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 equivalent 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 every time I’m on this a part of the world. There are many wonderful locations to go to in Burford to maintain guests occupied and it’s an excellent base for exploring close by locations of curiosity.
The city is famed for its fairly excessive avenue and previous buildings, nonetheless, it’s an essential historic landmark because of 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 wide array of Burford sights from the historic church the place the Levellers had been confined, to the Tolsey Museum, Kilkenny Lane Nation Park, and some wonderful issues to do close by.
1. Discover the Stunning City Middle

Probably the greatest 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, if you happen to take pleasure in nosing via thrift shops, you’ll be comfortable to know that there’s loads of selection in relation to shopping for attention-grabbing objects in Burford.
The Excessive Road 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 right place.
2. Take pleasure in Afternoon Tea at Huffkins
Huffkins is a cute little bakery and tea room positioned on the picturesque Excessive Road and is the right place to pop in for a morning espresso, a light-weight 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.
In the event you’re searching for a bit extra pomp and ceremony then the afternoon tea for 2 is simply the factor. Take pleasure in a number of hand-sliced sandwiches, desserts, 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 among the most romantic issues to do in Burford for {couples}.
That is one in all my favourite locations to pop in for a espresso and a snack once I’m on the town, and the desserts actually are wonderful. Extremely beneficial.
Tackle: 98 Excessive Road, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QF. Click here for directions.
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 as we speak, together with the spire, dates to the sixteenth Century and is among the most interesting examples of a Cotswold place of worship.
Throughout the English Civil Warfare (1642 – 1651) a bunch of radicals took difficulty with the federal government of the day and needed extra freedom for the folks. As troopers began to change into 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 Could 1649.
The ringleaders had been taken from the church and shot, and as we speak you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to witness the celebrations.
Tackle: Church Inexperienced, Oxfordshire, OX18 4RY. Click here for directions.
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 among the issues I be certain I do every time I go to. The Cotswold and Burford Circular 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 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 doable to bike the route, and canines are welcome. Preview the trail 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 because of its attractive setting and rustic allure. You possibly can heat up subsequent to a roaring hearth in winter, and in summer time months, take pleasure in a chilly pint within the beer backyard.
The pub affords a superb number of native ales, craft beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails, and there’s a superb meals menu of hearty pub classics from fish and chips to steaks and pies, all utilizing regionally sourced produce the place accessible. There’s additionally dwell music at weekends which makes this probably the most enjoyable locations to go in Bursford at evening.
Tackle: 78 Excessive Road, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QF. Click here for directions.
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 Garden Company 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 number of crops, dwelling decor, artwork, and different curios.
You’ll discover the Burford Art Gallery right here with attention-grabbing 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 unquestionably probably the greatest issues to do in Burford for households.
Tackle: Shilton Street, Oxfordshire, OX18 4PA. Click here for directions.
7. Go to Minster Lovell Corridor

Minster Lovell Hall was as soon as a fifteenth Century Manor Home a number of miles from Burford that was since deserted and now varieties a picturesque set of ruins in a stupendous, 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 barely accessible by foot, is open throughout daylight, and is free to discover. For budding photographers, this is a great spot to catch some unbelievable pictures, notably at dawn and sundown.
Tackle: Minster Using, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 0RR. Click here for directions.
8. See the Tolsey Museum
If you wish to be taught extra in regards to the city’s fascinating historical past; from medieval occasions to the Civil Warfare and as much as as we speak, pay a go to to the small Tolsey Museum on the Excessive Road. The museum is positioned in the Tolsey, which was constructed within the early 1500s as a home for market merchants.
Inside, you’ll uncover a wealth of attention-grabbing reveals from archaeological finds to previous pictures. Though a donation is appreciated, there isn’t an entrance charge for the museum; making this probably the greatest 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 Road, Oxfordshire, OX18 4QJ. Click here for directions.
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 relationship again over 2,000 years. The church as you see it as we speak primarily stems from the thirteenth Century and is among the most interesting and best-preserved medieval church buildings within the nation.
The church is barely accessible by foot and is positioned 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 here for directions.
10. Go to the Cotswold Cheese Firm
The Cotswold Cheese Company shares over 120 totally different artisan and farmhouse cheeses, specializing in regionally sourced dairy merchandise in addition to these from different high 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 reward card for the cheese-lover in your life (beginning at £10) which makes an excellent quirky, reward (and might be higher than a bit of provolone in your suitcase).
Tackle: 113 Excessive Road, Oxfordshire, OX18 4RG. Click here for directions.
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 schools to strolling alongside the river and discovering out in regards to the metropolis’s lengthy historical past.
One of the simplest ways to see the town is to take a strolling tour like this two-hour assisted trip across the metropolis and college with an alumni information. You’ll get to be taught in regards to the historical past of the town and soak up a few of its high landmarks such because the Bodleian Library, Trinity School, and the Radcliffe Digital camera. Click here to find out more and book.
Attending to Oxford is a straightforward drive that takes beneath 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 Country Park covers an space of fifty acres (21 hectares) a few miles from Burford. This can be a incredible place for the entire household because it has a big journey play space for teenagers. There are mountain climbing trails, bridleways for horse driving, and lots of good spots to calm down for a picnic.
The nation park is open year-round each 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 here for directions.
13. Stow-on-the-Wold

Probably the greatest 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 attention-grabbing 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 also be well-known for vintage retailers such because the Tara Antiques Centre and is dwelling 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 named 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 attractions embody the Greystones Nature Reserve and the Hawkstone Brewery (dwelling of the well-known Jeremy Clarkson’s Lager). Bourton-on-the-Water is unquestionably probably the greatest 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 Hall.
That is positively probably the greatest 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 photographs of the “chocolate field” type 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 automobile with a non-public driver and information. The tour lasts 7 hours and departs from Oxford Railway Station at 10 am and returns at 5 pm. Click here to 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 sights in Burford and among the finest day journeys from the village.
1 Day in Burford Itinerary
With simply sooner or later to spend sightseeing in Burford, begin off by exploring the attractive Excessive Road and The Hill with a lot of nice picture alternatives amongst the picturesque stone cottages, unbiased retailers, tea rooms, and pubs. Stroll alongside the attractive Windrush River that winds its method 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, try the small Tolsey Museum earlier than making your approach 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 probably the greatest issues to do in Burford at evening).
2-3 Days in Burford Itinerary
With a number of days to spend in lovely 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 attention-grabbing retailers from the Candy Store to the Cotswold Cheese Firm and seize a style of the Cotswolds to take dwelling with you. Settle at one of many nice eating places for lunch just like the Burford Home Resort, 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 per 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 hold 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 very best accommodations in Burford for vacationers:

The Bay Tree Resort – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The attractive Bay Tree Hotel is a sixteenth Century nation residence within the heart of Burford that gives four-star rooms with an en-suite toilet and all the pieces you want for a calming keep. The resort has received a number of awards together with Small Resort of the Yr and is the right place for first-time guests. Click here to 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 stupendous 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 friends to take pleasure in. Click here to find out more.
Priory Tea Rooms – Greatest for Funds Vacationers
The comfortable Priory Tea Rooms can also be a mattress and breakfast with comfy double rooms that includes non-public loos, free WiFi, and a pleasing backyard to chill out 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 make the most of. An amazing finances possibility. Click here for more info.
Greatest Eating places in Burford
Burford is a superb vacation spot for foodies with a lot of wonderful cafes, eating places, and pubs specializing in native and seasonal produce. Beneath, you’ll discover 5 of my high picks:

Huffkins Bakery and Cafe: Probably the greatest locations to start out your day is on the Huffkins Bakery which affords a superb 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 here for directions.
The Mermaid Inn: This fifteenth Century Inn is one in all my favourite locations for a chunk to eat and a few pints because of its rustic allure, wonderful number of actual ales, and fairly priced menu. Select from hearty pub meals like burgers and steaks to pizza, salads, and a few severely decadent desserts. Click here for directions.
The Spice Lounge: In the event you’re searching for one thing a bit 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 below are second to none. The Spice Lounge affords each restaurant eating and takeout service. Click here for directions.
The Angel at Burford: The Angel is one other of my favourite pubs in Burford and has a superb 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 (one in all my favorites). Click here for directions.
The Cotswold Outpost: This wonderful cafe and restaurant is the very best place to come back 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 selfmade desserts and scones. Click here for directions.
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 here to learn more and book. There are every day trains from London to Oxford, the place you’ll be able to 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 approach to get round and can allow you to go a bit additional afield.
Issues To Do in Burford: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Burford:
Burford is named 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 also be recognized for its picturesque stone homes, and vintage and boutique retailers promoting native arts, crafts, and produce.
Burford is a incredible vacation spot at any time of yr, however the shoulder seasons of spring and fall imply which you can keep away from the summer time crowds. Winter can also be a good time to go to because the city appears to be like gorgeous within the snow and you’ll heat in entrance of a roaring hearth in one of many rustic pubs.
Burford is unquestionably price 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 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 per week is best.
Like most rural cities and villages in England, Burford could be very protected for guests. Violent crime is almost unheard of and vacationers needn’t fear an excessive amount of about security, although the standard traveler precautions needs to be taken equivalent to not flashing valuables and enormous quantities of money.
A number of the hottest issues to do in Burford embody strolling alongside the River Windrush, looking for antiques, and attempting the foods and drinks within the many wonderful pubs and eating places within the city.
Burford is a haven for foodies with some wonderful eating places within the city serving up seasonal dishes from native elements. Remember to go to the Cotswolds Cheese Firm and The Candy Store on the Excessive Road so you’ll be able to 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 sights in Burford, it’s a spot I’ll return to repeatedly.
The city additionally makes an excellent base for exploring the broader Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close by villages like Bourton and Stow. One factor’s for certain, if you happen to’re planning on visiting this tranquil nook of England, ensure you don’t miss this lovely city.