bike and explore the valley. Discover nearby towns and villages. Find a cosy country pub. Join us for a Vineyard Tour & Tasting.

Then again, you could stay in.

Cook something good, open a bottle of Woodchester wine, read a book by the fire, play games around the kitchen table and enjoy having nowhere to rush to the next morning.

That, for us, is a pretty good autumn or winter break.

Bring friends. Bring family. Bring the dog. Come for Christmas, escape for a few quiet days midweek or gather everyone together for a long weekend.

However you spend your time here, the vineyard is a place to settle in, slow down and enjoy the Cotswolds at your own pace.

Explore our vineyard accommodation and autumn and winter availability, or contact our accommodation team at stay@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk and we'll be happy to help you plan your stay.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I stay at a vineyard in the Cotswolds?

Woodchester Valley Vineyard offers self-catering vineyard accommodation near Stroud in Gloucestershire, including Vineyard Barns for couples, The Retreat for up to four guests and Woodchester Valley House for larger groups of up to 14.

Is there dog-friendly accommodation at Woodchester Valley Vineyard?

Yes. The Retreat and our Woodchester Valley House are dog friendly, making them a great base for walking holidays and countryside breaks with your dog.

Can I visit Woodchester Valley Vineyard without a car?

Yes. Stroud has a railway station and the vineyard is a short taxi journey away. We can recommend local taxi companies for your journey between Stroud station and your accommodation.

Where can a large group stay near Stroud in the Cotswolds?

Woodchester Valley House is a six-bedroom self-catering house set within Woodchester Valley Vineyard near Stroud. It sleeps up to 14 guests and is particularly suited to family gatherings, groups of friends and celebrations.

Does Woodchester Valley House have a hot tub?

Hot tub hire can be arranged for guests staying at Woodchester Valley House through our trusted local supplier for an additional fee. It's a particularly lovely addition to an autumn or winter Cotswolds stay, with views across the surrounding vineyard and valley.

What is there to do near Woodchester Valley Vineyard in autumn and winter?

Guests can explore local walking routes and sections of the Cotswold Way, visit Stroud Farmers' Market, explore Stroud and Nailsworth, hire bikes locally, visit nearby attractions and join a Vineyard Tour & Tasting at Woodchester Valley.