The Ultimate Guide To Burford
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds, Burford really should be on your itinerary. The elegant little town has a pretty riverside setting, and is famous for its steep (and photogenic) high street. If you love Georgian townhouses, honey-coloured stone and pootling around independent shops, Burford is definitely the town for you.
Where is Burford?
Burford is in Oxfordshire, just a couple of miles from the Gloucestershire border. It’s known as “The Gateway to the Cotswolds”, thanks to its location at the southern edge of our beautiful district. The River Windrush passes through the town, and there are some lovely walks in the surrounding countryside.
Burford is just 12 miles from our hotel in Upper Slaughter (about 20 minutes by road). It’s a lovely place for a spot of lunch (you’ll be spoilt for tearooms and cosy old pubs in Burton) followed by a meander around its pretty streets and lanes.
Is Burford a historic town?
Burford began its long life in the Anglo Saxon period, as a settlement that grew up around a ford. The Normans built a new town here, founding a hospital on the site of the old Saxon village (later the home of the Tudor priory). Burford soon became a busy and prosperous town, part of the thriving wool trade, as well as a popular coaching stop.
Today’s Burton has a pleasing jumble of buildings from all eras, from the late medieval buildings in the town centre to the gracious Georgian townhouses that line the gold-coloured streets. Dotted among these are traditional Cotswolds cottages from various periods and inviting old inns from the town’s coaching days.
What is there to do in Burford?
The best thing to do in Burford? Simply explore! It’s such a beautiful town, and is full of charming (and dare we say, quaint?) places to shop and eat. However, there are a few places that you simply must visit during your trip to Burford.
Burford Hill
Continue up the sloping High Street to Burford Hill, a residential area with the most perfect-looking Cotswold stone buildings and wonderful views across the Cotswolds’ countryside. If you’re looking for a good spot for photographs, walk up Burford Hill. Church Lane is another pretty street worth seeking out.
Burford Tolsey Museum
Find out more about the town’s heritage at the Burford Tolsey Museum. The building alone is worth a visit, an early 16th-century market hall and former borough court. There are a lot of locally significant artefacts inside the small museum, and it’s a fascinating glimpse into Burford’s history. Entrance to the volunteer-run museum is free, but a donation is appreciated.
St John the Baptist Church
This lovely church dates back to Norman days; however, most of what you see today is from the later medieval period. As the town prospered, the church was enlarged and redeveloped including the magnificent spire, which was added in the 15th century. Highlights include the medieval wall paintings and stunning stained glass, and look out for the memorial to Henry VIII’s barber-surgeon.
The River Windrush
Head down to the river to meet the town’s many waterfowl and admire the fine, three-arched medieval bridge. There’s a pleasant riverside walk (mud alert!), and plenty of photo opportunities.
Crocodiles of The World
Yes, you did read that correctly, and apologies for putting it after the river section… Crocodiles of the World is just 3.5 miles from Burford, and is home to around 80 of these extraordinary animals.There are also some fluffier species at the wildlife park, such as meerkats and fishing cats, as well as other fascinating reptiles in all shapes and sizes. Please pre-book your ticket
Cotswold Wildlife Park
As well as the crocs, you can visit a whole range of birds and beasts at Cotswold Wildlife Park.. There are over 260 species of animals at the Park, which are divided into four sections: mammals, small mammals & primates, birds, and reptiles & amphibians. Again, this favourite family attraction is just a short drive from Burford.
A circular walk from Burford
There’s a good six-mile walk from Burford that takes you along the River Windrush towards the village of Fulbrook. You’re also close to many of the Cotwold’s excellent walking routes, including the Windrush Way. Find out more about walks in the Cotswolds in our guide.
Places close to Burford
Burford is close to other pretty towns and villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton. Bibury, with its famous Arlington Row and trout farm, is just ten miles away, and you’re also a short drive from Lodge Park and Sherborne Park Estate, a National Trust-managed park with a rare 17th-century grandstand.
Are there shops in Burford?
Oh yes, and this is the reason that many people visit Burford. If you love unusual and unique shops, Burford has more than its share. Stock up on treats from the picture-perfect Burford Sweet Shop and explore The Three French Hens, which is an astonishing treasure trove of a shop. As you’d expect, there are some wonderful antiques shops in Burford (try Gateway Antiques) as well as galleries and local craft shops.
For food, there’s a farm shop, Mrs Bumbles Deli and a branch of the Co-Op. There’s a Gulf petrol station on the A40.
Where is there to eat in Burford?
Tea room or pub? Tricky choice, but we reckon you’ve got time to visit at least one of each during your trip to Burford! The most famous tea room in town is Huffkins: try to get a table there for their wonderful afternoon tea. For a locally brewed pint and a hearty meal, head for the 15th-century Cotswold Arms. The Angel is a popular gastropub, or ruck into one of the pies at The Royal Oak.
How do I get to Burford?
Burford is on the A40 and easy to get to. If you’re staying in Upper Slaughter (or many of the villages deeper into the Cotswolds), head south on the A424. There are plenty of places to park in Burford, and unusually, the main car park is free. There’s also short-stay free street parking on the High Street.
Burford doesn’t have a railway station.The closest stations are at Charlbury and Shipton, which are branch lines served by Oxford and Worcester (both of these mainline stations have regular trains from London Paddington).
Book a short break near Burford
If you’re planning a visit to Burford, come and stay at Lords of the Manor. We’re just a short drive from Burford, located in the beautiful countryside near Bourton-on-the-Water.