Cotswolds, Sept or Oct?
 

I'm trying to decide between going to the Cotwsolds area the first week of September or the first week of October, and trying to balance the cheaper airfares in October with the possibility of harsher weather. <BR><BR>Does anyone have any opinions? <BR><BR>Thanks in advance!!<BR><BR>

I was in England for two weeks in the Fall of 2000. We spent a week in the Cotswolds the last week of September and the weather was fine. You should always expect rain, but I don't think you will find the weather too harsh, even in early October.<BR><BR>We stayed at a lovely place in Bourton-on-the-Water, Lansdown Villa Guest House. The owner/operators were wonderful and friendly. The owner even took my father golfing on his regular weekly outing.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.<BR>

In both September and October we have weather ranging from stunningly beautiful warm sunny days to miserable cool wet rainy ones. You always run the risk of rain at any time in England, though. Early October is on average a little cooler than early September, but will not be really cold (unless you are used to a tropical climate!)<BR><BR>Places will also be quieter in early October, with fewer other tourists to compete with.<BR><BR>If there are substantial savings to be had, I would have no hesitation in going for the first week in October.

As an alternative viewpoint, I feel the Cotswolds are best enjoyed when the weather is fine and sunny. Now whilst this can't be guaranteed, you chances are far greater in September than October for fine weather. If you're lucky, it'll be warm and sunny and will make all the difference to your mood.<BR><BR>I say this, sat at work in London, on a gloriously sunny (if cold) day. We've all been remarking all day what a difference it makes to our moods.

The chances for fine weather are slightly better in early Sept. But the UK is an Island surrounded by water so the weather is VERY changeable and there are no guarantees at any time of the year. There have been horrible cold rainy Septs followed by lovely Indian Summer Octs, (and vice versa)<BR><BR>I lived just outside the Cotswolds for 5 years and loved the autumn there. The gardens will in general still be in full flower in Sept and the trees will have started turning in early Oct - so both are wonderful.<BR><BR>Let the amount of savings be your decider - not only is the airfare less, but most accomodations also reduce their rates after the 3rd week of Sept. If the airfare is only, say $100 cheaper - flip a coin, but if you can save hundreds - go in Oct.