Burford is a town of timeless charm and medieval architecture, captivating visitors with its picturesque landscapes and rich historical heritage. Renowned as one of the most scenic towns in England, Burford beckons travellers with its medieval bridge, alluring Tudor and Georgian facades, and a sense of old-world enchantment.
Situated as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ this town holds a significant place in history, originally serving as a fortified Anglo-Saxon ford before flourishing into a bustling crossroads and a prosperous hub of the wool trade.
As you wander through the streets of Burford the blend of architectural styles, from medieval to more recent additions, creates a tapestry of beauty and authenticity. Visitors are also drawn to the town’s vibrant shopping scene, where they can explore a treasure trove of antiques and unique finds.
Whether you come to immerse yourself in history, revel in the beauty of the surroundings, or indulge in a delightful shopping experience, Burford promises an unforgettable journey through time. This idyllic town offers history, beauty, and a warm welcome at every turn.
Where is Burford?
Burford is located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. It is situated in the Windrush Valley, on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Burford is approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres) west of the city of Oxford and lies 40 minutes drive along the A40 road, making it easily accessible for driving visitors. You can get a train from Oxford, but it’s not direct. But you can get to Burford with a bus service for non-drivers.
The town’s picturesque setting and architectural beauty have made it a popular destination for tourists exploring the Cotswolds region and has free parking within its centre although it will be harder to find a space on the weekends.
The Cotswolds’ allure is deeply intertwined with its limestone, which lends an essential charm to the area. In Burford and throughout the region, the local golden-hued limestone is utilised in the construction of most buildings, adding to the visual appeal of the surroundings.
Burford’s advantageous location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds, venturing towards National Trust properties, and visiting towns and Cotswold villages renowned for their uncommon beauty. Nearby gems include Bibury, a beloved destination of William Morris, and the cosy market town of Northleach, with its distinctive charm.
It’s not just sightseeing on offer, Burford is also a lovely place for walks along the river with easy meadow walking, country lanes and wooded paths.
Things to do in Burford
Burford is not huge, the population is around 1400 people, but it’s a nice location for a weekend break or as a central base for exploring Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. Here are just some of the highlights and landmarks worth seeing.
Burford Walking Tour
Exploring Burford High Street for an hour or two is a worthwhile endeavour, filled with fascinating discoveries.
It’s worth highlighting that while Burford Priory has stunning architecture (and thought to be haunted), it’s a private residence and not open to the public and it’s incorrectly got reviews on Google Maps. Bit of trivia tough, it’s actually owned by Elizabeth Murdoch (daughter of Rupert) and her ex-husband Matthew Freud (great-grandson of Sigmund).
Anyway, commencing from the northern end near the enchanting River Windrush, you’ll encounter the town’s charming Medieval bridge and its three elegant arches. As you continue along the High Street, meandering alongside the valley is a procession of historic buildings crafted from Cotswold stone.
One notable stop is No. 105, home to the Bull Hotel. Unique among the town’s structures, it stands as the sole brick building in Burford. Over the years, this establishment has welcomed esteemed guests, including King Charles II and his renowned mistress, the actress Nell Gwynne, along with the illustrious figures of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton.
A significant event took place in 1649 when the Levellers, a group of radicals within Oliver Cromwell’s army heading to Banbury, found themselves cornered in the town. The Church of St John the Baptist served as its temporary prison, with around 340 individuals held within its walls. As a poignant reminder of this chapter, visitors can still witness the lead font where one prisoner, Anthony Sedley, etched his name and bullet holes from the execution of the groups leaders.
St John the Baptist
Church Green, Burford, OX18 4RY
www.burfordchurch.org
Burford, a town steeped in the history of Medieval wool merchants, boasts several remarkable sights worth exploring. Among them, is the majestic Cotswold wool church, which stands as Burford’s grandest monument.
Construction of the church commenced in the 12th century and continued for over four centuries, resulting in various improvements and expansions. From a distance, one’s gaze is drawn to the striking 12th-century crossing tower, which was further enhanced and adorned with a spire in the late 14th century. The south porch is particularly magnificent, with its intricate tracery-panelled façade. Stepping inside, visitors are treated to a collection of exquisite tomb monuments and the Chapel of St Thomas of Canterbury, adorned with Medieval wall paintings.
Among the tomb monuments is the memorial to Edward Harman, Henry VIII’s barber-surgeon, dating back to 1569. This monument features one of the earliest depictions of Indigenous South Americans, a unique historical representation. Another remarkable feature is the stunning 17th-century canopied tomb located in the north chapel, dedicated to Sir Lawrence and Lady Tanfield, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and artistic beauty.
Tolsey Museum on the High Street
Tolsey Museum
126 High St, Burford, OX18 4QJ
www.burfordtolsey.org
The Tolsey Museum offers an exploration of the town’s history through its small yet intriguing collection. Looking into various aspects of Burford’s past, the museum covers topics such as governance, trade, culture, guilds, and industry.
Among the artefacts on display, you’ll find a 15th-century charter granted by Henry VII, bestowing Burford with the privilege of hosting a fair. Additionally, a long vellum roll from 1605 reveals the rules governing the burgesses of the town. An impressive highlight is a meticulously crafted leaded-bronze mortar, produced in Burford’s Edward Neale foundry in 1659.
The museum also presents an exhibit of historic needlework samplers, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the past. Visitors can marvel at an ornate Victorian doll’s house, meticulously modelled after Burford’s Great House, a magnificent townhouse located on Witney Street.
The collection at the Tolsey Museum extends beyond documents and crafts. It includes an array of seals and ceremonial maces, offering a glimpse into the town’s ceremonial traditions. Tools used in local trades such as quarrying, rope-making, and brewing further enrich the museum’s displays of the diverse industries that shaped Burford’s history.
You can also purchase a downloadable self-guided walking tour of Burford from the museum for £4.99 which will take you on a one-mile walk around the town, highlighting the most popular historic buildings.
Burford Garden Centre
Shilton Road, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4PA
www.burford.co.uk
Located just outside of Burford town this vast garden centre covers 15 acres and sells a wide range of plants, flowers, furniture, homewares, clothing and much more. The stunning glasshouse café where everything is made from scratch make it a popular place for lunch or afternoon tea and has won several awards.
Okay, so while a garden centre is unusual for a list of things to in a Cotswold town, if you have kids you may find this a blessing. It has a playground for children and outdoor terraces so you can enjoy the grounds in the summer. With plenty on offer for shopping from the plants themselves to books, toys, art and regular events you will easily spend a few hours taking in everything this garden centre has to offer.
Christmas time is an excellent time to visit and see it transformed into a winter wonderland with a large range of decorations available to buy.
Burford Hill
Burford Hill is just above the main High Street and is the ideal spot to photograph its two rows of beautiful limestone houses. There aren’t many shops on this part of the street as it is mainly residential, so please be respectful of the local residents.
There are plenty of places to stop and admire the magnificent views of Burford and the rolling hills in the Cotswolds countryside. With the nicest views in the area it is worth the walk up or make it easier by taking the bus to the top of the hill and walk down towards the town.
Shopping
Burford is one of the best towns in the area for shopping and there are many worth visiting. Some of the most popular include:
Country House Gifts
Open daily from 10am-5pm
51 High Street, Burford, OX18 4QA
This is one of the best shops if you are looking for gifts. They sell a large range of products from children’s clothes, toys and homewares. If you love quintessential British items such as teapots and luxury soaps then this shop will have everything you need.
The Sweet Shop
Open daily from 9am-5pm (later opening on Sundays at 10am)
94 Hight St, Burford, OX18 4QF
This old fashioned looking sweetshop has a huge selection of traditional sweets to choose from. Most of the sweets cost £2-£3 per 100g making it a good place to take children to spend some pocket money. They also offer more expensive gifts and hampers.
The Cotswold Cheese Company
Open from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday.
113 High St, Burford OX18 4RG
This store is one of three in the area and all the cheeses are made locally in the Cotswolds. The list of cheeses available here are endless, from Shropshire Blue, Cornish mature gouda and whiskey smoked cheddar it is every cheese lovers dream. They also sell biscuits, pickles and other Deli goods as well as hampers of all their best sellers. Be aware though most items come with a high price tag.
Madhatter Bookshop
Open everyday except Tuesday from 10am-4pm.
122 High St, Burford, OX18 4QJ
This is a cosy independent bookshop that’s been around for over 20 years. The staff are helpful and passionate about the books they sell and will help you find everything from the new releases to books less known. They have a book club, hold events and even sell online if you cannot make it into the store.
Places to eat
Burford has many pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and more to help satisfy your appetite. Some of the most popular include ‘The Royal Oak, ‘The Mermaid’ and ‘The Cotswold Arms’. These traditional pubs are the perfect place to take a rest in between your tour of the town and offer food and drinks with great reviews.
If you’d prefer a warming coffee over an English pint, the café at the Warwick Hall overlooks the river where you can watch the wildlife over the summer time. You can enter the café from within the grounds of the St John the Baptist Church.
No visit to Burford is complete without a stop at Huffkins Cotswold Bakery & Tearooms which as been around since 1890. Located on the high street it is famous for its English teas and scones with jam and clotted cream, although they also offer English Breakfasts, pastries, toasties and more. The café has a cosy feel with a medieval courtyard. You can finish your visit by taking home a souvenir Huffkin’s shopping bag, the perfect memento of your trip to Burford.
Tourist Attractions near Burford
If you have a car, there are things to do near Burford within a short 10-15 minute drive.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Bradwell Grove, Burford, OX18 4JP
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Situated just a few miles south of Burford on the A361, lies the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. Encompassing an expansive 160 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
With over 250 distinct species of animals, including magnificent rhinos, awe-inspiring wolves, graceful giraffes, playful lemurs, and regal lions, the park offers a thrilling wildlife experience. Additionally, it boasts one of the largest reptile collections in the country, showcasing an impressive array of reptilian creatures.
Beyond the animal encounters, the park also provides a range of amenities for visitors to enjoy. A children’s playground entertains young ones, while a well-stocked gift shop allows visitors to take home mementoes of their wildlife adventure. And when it’s time to refuel, a cosy cafe offers a variety of refreshments to satisfy appetites.
One of the park’s most beloved attractions is the immersive ‘Madagascar’ exhibit, where visitors can wander through and encounter free-roaming lemurs and native birds up close and personal. It’s an enchanting experience that brings the wonders of Madagascar to life.
Kilkenny Lane Country Park
Elmhurst Way, Carterton, OX18 1EY
Kilkenny Lane Country Park, located just a short distance southeast of Burford, is a beloved destination for dog walkers and families with children. This rectangular nature and parkland area offer a number of recreational opportunities.
For the older kids, an exciting adventure play area awaits, complete with challenging rope nets, a thrilling zip-line, and bouncing trampolines. Meanwhile, younger children can enjoy their own playground, thoughtfully designed with soft sand.
The park doesn’t stop there; it also features a delightful willow maze for visitors to explore. Additionally, there are 2.5 kilometres of well-maintained footpaths, cycle paths, and bridleways that wind through wildflower meadows and charming little groves.
Asthall Manor
Asthall Manor, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4HW
www.asthallmanor.com
Asthall Manor is a historic Jacobean manor house. This remarkable estate holds significant cultural and architectural value, captivating visitors with its timeless beauty and rich heritage.
The manor house dates to the Jacobean era, with its distinctive architectural style and grandeur. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and design of the period, its intricate details and elegant features have been well preserved over the centuries.
Surrounding the manor is a landscape encompassing gardens, woodlands, and meadows. The gardens at Asthall Manor are particularly renowned for their enchanting design and planting. Created by Isabel and Julian Bannerman in 1997-98, the gardens have garnered widespread acclaim and have been featured in various publications.
While it serves as a private residence, it occasionally opens its doors to the public. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the meandering paths of the estate, discover hidden spaces, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds the manor. These openings often coincide with special events, such as the National Garden Scheme, providing a unique chance to experience the magic of Asthall Manor first-hand.
Crocodiles of the World
Burford Rd, Brize Norton, Carterton, OX18 3NX
www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk
Just a short five-minute drive from Burford along the A40 lies the unique attraction that is the UK’s only zoo dedicated entirely to crocodiles.
There is an extensive and diverse collection of crocodiles that lurk within this extraordinary zoo. From widely recognised species such as the Saltwater and Nile crocodiles to more obscure varieties like the slender-snouted crocodile, Schneider’s dwarf caiman, the Cuban crocodile, Cuvier’s caiman, and the Tomistoma, the zoo has an exceptional array of ancient reptiles.
Immerse yourself in the world of crocodiles as you encounter an impressive selection of 17 out of the world’s 24 crocodile species, marvelling at their distinctive features and behaviours. However, the wonders of this zoo extend beyond crocodiles alone. Prepare to be enthralled by a vibrant menagerie of colourful exotic birds, charming mammals such as meerkats, playful otters, and tamarins, as well as an assortment of reptiles including tortoises, turtles, snakes, and monitor lizards.
Minster Lovell Hall
Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire, OX29 0RR
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/minster-lovell-hall-and-dovecote/
Minster Lovell Hall is a historic ruin of a grand manor house that belonged to the Lovell family, who were prominent landowners during the medieval period. The hall is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public as a heritage site.
Minster Lovell Hall dates back to the 15th century and was known for its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings. It features a great hall, a tower, and a nearby dovecote, all of which reflected the wealth and status of the Lovell family. It served as their residence and symbolised their social standing in the area.
However, today, Minster Lovell Hall stands as a picturesque ruin, with remnants of its former grandeur still visible. Visitors can explore the site, marvel at the surviving architectural elements, and imagine the brilliance that once graced the hall. The ruins are surrounded by peaceful green meadows and provide a glimpse into the history and heritage of the area.
Things to do in Oxfordshire Guides
