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Burford in the Cotswolds is another pretty village in England. Just like Bibury and Castle Combe, it is small, quaint, and full of charm.
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Burford is a medieval town on the River Windrush, belonging to the Oxfordshire district. It is near the city of Oxford, so it heralds the entry to the Cotswolds, lending credence to its moniker “The Gateway to the Cotswolds”.
Getting To Burford, Cotswolds
Burford is an hour and a half drive from London. If taking public transportation, it takes around two hours and 30 minutes via train and bus.
When choosing the train and bus option, take the hourly 56-minute train ride from London’s Paddington Station to Oxford. From Oxford’s Frideswide Square, ride any of the buses marked S1 and NS1 for a 38-minute journey to the town of Witney. Disembark at Witney’s Market Square, where you can take the number 233 bus that takes you to Burford Primary School. This is an hourly bus that takes 17 minutes to reach Burford.
Exploring Burford
Since Burford is quite small, it can be explored on foot. It is actually best to see the town walking because doing so helps you get up close and personal with everything. Exploring can take up to a couple of hours.
Burford’s highlight is its famously neat high street that attractively slopes downward to the river. Peppered with cute and ancient antique shops, tea parlors, pubs, restos, and more, it’s a pretty quaint neighborhood.
Burford’s richness in history makes it a good place to look for antiques.
Activities
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We visited on a Sunday, so it was a bit quiet, with street traffic very light and just a few out and about.
We went beyond the high street and explored Burford’s backstreets as well.
It was mostly composed of lovely residential houses, with a few pubs and restaurants scattered amidst them. The houses were quintessential English ones, half-timbered with sloping roofs. English gardens can be seen as well.
Sights to See in Burford, Cotswolds
Tolsey Museum is a lovely place to spend some time while in Burford. It showcases a doll house that is a replica of a great house located on Witney St., as well as a charter that Henry VIII signed for a fair.
Also, see the fascinating Anglican church of St. John the Baptist that was built during the 1100s.
Things to Do
Burford, being rich in history, makes it an ideal place to go antiquing. Ancient antique shops are pretty much abundant along its attractive high street. Drop by and snag a piece or two of a memento to commemorate your visit.
Tea rooms are ample in Burford too. Just like antique shops, you can easily find them lining Burford’s high street. Take a bite of some home-baked scones that are served with traditional cream tea, or get a plate of traditional dishes all while enjoying a lovely setting.
Cap off your day with a drink in one of the interesting pubs in Burford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Burford famous?
Burford is famous for its picturesque beauty, traditional architecture, and historic significance. It attracts visitors with its charming streets, ancient buildings, and the iconic Burford Church of St John the Baptist. The town’s rich history and scenic allure make it a popular tourist destination.
Is Burford UK worth visiting?
Yes, Burford is worth visiting for its quintessential Cotswold charm, stunning architecture, and rich history. Whether you’re drawn to its picturesque streets, historic landmarks, or quaint shops and cafes, Burford offers a delightful experience that captures the essence of rural England.
Wrap Up
So that is Cotswolds’ Burford, small yet big on the charm. We hope you’ll visit this lovely town on your next trip to the Cotswolds. Don’t forget to tell us how that went!
On a side note, did you know that Burford is home to many celebrities, including Kate Moss and Gary Barlow?
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I use to work at The Lamb Inn in Burford almost 20yrs ago and Kate Moss once called in to book a table for herself and Marianne Faithfull.
Oh that must have been exciting! I would have been star-struck 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing.