Burford
South East England, Oxfordshire
Perched on the banks of the Windrush River, Burford is a small English town that’s often referred to as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Highlights of the town include a medieval bridge and an abundance of Tudor and Georgian buildings that have remained unchanged over centuries.
The basics
Explore Burford as part of a tour of the Cotswolds and Oxford from London, which save you the hassle of car hire by transporting you between dispersed attractions. Tours typically combine Burford with Oxford highlights such as the university, Christchurch Cathedral, and the Bridge of Sighs, and give you free time to explore Cotswolds villages such as Bampton and Bilbury. During free time in Burford, browse traditional shops for British antiques and enjoy English fayre in a local pub.
Things to know before you go
- Burford is a quintessential Cotswolds village typified by stone houses and surrounded by English countryside.
- Though the majority of the village is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, pavements can be narrow and uneven in parts.
- There’s a great selection of cafés, restaurants, and English pubs in the village. Accommodation options are limited so advance booking is recommended.
How to get there
Burford is located 74 miles (119 kilometers) west of London and 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Oxford. It can be reached from Oxford by the A40, or by taking the train from Oxford to Hanborough and then a bus to Burford.
When to get there
The best time to visit Burford is in May, when Levellers Day occurs. The annual festival commemorates the 17th-century rebellion led by Oliver Cromwell with a colorful procession throughout the town, along with speeches, music, and debates that celebrate the freedom of speech.
The Best of Burford
A former meeting place for merchants, the 16th-century Tolsey building now houses the Tolsey Museum where visitors can learn about the town's social and industrial history. The town's church is another interesting place to look for signs of Burford's past; it's home to an elaborate baptismal font.
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