Burford is among the most picturesque cities in the Cotswolds because of its gorgeous views of the encircling countryside and the Windrush River that runs via. There are many great issues to do in Burford similar to wandering across the honey-colored, stone-bricked buildings and exploring the numerous boutique retailers.
I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for a few years as I’ve pals dwelling within the area, and Burford is someplace I like to spend a number of days each time I’m on this a part of the world. There are many glorious locations to go to in Burford to maintain guests occupied and it’s a fantastic base for exploring close by locations of curiosity.
The city is famed for its fairly excessive avenue and previous buildings, nevertheless, it’s an necessary historic landmark because of The Levellers, a band of rebels and mutineer troopers who had been executed within the city in Might 1649. You’ll be able to see proof of their imprisonment within the Church of St John the Baptist.
Greatest Issues To Do in Burford
Beneath, you’ll discover a wide array of Burford points of interest from the historic church the place the Levellers had been confined, to the Tolsey Museum, Kilkenny Lane Nation Park, and some glorious issues to do close by.
1. Discover the Lovely City Heart
The most effective issues to do in Burford for first-time guests is to discover the city and its many boutique retailers and cafes. The city is legendary for its vintage and second-hand retailers, so, in the event you take pleasure in nosing via thrift shops, you’ll be blissful to know that there’s loads of alternative relating to looking for fascinating objects in Burford.
The Excessive Avenue is on a big hill that appears down in the direction of the River Windrush and out throughout the rolling hills and valleys of the Cotswolds; making it one of the vital spectacular streets within the space. It hasn’t modified a lot in centuries so in the event you’re searching for an instance of a quintessential English nation city, that is the right place.
2. Get pleasure from Afternoon Tea at Huffkins
Huffkins is a cute little bakery and tea room situated on the picturesque Excessive Avenue and is the right place to pop in for a morning espresso, a lightweight lunch, or a cream tea with loads of Cotswold cream and jam. I really like an excellent cream tea and at £8.95 for a pot of tea and freshly made scones, this is among the finest within the space.
When you’re searching for slightly extra pomp and ceremony then the afternoon tea for 2 is simply the factor. Get pleasure from a choice of hand-sliced sandwiches, desserts, and scones all washed down with sizzling tea, or in the event you’re feeling celebratory, a glass or two of prosecco. Afternoon tea begins at £54.95 for 2 folks and is among the most romantic issues to do in Burford for {couples}.
That is certainly one of my favourite locations to pop in for a espresso and a snack after I’m on the town, and the desserts actually are glorious. Extremely really helpful.
Tackle: 98 Excessive Avenue, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QF. Click on right here for instructions.
3. See the Church of St John the Baptist
The Church of St John the Baptist dates way back to 1175 and is among the most visited within the nation. The church as you see it immediately, together with the spire, dates to the sixteenth Century and is among the most interesting examples of a Cotswold place of worship.
Through the English Civil Conflict (1642 – 1651) a gaggle of radicals took problem with the federal government of the day and needed extra freedom for the folks. As troopers began to turn out to be indignant at lacking wages they joined the group, often called The Levellers, however got here to be routed close to Burbury and locked within the church on sixteenth Might 1649.
The ringleaders had been taken from the church and shot, and immediately you may see a plaque inside that commemorates these martyrs. Leveller’s Day is now celebrated on or across the sixteenth Might annually and in the event you occur to be in Burford you may witness the celebrations.
Tackle: Church Inexperienced, Oxfordshire, OX18 4RY. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Take the Cotswold and Burford Round Stroll
The city is surrounded by a number of the most picturesque countryside in England, so getting out for a stroll or a hike is a should and is among the issues I ensure that I do every time I go to. The Cotswold and Burford Round is a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) stroll that begins and finishes within the city.
It’s a comparatively simple hike that doesn’t require a excessive stage of health and takes round three hours to finish. The path passes via medieval farmland, rolling meadows, and alongside the River Windrush. It’s additionally potential to bike the route, and canines are welcome. Preview the path right here.
5. Have a Pint within the Cotswolds Arms
The Cotswold Arms is a standard British pub within the coronary heart of Burford that dates again to the fifteenth Century. That is my favourite of the numerous pubs on the town because of its attractive setting and rustic attraction. You’ll be able to heat up subsequent to a roaring fireplace in winter, and in summer season months, take pleasure in a chilly pint within the beer backyard.
The pub affords a wonderful choice of native ales, craft beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails, and there’s a wonderful meals menu of hearty pub classics from fish and chips to steaks and pies, all utilizing domestically sourced produce the place accessible. There’s additionally stay music at weekends which makes this one of the vital enjoyable locations to go in Bursford at night time.
Tackle: 78 Excessive Avenue, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QF. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Go to the Burford Backyard Firm
Whether or not you’re in want of extra backyard crops or not, taking a look across the Burford Backyard Firm is among the most enjoyable, free issues to do in Burford. The corporate was based in 1976 and is a lot greater than only a backyard heart. Whereas away a day and browse an enormous choice of crops, house decor, artwork, and different curios.
You’ll discover the Burford Artwork Gallery right here with fascinating sculptures and shows, modern work, and extra. There’s additionally an onsite cafe that serves a scrumptious choice of sizzling meals, gentle snacks, and drinks. Visiting the Burford Backyard Firm is unquestionably the most effective issues to do in Burford for households.
Tackle: Shilton Highway, Oxfordshire, OX18 4PA. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Go to Minster Lovell Corridor
Minster Lovell Corridor was as soon as a fifteenth Century Manor Home a number of miles from Burford that was since deserted and now types a picturesque set of ruins in a phenomenal, rural location subsequent to the Windrush. The home was constructed within the 1430s by William Lovell – one of many richest males in England on the time.
As with the close by Church of St Oswald, Minster Lovell Corridor is just accessible by foot, is open throughout daylight, and is free to discover. For budding photographers, this is a great spot to catch some unimaginable photographs, notably at dawn and sundown.
Tackle: Minster Using, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 0RR. Click on right here for instructions.
8. See the Tolsey Museum
If you wish to be taught extra in regards to the city’s fascinating historical past; from medieval instances to the Civil Conflict and as much as immediately, pay a go to to the small Tolsey Museum on the Excessive Avenue. The museum is situated in the Tolsey, which was constructed within the early 1500s as a home for market merchants.
Inside, you’ll uncover a wealth of fascinating reveals from archaeological finds to previous pictures. Though a donation is appreciated, there isn’t an entrance charge for the museum; making this the most effective free issues to do in Burford. Open every day from 2 pm till 5 pm from April to October and weekends solely in November and December.
Tackle: 126 Excessive Avenue, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QJ. Click on right here for instructions.
9. See the Church of St Oswald
The spectacular eleventh Century Church of St Oswald was constructed on an earlier Roman website so has a historical past courting again over 2,000 years. The church as you see it immediately primarily stems from the thirteenth Century and is among the most interesting and best-preserved medieval church buildings within the nation.
The church is just accessible by foot and is situated subsequent to the River Windrush, a brief stroll from Burford. The church is open throughout daylight all year long and is free to enter.
Tackle: Widford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4TU. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Go to the Cotswold Cheese Firm
The Cotswold Cheese Firm shares over 120 totally different artisan and farmhouse cheeses, specializing in domestically sourced dairy merchandise in addition to these from different prime cheesemakers in France and Italy. Who doesn’t love a wedge of crumbly cheese with their picnic? That is the perfect place to get it.
You’ll be able to even purchase a Cotswold Cheese Firm reward card for the cheese-lover in your life (beginning at £10) which makes a fantastic quirky, reward (and might be higher than a chunk of provolone in your suitcase).
Tackle: 113 Excessive Avenue, Oxfordshire, OX18 4RG. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Take a Day Journey to Oxford
Oxford is a historic metropolis 30 miles east of Burford that’s famed for its age-old college, world-famous museums just like the Ashmolean, and nice parks and open, inexperienced areas. There are many great issues to do in Oxford from exploring the well-known faculties to strolling alongside the river and discovering out in regards to the metropolis’s lengthy historical past.
One of the simplest ways to see town is to take a strolling tour like this two-hour assisted journey across the metropolis and college with an alumni information. You’ll get to be taught in regards to the historical past of town and absorb a few of its prime landmarks such because the Bodleian Library, Trinity Faculty, and the Radcliffe Digital camera. Click on right here to seek out out extra and e book.
Attending to Oxford is a straightforward drive that takes underneath an hour from Burford, or you may get there by public transport with relative ease. Take the 233 bus to Witney after which change for the S1 or S2 into Oxford.
12 Calm down at Kilkenny Lane Nation Park
Kilkenny Lane Nation Park covers an space of fifty acres (21 hectares) a few miles from Burford. It is a improbable place for the entire household because it has a big journey play space for teenagers. There are mountain climbing trails, bridleways for horse using, and lots of excellent spots to cool down for a picnic.
The nation park is open year-round day-after-day and is free to enter. There’s a parking lot however no different amenities, although The Mason’s Arms pub is inside strolling distance.
Tackle: Elmhurst Approach, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18 1EY. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Stow-on-the-Wold
The most effective locations to go to close to Burford is the attractive market city of Stow-on-the-Wold. The city is the best level within the Cotswolds and affords breathtaking views of the encircling countryside for miles round. Stow has an fascinating historical past that dates again to the medieval interval and is legendary for its historic market sq..
See the picturesque St Edward’s Church with its fairy-tale doorway that appears as if it’s straight out of a fantasy novel. Stow-on-the-Wold can be well-known for vintage retailers such because the Tara Antiques Centre and is house to one of many oldest pubs in England – The Porch Home.
14. Bourton-on-the-Water
Simply upriver from Burbury is the attractive Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water which is called being one of the vital picturesque locations in England. See the historic stone bridges that crisscross the river, marvel on the rustic cottages of conventional Cotswold stone, and uncover the numerous vacationer points of interest from the mannequin village to the Motoring and Toy Museum.
Different Bourton points of interest embody the Greystones Nature Reserve and the Hawkstone Brewery (house of the well-known Jeremy Clarkson’s Lager). Bourton-on-the-Water is unquestionably the most effective locations to go to close to Burford in the event you’re eager to set your sights on one of many prettiest villages within the nation.
15. Take a Tour of the Cotswolds
This tour from the close by metropolis of Oxford contains Burford in addition to different picturesque cities and villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. In addition to spending time in a number of the prettiest villages within the nation, you’ll get to discover historic websites such because the fifteenth Century Minster Lovell Corridor.
That is undoubtedly the most effective issues to do round Burford as you’ll get to stroll alongside the scenic Windrush River (and have a paddle if the climate is sweet), see the picture-perfect hamlet of Decrease Slaughter, and snap some Instagram-worthy pictures of the “chocolate field” model homes and cottages.
Taking a tour like this is among the finest methods to see the Cotswolds hassle-free. You’ll be transported from Oxford in a contemporary, air-conditioned car with a personal driver and information. The tour lasts 7 hours and departs from Oxford Railway Station at 10 am and returns at 5 pm. Click on right here to e book now.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Burford
Beneath, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Burford that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to. They embody all the highest vacationer points of interest in Burford and a number of the finest day journeys from the village.
1 Day in Burford Itinerary
With simply in the future to spend sightseeing in Burford, begin off by exploring the attractive Excessive Avenue and The Hill with a lot of nice photograph alternatives amongst the picturesque stone cottages, impartial retailers, tea rooms, and pubs. Stroll alongside the attractive Windrush River that winds its approach alongside the village and see the previous stone bridge.
Pop into the Huffkins Bakery for lunch or an indulgent cream tea with lashings of Costwold cream and jam. As soon as fuelled, take a look at the small Tolsey Museum earlier than making your strategy to Kilkenny Lane Nation Park for a stroll and soak within the gorgeous Cotswold views (don’t fear, it’s not in Eire).
End off the day in a single (or all) of the pubs within the city from The Angel at Burford to The Cotswold Arms or The Royal Oak (crawling – not actually – from one to the opposite is unquestionably the most effective issues to do in Burford at night time).
2-3 Days in Burford Itinerary
With a number of days to spend in stunning Burford, observe the above itinerary to your first day and spend extra time exploring the city. Begin your day at Lynwood and Co for a number of the finest espresso within the Cotswolds and make time to go to the historic Church of St John the Baptist; the location of a bloody execution in the course of the Civil Conflict.
Take a look at a number of the fascinating retailers from the Candy Store to the Cotswold Cheese Firm and seize a style of the Cotswolds to take house with you. Settle at one of many nice eating places for lunch just like the Burford Home Lodge, and spend the early night exploring the countryside and River Windrush earlier than heading again into city to complete up at one of many pubs.
1 Week in Burford Itinerary
With every week to spend in Burford, observe the above itineraries to your first few days and add in day journeys to close by locations of curiosity. Take a tour of Cotswold villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, and maintain a day spare for exploring the traditional metropolis of Oxford and its prestigious college.
The place to Keep in Burford
These are a number of of the perfect resorts in Burford for vacationers:
The Bay Tree Lodge – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The attractive Bay Tree Lodge is a sixteenth Century nation residence within the heart of Burford that gives four-star rooms with an en-suite lavatory and all the things you want for a calming keep. The resort has received a number of awards together with Small Lodge of the 12 months and is the right place for first-time guests. Click on right here to e book now.
Inn for All Seasons – Greatest for Households
The charming Inn for All Seasons affords giant, family-sized rooms simply a few miles from Burford in a phenomenal countryside setting. Rooms include an en-suite lavatory, flatscreen TV, and tea and coffee-making amenities. There’s an onsite restaurant, bar, and gardens for friends to take pleasure in. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Priory Tea Rooms – Greatest for Finances Vacationers
The comfy Priory Tea Rooms can be a mattress and breakfast with comfy double rooms that includes non-public loos, free WiFi, and a nice backyard to loosen up in. The lodging is within the coronary heart of the city, only a minute’s stroll from all of the retailers, pubs, and facilities Burford has to benefit from. A terrific price range possibility. Click on right here for more information.
Greatest Eating places in Burford
Burford is a superb vacation spot for foodies with a lot of glorious cafes, eating places, and pubs specializing in native and seasonal produce. Beneath, you’ll discover 5 of my prime picks:
Huffkins Bakery and Cafe: The most effective locations to start out your day is on the Huffkins Bakery which affords a wonderful choice of breakfast and lunch choices from a full English to eggs, sandwiches, and salads. There’s each inside and outside seating, and a store promoting luxurious hampers and different presents. Canines are additionally welcome. Click on right here for instructions.
The Mermaid Inn: This fifteenth Century Inn is certainly one of my favourite locations for a chunk to eat and a few pints because of its rustic attraction, glorious choice of actual ales, and fairly priced menu. Select from hearty pub meals like burgers and steaks to pizza, salads, and a few significantly decadent desserts. Click on right here for instructions.
The Spice Lounge: When you’re searching for one thing slightly spicy, then head to the superb Spice Lounge for a style of South Asia. I really like an excellent curry and the biryanis and tandooris served listed here are second to none. The Spice Lounge affords each restaurant eating and takeout service. Click on right here for instructions.
The Angel at Burford: The Angel is one other of my favourite pubs in Burford and has a wonderful menu of pub classics from beer-battered fish and chips to burgers, steaks, and filling pies. They provide an excellent vegetarian choice they usually create a tasty Thai inexperienced curry (certainly one of my favorites). Click on right here for instructions.
The Cotswold Outpost: This glorious cafe and restaurant is the perfect place to return for breakfast, brunch, or lunch within the city. The menu contains freshly made sandwiches, sausage rolls, plowman’s lunches, and a very good choice of selfmade desserts and scones. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Burford
Driving or taking a tour is the easiest way to get to Burford as public transport across the Cotswolds is considerably restricted. If driving, the village is simply off the A40. The closest main metropolis is Oxford, 20 miles (32 km) to the east. From Oxford, take the S1 or S2 bus to Witney and alter for the 233 to Burford.
You’ll be able to go to Burford in one of many many Cotswolds excursions setting off from both London or Oxford. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book. There are every day trains from London to Oxford, the place you may change for native buses for the ultimate stretch.
All the principle vacationer points of interest are inside strolling distance and strolling across the city is the easiest way to take all of it in at a leisurely tempo. Biking is one other nice strategy to get round and can allow you to go slightly additional afield.
Issues To Do in Burford: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Burford:
Burford is called the location of the execution of The Levellers, a band of dissidents that challenged parliament in the course of the English Civil Conflict in 1649. The city can be identified for its picturesque stone homes, and vintage and boutique retailers promoting native arts, crafts, and produce.
Burford is a improbable vacation spot at any time of yr, however the shoulder seasons of spring and fall imply you can keep away from the summer season crowds. Winter can be a good time to go to because the city appears to be like gorgeous within the snow and you may heat in entrance of a roaring fireplace in one of many rustic pubs.
Burford is unquestionably price visiting because it’s one of the vital picturesque locations within the Cotswolds and supplies guests with an actual illustration of a sleepy English city.
Two to 3 days is an efficient period of time to spend within the city and expertise all the highest issues to see in Burford. If you wish to discover the close by cities and villages, then every week is healthier.
Like most rural cities and villages in England, Burford may be very protected for guests. Violent crime is nearly remarkable and vacationers needn’t fear an excessive amount of about security, although the same old traveler precautions ought to be taken similar to not flashing valuables and huge quantities of money.
Among the hottest issues to do in Burford embody strolling alongside the River Windrush, searching for antiques, and making an attempt the food and drinks within the many glorious pubs and eating places within the city.
Burford is a haven for foodies with some glorious eating places within the city serving up seasonal dishes from native substances. Remember to go to the Cotswolds Cheese Firm and The Candy Store on the Excessive Avenue so you may savor the flavour of the city after your journey with some takeaway items.
In Closing
Now you already know what to see and do in Burford, the charming Cotswold city made well-known by the mutineers and rebels often called the Levellers, to its picturesque “chocolate field” homes, rustic, nation pubs, and lots of great walks. With so many great points of interest in Burford, it’s a spot I’ll return to repeatedly.
The city additionally makes a fantastic base for exploring the broader Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence and close by villages like Bourton and Stow. One factor’s for positive, in the event you’re planning on visiting this tranquil nook of England, be sure you don’t miss this stunning city.
