One of the smaller villages on the Cotswolds tourist circuit, it still manages to pack a punch. Arranged around an incredibly picturesque high street, there is enough here to keep you occupied for an afternoon or even a full day if you have a car.
Burford is packed with independent shops, great places to eat, and a decent range of things to do for all ages. Children will love the Cotswold Wildlife Park, gardeners can get lost in the sprawling Burford Garden Company, cheese lovers can try the local ‘Oxford Blue,’ and foodies are spoilt for choice with all the pubs, bakeries, and restaurants.
Although it is one of the smaller Cotswolds offerings, it definitely makes up for that!
When to Visit Burford
Unsurprisingly, Burford’s beauty isn’t a well-kept secret, and crowds descend upon the quaint village in their droves. As it is quite compact, it can quickly feel overcrowded. It is at its busiest during the summer months, particularly between 10 and 4 pm. If you do find yourself visiting in the summer, planning to arrive early or stay a bit later will make all the difference to your visit.
During the colder months, it can still get busy, especially on weekends during the festive period. Planning your visit during the week will mean you get more space to explore.
The History of Burford
Burford’s origins go all the way back to Anglo-Saxon and Norman England. The Church of St. John the Baptist dates all the way back to 1175. Like the rest of the Cotswolds, Burford prospered during the wool trade. This affluence can still be seen today in the beautiful architecture everywhere you look around the village. Burford is also home to England’s oldest chemist, making it a great destination for any budding historian.
Things to See and Do
Considering its small size, there is a surprising amount to do in Burford. There is enough to keep you occupied within the village itself, but access to a car gives you much more choice.
The Tolsey Museum
Free
The Tolsey Museum was first opened in 1960 and is still housed in the original Tolsey building. This was originally a market house which was built during the early 1500s. Here, traders would come to pay their tolls, which allowed them to sell at the local market. You can still see the original prison at the back, used to lock up any cheeky traders who refused to pay.
Today, this free museum explores Burford’s history from medieval times to the modern day. They also offer guided tours of Burford which need to be booked in advance for a minimum of 6 people. Details can be found here.
Note: The museum is closed January-March. Between April and October it is open daily between 2 and 5 pm. In November and December, it is only open on weekends.
Church of St. John the Baptist
Free
No trip to Burford is complete without a visit to the Church of St. John the Baptist. This imposing building dates back to 1175, although the building standing today was completed in a still impressive 1500. Today, it is one of the most visited churches in the country, often making the top 10!
The church that stands today is an imposing example of how rich the Cotswolds were during the wool trade.
Inside the church is the memorial of Edward Harman, one of Henry Vlll’s barber-surgeon’s. There is also one of the earliest depictions of Native Americans in the UK.
Burford Garden Company
Free
You may think that a garden centre doesn’t interest you unless you are a gardener, but you would be wrong! Burford Garden Company is so much more than a simple garden centre. As well as the obligatory plants, you can also find clothes, homeware, art, a bookshop, an extensive food section, and a separate children’s shop. There is also sometimes a live pianist to enhance your shopping experience! The cafe is worth a visit and serves healthy lunches and a selection of cakes. There is also a small free wooden play area for children to the back left of the car park as you arrive.
Explore the High Street
Free
Burford’s High Street is one of the most picturesque in the Cotswolds and should be a stop on any tour of the Cotswolds. But it isn’t just lovely to look at; there are some excellent independent shops here. Make sure you set aside enough time to explore them at your leisure. Some shops not to miss are the Cotswold Cheese Co, the Sweet Shop, and ?.
Around Burford
Although these things are close to Burford, you will need a car or taxi to get to them (although I’m sure you could walk if you wanted to!)
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Tickets: Adults £17.50, children 3-16 £12.50, Over 65s £12.50 (tickets are cheaper when bought online)
A 2-minute drive from Burford is Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. Spread over 160 acres, this wildlife park is home to over 250 species of animals, including red panda, giraffes, and rhinos. You can also see the UK’s largest collection of reptiles.
There is a large play area, a small train, and a petting zoo to keep the whole family entertained. It is also the only zoo in the UK that you can take dogs to, although some areas will be restricted.
Crocodiles of the World
Tickets: Adults £16, children aged 3-15 £12
A 7-minute drive from Burford takes you to World of Crocodiles. The dream of crocodile conservationist Shaun Foggett, it opened in 2011. Today, you can see a staggering 150 crocodiles, with 19 of the 25 species on display here. It isn’t just crocodiles; there are also other mammals, including komodo dragons, clouded leopards, and meerkats.
Where to Eat and Drink
No trip to the Cotswolds is complete without something delicious to eat and drink, and there is no shortage of options in Burford.
Burford Garden Company
In the UK, you can often find good cafes and restaurants inside garden centres. However, the cafe/restaurant at Burford Garden Company is particularly impressive. It sells healthy, nourishing food, as well as light bites and snacks. It isn’t the cheapest, but you are getting quality. There is plenty of seating both inside and outside, with lots of space for prams and children.
Bakery on the Hill
Part of a small Cotswolds chain, this bakery serves freshly baked bread, coffee, and pastries. There are tables inside if you want to sit and have breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. You can also grab a picnic to take away while you explore the area.
The Angel Inn
The Angel Inn is exactly what I imagine when I think of a traditional English pub. Run by the King family, The Angel Inn has won the award for ‘Cotswold Pub of the Year.’ The small garden is a great place to enjoy a balmy English summer’s evening. There are also three rooms where you can stay in the heart of Burford without breaking the bank.
Huffkins
This famous bakery was first opened all the way back in 1890. Today they have cafes all around the Cotswolds and Warwickshire. Their tea room is a great place to enjoy a cream tea or slice of one of their many delicious cakes. They also serve breakfast and light lunches.
Bull
This hotel boasts not one, but three restaurants and two bars, so there really is something to suit most people (except those on a very strict budget!) They use local, organic produce wherever they can. For a truly memorable experience, book an 11-course tasting menu at Wild, which showcases the raw power of fire cooking.
There is also a private dining room serving omakase-inspired delights. If you visit from Thursday to Sunday, make sure you grab a slice of pizza from Sl’ice, which is run by Michele Pascarella (2025 Pizza Maker of the Year) and Anshu Anghotra (former Executive Chef at the Connaught)
Nutmeg and Thyme
This little cafe serves plant-based and gluten-free food. There are only a couple of seats inside, which are first-come, first-served. They also have several things to take away, ideal for taking on adventures around the Cotswolds.
Lynwood & Co
This Australian cafe has nine branches around the Cotswolds and Cheltenham. They pride themselves on human-made food using locally-sourced ingredients, and their extensive brunch and sandwich menu is great for a light bite. Their coffee is excellent, as you would expect from an Australian cafe!
Thyme & Lovage
Burford can get very busy during the summer months. So, if you are looking for something a bit quieter, Thyme & Lovage is a short walk from the High Street, which means it tends to be less crowded. Here, they serve breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. The garden is particularly nice.
Where to Stay
Considering its compact size, there is a surprisingly large number of good places to stay in Burford.
The Angel Inn (rooms from £145)
This highly-rated small pub has three stylish, yet simple, rooms on offer. It is tucked away on a side street, making it a slightly quieter choice.
Bull (rooms from £279)
At the other end of the spectrum is the lavish Bull. Their 18 rooms are artfully designed using muted palettes and natural materials. All of the ensuites have underfloor heating and rainfall showers, for the real feel of luxury. All stays include breakfast.
The Lamb Inn (rooms from £165)
This fifteenth-century inn has everything you could ask for when staying in an old pub. There are flagstone floors and open fires during the colder months. The award-winning restaurant means you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. As it is tucked away, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the main high street.
Travel Lodge (rooms from £94)
This no-frills option offers clean rooms at an affordable price. There is also a car park, which most of the options in the village lack.
Visiting with Kids
Anyone traveling with children knows that you need to find suitable things to do if you are going to have any chance at an enjoyable trip! Luckily, there is enough in Burford to keep children of all ages entertained, although you will need a car or to use taxis. Cotswold Wildlife Park has things for all ages, while younger children can burn off some energy at the free playground at Burford Garden Company.
The Practical Bit
By Car
The easiest way to get to Burford is by car. Despite being a big tourist destination, the Cotswolds are still rural villages, and the public transport definitely reflects this! All parking is free, but there are time restrictions.
The best place to park is the free car park in the main car park for up to 12 hours. You can also try to grab a space on the high street, but these are like gold dust, so you will need to arrive early or later in the afternoon. In the summer months, these spaces fill up quickly, so try to get there early to secure a spot. Spaces on the East side of the street are restricted to two hours, while those on the right have no time limit. High Street is one of the main roads in the Cotswolds, so expect heavy traffic in both directions.
By Public Transport
There is no way to sugarcoat this: getting to Burford using public transport isn’t easy. There is no train station, and the towns with rail links don’t have direct bus services to Burford. The easiest way to get to Burford without a car is by getting a train to Cheltenham or Oxford. From here, you can then get a bus.
So, is Burford Worth a Visit?
Absolutely! Burford is a beautiful example of a Cotswolds village that is small enough to explore in a morning or afternoon. There is also enough to do here to keep you occupied for a longer stay, especially if you have access to a car.
FAQs
Can I visit Burford without a car?
The easiest way to get to Burford is by car. There is free parking in the village for up to 12 hours. Having a car also means you can easily explore the surrounding area at your leisure.
If you don’t have a car, you can still visit Burford. The simplest way is by an organised coach trip or a bus. Buses run regularly between Gloucester-Cheltenham-Burford-Oxford. The timetables can be found here.
When is the best time to visit Burford?
Burford is beautiful throughout the year, so there isn’t really a wrong time! However, different seasons offer different experiences. Spring is relatively quiet, with the chance to see some beautiful floral displays. Summer is the most reliable in regards of weather, but it is also when it is at its busiest. Autumn sees Burford quieten down, but there is an influx of walkers and hikers due to the cooler weather. Winter is the coldest and the quietest. Although it can be grey and miserable, you can also get a stunning day with twinkling frost and bluebird skies.
How long should I spend there?
As Burford is quite small, you can spend anywhere from two hours to two days here, depending on your pace. Staying overnight in the village is a great way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the restaurants and pubs. To enjoy the village to its fullest, you should plan to visit for at least a full morning or afternoon.