This pretty part of the Cotswolds is the perfect place to visit for a cosy autumn weekend day trip – and it looks even better at this time of year, when the leaves beging to fall and the dark nights draw in.

Stow-on-the-Wold is surrounded by beautiful countryside and quaint villages – it has the classic English style that is loved by tourists and locals alike.

It is also the Cotswolds’ highest town at 800 feet above sea level, and its hilltop was once the site of an Iron Age Fort.

While you’re there, you can visit one of the UK’s oldest pubs, which dates back to 947AD.

The Porch House used carbon-dating to estimate the age of its building, although it was not used as a pub until the 1700s.

It has a good reputation and offers drinks and food, a particular favourite is its Sunday roasts.

Located close to the villages of Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water, many visitors will make sure to include both of these popular Cotswold spots as part of their visit.

One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “We visited for Sunday lunch with our family on our final day in the Cotswolds and it was my personal highlight of the weekend. Sunday roast was excellent, the atmosphere was exactly what you’d hope and expect and the staff were extremely helpful and accommodating. Highly recommended!”

Another must-see spot while you’re in the area is St. Edward’s Church. Its unique appearance is said to have inspired a famous author.

J.R.R. Tolkien taught at the University of Oxford and was known to visit the Cotswolds, including Stow-on-the-Wold.

Rumour has it that he was so taken with the door of the church that he used it in his book.

A visitor on Tripadvisor said: “St. Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold is a Lovely Cotswold church which has its north door wonderfully guarded by two old Yew trees either side perfectly framing its porch where small stained glass windows crown the arch of the door.

“This makes it so picturesque with very much an old world epic folklore story charm. Great for unique photo opportunities. Don’t forget to take some time inside to sit, maybe pray and simply enjoy the peace that these lovely old churches give!”

There are a range of things to do in the area such as take a walk out into the countryside or browse around the market square.