8 Things to do in Burford: The Gateway to The Cotswolds (2024 Guide)
Burford Village, known as the Gateway to The Cotswolds, is a super fun place to visit with lots to do! If you’re thinking about going to this beautiful area, Burford in Oxfordshire is a must-see!
The Cotswolds are really famous with people who live nearby and visitors from all over the world. I recently went there myself, and now I understand why everyone loves it. This part of the English countryside is so pretty, with amazing views, a special atmosphere, and it’s the perfect spot for a great holiday in the UK that you’ll want to try out!
Burford is right in the heart of the Cotswolds and it’s full of old-fashioned charm. When you walk around the village, you’ll see buildings made of honey-colored stone and cute little streets. There are lots of old shops to explore, too, which is really fun.
If you like history, Burford has some cool places to check out. St. John the Baptist Church is really old, from way back in the 12th century! It looks amazing and is a must-visit if you like learning about old churches and history.
Nature lovers will love the Cotswold Hills around Burford. You can go hiking, biking, or have a picnic in the beautiful countryside. There’s also the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens nearby where you can see cool animals and explore nice gardens with your family.
And if you’re a food fan, Burford has some yummy places to eat. There are cozy cafes and traditional pubs where you can try delicious English breakfasts or fancy afternoon teas. Make sure to try local foods like Cotswold lamb and special cheeses—they’re really tasty!
Burford is also a great place to stay if you want to explore more of the Cotswolds. There are other villages nearby like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury that are easy to get to and have their own interesting stories to tell.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful vacation in a cute English village or an exciting adventure in beautiful countryside, Burford Village has something for everyone. It’s a place where you’ll find history, charm, and amazing views all rolled into one—a place that really shows you what the Cotswolds are all about!
8 Things to do in Burford: The Gateway to The Cotswolds (2024 Guide)
1. Otswold wildlife park and gardens
Opening Hours: The park is open every day from 10am to 6pm during most of the year. In winter, it closes earlier at 4pm. Make sure to arrive at least an hour before closing time to get in!
Ticket Prices: Tickets range from £11.50 to £18. If you book online (e-tickets), they’re a bit cheaper.
If you love animals, you’ll definitely want to visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. It’s a place where you can see giraffes up close, spot lions, and admire exotic birds.
The park is home to lots of different animals and wildlife. Whether you’re into birds or just love being outdoors in nature, there’s something here for everyone.
Speaking of nature, the gardens at the park are absolutely beautiful. They’re filled with colorful flowers and lots of trees. If the weather’s nice (which can be a bit tricky in England!), it’s a perfect place for a picnic.
And here’s the best part: the park has special activities like animal encounters and even opportunities to adopt an animal. If you’re crazy about animals, you’ll have a blast here!
2. Go on a shopping spree
One of the top things to do in The Cotswolds is shopping at the many small shops. Throughout the area, you’ll discover a wide range of stores selling local foods, household items, clothes, and more. If you enjoy shopping, Burford is a great town to visit nearby. On its main street, you’ll find several interesting shops. Whether you want to buy souvenirs, gifts for your family, or just treat yourself, be sure to spend time in this popular Cotswolds village!
And after you’ve done some walking around, you can relax and enjoy yourself at one of the cozy pubs in town (wink wink).
Here are a few of the coolest shops in Burford:
COUNTRY HOUSE GIFTS
Here’s some info for you: Country House Gifts in Burford is a great shop to visit! They’re open every day from 10am to 5pm.
They’ve got lots of cool stuff for you to check out, like presents, kids’ clothes, toys, and things to make your home look nice. You can find all sorts of things there, from teapots to fancy soaps and pretty flowers to decorate with.
The sweet shop
Here’s something cool for you: The Sweet Shop in Burford is open every day from 9am to 5pm (and they open at 10am on Sundays).
If you love sweets, this place is a must-visit! It’s got a really fun retro feel that you’ll enjoy. And who doesn’t love sweets, right? The best part is they have a huge variety to choose from, like cherry lips and bonbons—yum!
During the holiday season, The Sweet Shop decorates their windows with colorful displays to celebrate Christmas. It looks like a lot of fun!
Three French hens
Here’s a neat place to check out: Three French Hens in Burford is open every day from 10am to 5.30pm.
It’s a small shop but it’s full of cool stuff! They’ve got unique things like home decorations, gifts, greeting cards, and lots more.
The Cotswold Cheese Company
Here’s some info for you: The Cotswold Cheese Company is open every day from 9am to 5pm. On Sundays, they open a bit later and close a bit earlier.
If you love cheese, this place is awesome! It’s in Burford and a few other Cotswolds villages. They have lots of yummy cheeses to choose from. It might be a bit pricey, but the taste is totally worth it. Yum!
3. Crocodiles of the World
Here’s some info for you: Crocodiles of the World is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
If you’re looking for something cool to do in The Cotswolds, check out Crocodiles of the World in Burford. It’s a unique place where you can see different kinds of crocodiles, like Tomistomas and West African crocodiles.
Ticket prices range from £10.50 to £51.50 depending on the type of ticket you get. Babies under two can go in for free. Keeper experiences cost more money.
They even take care of some of the most endangered crocodiles in the world. Besides crocodiles, the zoo has other animals like turtles, meerkats, otters, and lizards.
For a more interactive experience, the zoo offers special activities such as:
Meet the Meerkats: Get close to some meerkats. Learn about how they live and help with feeding them.
Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience: Meet Dirk, the biggest tortoise in the country.
Croc Keeper Experience: Feeling brave? Spend a few hours at the zoo meeting and feeding many of the special animals.
A quick note: This is not an exhaustive list and prices for these experiences vary depending on your chosen activity. Check out their website for more details.
4. Visit the Brian Sinfield Gallery
The Brian Sinfield Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9.30am to 5pm.
If you love art as much as I do, you have to visit the Brian Sinfield Gallery. It’s right on the main street and has a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, and other art.
The gallery has different exhibitions all year round that focus on lots of different topics and styles of art. This makes it a great place to visit again and again, no matter if it’s your first time or not.
Also, it’s not very big, so you can easily visit the Brian Sinfield Gallery during your Cotswolds trip, even if you have a busy schedule.
For me, walking around this awesome art gallery was one of the best parts of my Cotswolds trip! It’s one of the top free things to do in Burford, so it’s definitely worth a quick visit when you’re in town.
5. See the ancient medieval bridge with arches.
Burford and The Cotswolds are full of fascinating history. At the end of the main street, you’ll find a very old medieval bridge. It was built many years ago and goes over the River Windrush. If it’s your first time in Burford, it’s definitely something you should check out.
6. Explore Minster Lovell Hall
One of the best things to do near Burford is visit Minster Lovell Hall. It’s only a 10-minute drive (or about a 30-minute bus ride) away, so it’s easy to include in your plans if you’re spending a day in Burford.
Minster Lovell Hall, like all English Heritage sites, is full of history and charm. This impressive attraction in Oxfordshire used to be a grand manor house, but now it’s mostly in ruins. Even so, you can still imagine what the unique building looked like in its prime.
If you like spooky stories, Minster Lovell Hall has a ghost tale. Legend says that during renovations in the 18th century, skeletons of a man and a dog were discovered. Strangely, these skeletons turned to dust almost immediately, which really scared the people who saw it happen (of course!).
Unlike many other English Heritage places, you can visit these fascinating ruins for free. It’s always open, so you can explore the hall even after other local attractions have closed for the day. Because of this, it’s a good idea to save this spot for later in the day to make the most of your sightseeing adventure.
7. Visit the Church of St John the Baptist.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Burford, make sure to visit the church of St John the Baptist. It’s right in the middle of the beautiful town and is a stunning Anglican church that towers over Burford—it’s one of the town’s most special buildings.
Not only is it a very important church in The Cotswolds, but it also has a really interesting history that goes all the way back to the 11th Century. Nowadays, it’s one of the ten most visited churches in England!
After exploring the church grounds, take a stroll down Lawrence Lane. It’s a great place to snap a picture for Instagram with the church in the background. Lawrence Lane is definitely one of the prettiest streets in The Cotswolds.
8 Enjoy the views from Burford Hill.
One of the best things to do in The Cotswolds is enjoying the amazing views. As you travel around, you’ll discover many great spots where you can see beautiful countryside scenes and take fantastic photos. Burford is a perfect example. When you climb up Burford Hill, you’ll see the gentle hills of the Cotswolds countryside. It’s definitely one of the prettiest sights around here, so make sure you hike up the hill to see it. I guarantee you’ll love it!
Is Burford worth visiting?
Burford is a wonderful place to visit if you love quaint towns with lots of history and beauty. It’s right in the middle of the Cotswolds, a region known for its pretty landscapes and small villages. When you go to Burford, you’ll see old stone buildings, narrow streets, and a calm feeling that makes it great for a relaxed walk.
One of the best parts of Burford is its High Street, which has old-fashioned shops, cafes, and pubs. You can check out these cozy places and maybe even try some local food or drinks. Don’t miss seeing St. John the Baptist Church, a really old church from medieval times that looks amazing.
If you enjoy nature, Burford is surrounded by lovely countryside. You can go for walks and hikes and see beautiful views from Burford Hill. You’ll see the rolling hills and green fields that make the Cotswolds special.
Overall, Burford is a fantastic place to visit if you want to see the charm of the Cotswolds and learn about its history. Whether you like history, shopping, or just being in peaceful countryside, Burford has something fun for you.
Why do people like Burford so much?
Over the years, Burford has become one of the most loved places to visit in The Cotswolds. This is because it’s known as the gateway to The Cotswolds, often the first place people visit when they arrive.
People also really enjoy shopping in Burford and going to its great pubs. Another big reason why people like the town so much is the incredible view you get from the top of Burford Hill, where you can see the rolling hills of The Cotswolds.
Here’s how you can travel to Burford, United Kingdom.
Curious about how to get to Burford? There are a few options to consider.
Getting to Burford by train
Even though Burford doesn’t have its own train station, there’s one in Shipton nearby. It’s about a 15-minute drive from town. From Shipton station, you can take a taxi to reach Burford.
Restaurants in Burford
| Restaurant Name | Description |
|---|---|
| The Angel at Burford | Cozy atmosphere with delicious British cuisine. |
| The Highway Inn | Traditional pub food in a warm, welcoming setting. |
| The Lamb Inn | Historic pub with a varied menu and great drink selection. |
| The Cotswold Arms | Hearty meals and friendly service. |
| The Bay Tree Restaurant | Fine dining in a charming setting, ideal for special occasions. |
These restaurants are favorites among locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of traditional British dishes and refined dining experiences.
Burford House
You can also check out Burford House. It’s a cozy place where you can enjoy breakfast or try their famous afternoon tea. They serve delicious pancakes, crumpets, and traditional English breakfasts. It’s a great spot for a tasty meal!
The Bakery on the Hill
If you’re looking for a quick bite, visit the Bakery on the Hill. This cute cafe serves excellent coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.
Plus, the staff are really friendly and make you feel welcome. We stopped by while exploring and loved the food! We give it a top rating and definitely recommend it!
Pubs in Burford
- The Bay Tree Hotel: A nice hotel with fancy rooms and a cozy feel.
- The Lamb Inn: Offers comfy rooms in an old-fashioned place, great for a calm visit.
- Burford House: A cute guesthouse with stylish rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
- The Highway Inn: A classic inn with snug rooms and a friendly vibe.
- The Angel at Burford: Known for comfy rooms and being right in the middle of town, perfect for exploring.
These places in Burford offer different choices like hotels and guesthouses, making sure your stay in the Cotswolds is enjoyable.
Nearby attractions near Burford, Oxfordshire
- Blenheim Palace: In Woodstock, not far from Burford, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has beautiful buildings, gardens, and lots of history. You can explore inside the palace, walk around the gardens, and see special events.
- Bourton-on-the-Water: This village is called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. It has a river, stone bridges, and cute cottages. It’s great for walking, visiting a model village, or having tea in traditional tea rooms.
- Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens: Near Burford, this park has animals from all over the world. It’s in lovely gardens and is perfect for families with fun exhibits and play areas.
- Cirencester: Known as the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester is an old town with Roman history. It has pretty streets, ancient buildings, and a museum called the Corinium Museum.
- Sudeley Castle: Near Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle has lots of royal history and beautiful gardens. You can explore inside the castle, learn about Tudor queens, and enjoy the peaceful gardens.
These places near Burford offer lots of things to do, like exploring history, enjoying nature, and having fun with your family.
Oxford, located in Oxfordshire, England
Less than half an hour from town, Oxford is one of the best places to visit in the South of England, known for its stunning architecture.
There’s so much to do in Oxford that you should plan to spend at least two days exploring. It’s a perfect place to continue your journey after visiting the Cotswolds villages.
While you’re in Oxford, there are several must-see attractions. Make sure to visit some university buildings, like the Bodleian Library and The Divinity School, which are open to visitors. Fun fact: Fans of Harry Potter should visit The Divinity School, where scenes from the movies were filmed.
Take time to snap some Instagram-worthy photos in front of Radcliffe Camera, known as Oxford’s coolest building. Then, enjoy the views from the top of the University Church, explore Christ Church Cathedral, and visit Oxford Castle and Prison.
If you prefer museums and galleries, Oxford has plenty to offer! Art enthusiasts can visit Modern Art Oxford, while history buffs might enjoy the Pitt Rivers Museum. Finally, don’t miss The Oxford Museum of Natural History.
things to do in Burford, The Gateway to The Cotswolds, with pros and cons:
| Things to Do in Burford | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Explore High Street | – Quaint shops and cafes | – Can be crowded |
| Visit St. John the Baptist Church | – Historic architecture | – Limited parking |
| Walk along River Windrush | – Scenic views | – Weather dependent |
| Shop for local goods | – Unique souvenirs | – High tourist prices |
| Enjoy local cuisine | – Traditional British food | – Busy during peak times |
| Visit Tolsey Museum | – Learn about local history | – Small size |
| Explore Burford Priory | – Serene gardens | – Limited opening hours |
| Discover Minster Lovell Hall | – Medieval architecture | – Remote location |
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Burford in the Cotswolds is a wonderful adventure filled with history, charm, and beautiful scenery. This pretty town gives you a taste of traditional Cotswold life with its old streets, historic buildings, and lovely countryside views. You can walk along the River Windrush, visit ancient churches, and enjoy yummy local food in cozy cafes and pubs.
Families can have fun at places like the Cotswold Wildlife Park, while nature lovers can explore the peaceful landscapes on walks and hikes. Burford is close to Oxford and other Cotswold villages, making it a great place to start exploring the area. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a longer stay, Burford welcomes everyone with its charm and promises an unforgettable adventure in one of England’s most magical places.
FAQs
1. What makes Burford special?
Burford is known for its charming old buildings, picturesque streets, and its location in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.
2. What are the best things to do in Burford?
Visitors can explore historic landmarks like St. John the Baptist Church, enjoy walks along the River Windrush, and browse local shops and cafes on its High Street.
3. How far is Burford from Oxford?
Burford is approximately 20 miles west of Oxford, making it a convenient day trip destination from the city.
4. Are there good places to eat in Burford?
Yes, Burford offers a variety of dining options ranging from cozy cafes to traditional pubs serving delicious local cuisine.
5. What outdoor activities are available in Burford?
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking trails in the surrounding countryside, visiting nearby gardens like Bourton House Garden, or even taking a boat trip on the River Windrush.
6. Is Burford suitable for families with children?
Yes, Burford is family-friendly with attractions like the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens nearby, which features animals and play areas for kids.