Burford is likely one of the most picturesque cities in the Cotswolds due to its gorgeous views of the encircling countryside and the Windrush River that runs by means of. There are many fantastic issues to do in Burford corresponding to wandering across the honey-colored, stone-bricked buildings and exploring the numerous boutique outlets.
I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for a few years as I’ve buddies dwelling within the area, and Burford is someplace I like to spend a couple of days every 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 an awesome base for exploring close by locations of curiosity.
The city is famed for its fairly excessive road and outdated buildings, nevertheless, it’s an vital historic landmark due to The Levellers, a band of rebels and mutineer troopers who had been executed within the city in Could 1649. You possibly can see proof of their imprisonment within the Church of St John the Baptist.
Greatest Issues To Do in Burford
Beneath, you’ll discover a big selection of Burford sights 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 Stunning City Heart
The most effective issues to do in Burford for first-time guests is to discover the city and its many boutique outlets and cafes. The city is known for its vintage and second-hand outlets, so, if you happen to take pleasure in nosing by means of thrift shops, you’ll be glad to know that there’s loads of alternative with regards to searching for fascinating gadgets 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 probably the most spectacular streets within the space. It hasn’t modified a lot in centuries so if you happen to’re searching for an instance of a quintessential English nation city, that is the proper 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 proper place to pop in for a morning espresso, a lightweight lunch, or a cream tea with loads of Cotswold cream and jam. I like an excellent cream tea and at £8.95 for a pot of tea and freshly made scones, this is likely one of the finest within the space.
Should you’re searching for somewhat extra pomp and ceremony then the afternoon tea for 2 is simply the factor. Get pleasure from a number of hand-sliced sandwiches, muffins, and scones all washed down with scorching tea, or if you happen to’re feeling celebratory, a glass or two of prosecco. Afternoon tea begins at £54.95 for 2 folks and is likely one of the most romantic issues to do in Burford for {couples}.
That is considered one of my favourite locations to pop in for a espresso and a snack once I’m on the town, and the muffins actually are glorious. Extremely beneficial.
Deal with: 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 likely one of the most visited within the nation. The church as you see it in the present day, together with the spire, dates to the sixteenth Century and is likely one of the most interesting examples of a Cotswold place of worship.
In the course of the English Civil Warfare (1642 – 1651) a bunch of radicals took concern with the federal government of the day and wished extra freedom for the folks. As troopers began to develop into offended at lacking wages they joined the group, referred to as The Levellers, however got here to be routed close to Burbury and locked within the church on sixteenth Could 1649.
The ringleaders had been taken from the church and shot, and in the present day you may see a plaque inside that commemorates these martyrs. Leveller’s Day is now celebrated on or across the sixteenth Could annually and if you happen to occur to be in Burford you may witness the celebrations.
Deal with: Church Inexperienced, Oxfordshire, OX18 4RY. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Take the Cotswold and Burford Round Stroll
The city is surrounded by among the most picturesque countryside in England, so getting out for a stroll or a hike is a should and is likely one of the issues I make sure 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 straightforward hike that doesn’t require a excessive degree of health and takes round three hours to finish. The path passes by means of medieval farmland, rolling meadows, and alongside the River Windrush. It’s additionally doable 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 conventional 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 due to its attractive setting and rustic appeal. You possibly can 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 gives a wonderful number 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 out there. There’s additionally reside music at weekends which makes this probably the most enjoyable locations to go in Bursford at night time.
Deal with: 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 likely one of the most enjoyable, free issues to do in Burford. The corporate was based in 1976 and is a lot greater than only a backyard middle. Whereas away a day and browse an enormous number of crops, residence 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 number of scorching meals, gentle snacks, and drinks. Visiting the Burford Backyard Firm is certainly the most effective issues to do in Burford for households.
Deal with: Shilton Street, 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 couple of miles from Burford that was since deserted and now kinds a picturesque set of ruins in a ravishing, 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 daytime, and is free to discover. For budding photographers, this is a great spot to catch some unbelievable pictures, significantly at dawn and sundown.
Deal with: Minster Driving, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 0RR. Click on right here for instructions.
8. See the Tolsey Museum
If you wish to be taught extra concerning the city’s fascinating historical past; from medieval instances to the Civil Warfare and as much as in the present day, 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 displays from archaeological finds to outdated pictures. Though a donation is appreciated, there isn’t an entrance payment for the museum; making this the most effective free issues to do in Burford. Open day by day from 2 pm till 5 pm from April to October and weekends solely in November and December.
Deal with: 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 web site so has a historical past relationship again over 2,000 years. The church as you see it in the present day primarily stems from the thirteenth Century and is likely one of 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 daytime all year long and is free to enter.
Deal with: 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 very best place to get it.
You possibly can even purchase a Cotswold Cheese Firm present card for the cheese-lover in your life (beginning at £10) which makes an awesome quirky, present (and might be higher than a bit of provolone in your suitcase).
Deal with: 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 fantastic issues to do in Oxford from exploring the well-known schools to strolling alongside the river and discovering out concerning the metropolis’s lengthy historical past.
One of the best ways to see the 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 concerning the historical past of the town and soak up 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 guide.
Attending to Oxford is a straightforward drive that takes below an hour from Burford, or you will 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. This can be a improbable place for the entire household because it has a big journey play space for youths. There are climbing trails, bridleways for horse driving, and plenty of good spots to calm down for a picnic.
The nation park is open year-round on daily basis and is free to enter. There’s a carpark however no different amenities, although The Mason’s Arms pub is inside strolling distance.
Deal with: Elmhurst Method, 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 very best level within the Cotswolds and gives breathtaking views of the encircling countryside for miles round. Stow has an fascinating historical past that dates again to the medieval interval and is known 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 outlets such because the Tara Antiques Centre and is residence to one of many oldest pubs in England – The Porch Home.
14. Bourton-on-the-Water
Simply upriver from Burbury is the gorgeous Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water which is called being probably the most 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 sights from the mannequin village to the Motoring and Toy Museum.
Different Bourton sights embrace the Greystones Nature Reserve and the Hawkstone Brewery (residence of the well-known Jeremy Clarkson’s Lager). Bourton-on-the-Water is certainly the most effective locations to go to close to Burford if you happen to’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 consists of 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 among 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 nice), see the picture-perfect hamlet of Decrease Slaughter, and snap some Instagram-worthy photographs of the “chocolate field” model homes and cottages.
Taking a tour like this is likely one of the finest methods to see the Cotswolds hassle-free. You’ll be transported from Oxford in a contemporary, air-conditioned automobile 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 guide now.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Burford
Beneath, you’ll discover a few journey itineraries for sightseeing in Burford that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to. They embrace all the highest vacationer sights in Burford and among the finest day journeys from the village.
1 Day in Burford Itinerary
With simply someday to spend sightseeing in Burford, begin off by exploring the attractive Excessive Avenue and The Hill with a number of nice photograph alternatives amongst the picturesque stone cottages, unbiased outlets, tea rooms, and pubs. Stroll alongside the attractive Windrush River that winds its manner alongside the village and see the outdated 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 method 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 certainly the most effective issues to do in Burford at night time).
2-3 Days in Burford Itinerary
With a couple of days to spend in stunning Burford, comply with the above itinerary in your first day and spend extra time exploring the city. Begin your day at Lynwood and Co for among the finest espresso within the Cotswolds and make time to go to the historic Church of St John the Baptist; the positioning of a bloody execution through the Civil Warfare.
Try among the fascinating outlets from the Candy Store to the Cotswold Cheese Firm and seize a style of the Cotswolds to take residence 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, comply with the above itineraries in 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 couple of of the very best lodges 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 middle of Burford that provides four-star rooms with an en-suite toilet and all the things you want for a calming keep. The lodge has received a number of awards together with Small Lodge of the Yr and is the proper place for first-time guests. Click on right here to guide now.
Inn for All Seasons – Greatest for Households
The charming Inn for All Seasons gives giant, family-sized rooms simply a few miles from Burford in a ravishing countryside setting. Rooms include an en-suite toilet, flatscreen TV, and tea and coffee-making amenities. There’s an onsite restaurant, bar, and gardens for company to take pleasure in. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Priory Tea Rooms – Greatest for Funds Vacationers
The comfy Priory Tea Rooms can be a mattress and breakfast with comfy double rooms that includes personal bogs, free WiFi, and a nice backyard to calm down in. The lodging is within the coronary heart of the city, only a minute’s stroll from all of the outlets, pubs, and facilities Burford has to benefit from. A terrific funds choice. Click on right here for more information.
Greatest Eating places in Burford
Burford is an excellent vacation spot for foodies with a number 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 gives a wonderful number 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 considered one of my favourite locations for a chew to eat and a few pints due to its rustic appeal, glorious number of actual ales, and fairly priced menu. Select from hearty pub meals like burgers and steaks to pizza, salads, and a few critically decadent desserts. Click on right here for instructions.
The Spice Lounge: Should you’re searching for one thing somewhat spicy, then head to the superb Spice Lounge for a style of South Asia. I like an excellent curry and the biryanis and tandooris served listed below are second to none. The Spice Lounge gives 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 and so they create a tasty Thai inexperienced curry (considered one of my favorites). Click on right here for instructions.
The Cotswold Outpost: This glorious cafe and restaurant is the very best place to return for breakfast, brunch, or lunch within the city. The menu consists of freshly made sandwiches, sausage rolls, plowman’s lunches, and a very good number of home made muffins and scones. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Burford
Driving or taking a tour is one of the best ways 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 possibly can 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 guide. There are day by day trains from London to Oxford, the place you may change for native buses for the ultimate stretch.
All the primary vacationer sights are inside strolling distance and strolling across the city is one of the best ways to take all of it in at a leisurely tempo. Biking is one other nice method to get round and can allow you to go somewhat additional afield.
Issues To Do in Burford: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Burford:
Burford is called the positioning of the execution of The Levellers, a band of dissidents that challenged parliament through the English Civil Warfare in 1649. The city can be recognized for its picturesque stone homes, and vintage and boutique outlets 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 that you would be able to keep away from the summer season crowds. Winter can be a good time to go to because the city seems gorgeous within the snow and you may heat in entrance of a roaring fireplace in one of many rustic pubs.
Burford is certainly value visiting because it’s probably the most picturesque locations within the Cotswolds and offers guests with an actual illustration of a sleepy English city.
Two to a few 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 could be very secure for guests. Violent crime is nearly extraordinary and vacationers needn’t fear an excessive amount of about security, although the standard traveler precautions must be taken corresponding to not flashing valuables and enormous quantities of money.
A number of the hottest issues to do in Burford embrace strolling alongside the River Windrush, looking for antiques, and attempting the foods 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 elements. Make sure 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 realize what to see and do in Burford, the charming Cotswold city made well-known by the mutineers and rebels referred to as the Levellers, to its picturesque “chocolate field” homes, rustic, nation pubs, and plenty of fantastic walks. With so many fantastic sights in Burford, it’s a spot I’ll return to many times.
The city additionally makes an awesome base for exploring the broader Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence and close by villages like Bourton and Stow. One factor’s for positive, if you happen to’re planning on visiting this tranquil nook of England, be sure you don’t miss this stunning city.
