16 Amazing places to visit near Burford, Cotswolds in 2024

Last Updated on October 22, 2024 by Lauren Allen

Looking for the very best places to visit near Burford? Then you’re in luck! In this post, I’m going to share the top villages, cities and attractions to explore from this charming Cotswolds town. 

With so many amazing things to do near Burford, deciding where to go next can be tough. The 16 destinations on this list offer something for everyone. From city enthusiasts to history lovers, you’re bound to find something you’d love on your ongoing adventure! 

From other beautiful spots in The Cotswolds to locations outside of this area of outstanding natural beauty, the possibilities are endless! Lastly, I will share a number of tourist attractions near Burford that are worth adding to your itinerary.

Over the past few years, I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for England. Despite being born here, I would often favour overseas trips instead of exploring my own backyard. However, this has now changed. I’ve visited many incredible places in the country (including most of the spots in this list) and I’m a firm believer that they’re all worth visiting at least once. 

So, let’s get to it! Here are the top places to visit near Burford to add to your England bucket list:

Places to visit near Burford summary:

• Bibury
• Chipping Norton
• Stow on the Wold
• Castle Combe
• Bourton on the Water
• Cirencester
• Broadway
• Oxford
• Bath
• Bristol
• Stratford Upon Avon
• London
• Chedworth Roman Villa
• Blenheim Palace
• The Rollright Stones
• Kelmscott Manor

Cotswolds villages near Burford 

Home to some of the most charming villages in England, The Cotswolds are well-loved for a reason. Aside from Burford, there are many must-see destinations nearby. From Castle Combe to Broadway, here are 7 villages to add to your jam-packed Cotswolds itinerary: 

1 | Bibury

As one of the most picture-perfect places in The Cotswolds, Bibury is one of the very best places to visit near Burford. Situated just 15 minutes away by car, it’s also one of the most convenient. 

Once you’re in Bibury, there are a number of things to do. However, the number one must-do is to take a stroll down Arlington Row. This enchanting row of buildings was built in the 14th century as a wool store. Then, in the 17th century, the Instagram famous stone cottages became weavers’ homes.

Nowadays, each cottage on Arlington Row is a private residence aside from number 9 which is a holiday home that can be booked via The National Trust. If you’re looking to explore the village of Bibury before the crowds decent, you may want to consider booking a stay! 

Aside from this unique street, other things to do in Bibury include visiting the trout farm, taking a walk along the River Coln and sending a postcard from their grade two listed post office. 

2 | Chipping Norton 

Located in West Oxfordshire, Chipping Norton may not be as popular as other Cotswolds villages, but it’s still worth visiting. With its picturesque setting and charming village feel, there are plenty of reasons to add Chipping Norton to your itinerary for The Cotswolds. 

One of the best reasons to visit Chipping Norton is to get out in nature. Surrounded by the rolling hills of The Cotswolds and endless hiking opportunities, there are plenty of places to go exploring in the local area.

This makes it an ideal location if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities and soak up the fresh air! 

In addition to its prime location amongst beautiful scenery, Chipping Norton houses a museum. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to discover more about this charming Oxfordshire market town.

Located just a ten-minute drive from Chipping Norton, the rollright stones is another must-see while in the local area. 

3 | Stow on the Wold

Compared to other Cotswolds towns and villages, Stow on the Wold doesn’t have many attractions. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit! In fact, it’s one of the nicest places in The Cotswolds.

The charming town boasts one of the most fairy-like and photogenic doors in the region. Located at St Edward’s Church (which is a Grade 1 listed building), it’s a popular spot for Instagram-obsessed travellers. 

Besides the stand-out church, Lucy’s Tearoom is the perfect spot to grab a cup of tea or coffee and do some people-watching. They serve a variety of lunch dishes including sandwiches, cakes and cream tea.

If you’re a fan of art, head to the Fosse Gallery afterwards to admire some impressive paintings and get inspired.

4 | Castle Combe 

As one of the most visited Cotswolds villages, you won’t want to skip Castle Combe. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful villages in England.

There are several great things to do in Castle Combe including getting snap happy with your camera, checking out (or dining at) the village’s famous Manor House Hotel and visiting St Andrews Church.

Simply put, exploring the village at a relaxed pace is a fantastic way to spend a few hours! 

If you have an interest in cars, you can also consider checking out the Castle Combe Circuit. This Cotswolds attraction offers a number of fun activities for car lovers to get involved with. For example, you can do things like driving experiences, passenger rides or karting. How fun! 

5 | Bourton on the Water 

Known as the Venice of The Cotswolds, Bourton on the Water is another hot spot in the area. With photo opportunities around every corner, this is one of the most quaint English villages in the country. It also boasts quite a few tourist attractions when compared to its neighbouring towns and villages. 

Some of the most visited attractions in Bourton on the Water are the Motoring Museum, Dragonfly Maze, Birdland Park and the Model Village.

However, if none of these takes your fancy, there are plenty of free things to do in town. Consider going shopping, getting snap happy with your camera or checking out the unique Cotswolds architecture. 

Another must while in the village is to see the River Windrush. One of the best ways to appreciate this beautiful Cotswolds location is to relax with a picnic. Especially if you are visiting in the height of summer! 

6 | Cirencester 

Boasting a central location in The Cotswolds, Cirencester is often overlooked in favour of Bibury or Castle Combe. However, it’s well worth adding this charming market town to any Cotswolds road trip. 

One of the top attractions in Cirencester is its stunning church. St John the Baptist is a beautiful medieval church with exceptional architecture and elaborate rock carvings, making it a must-see for any history lover or architecture fan.

As well as historical attractions, Cirencester is also home to a booming arts scene. The town has a number of museums and studios showcasing the work of local creatives. They even hold regular arts events and festivals throughout the year. Fellow art lovers will be in their element! 

Other popular things to do in Cirencester include a stroll around Cirencester Park, shopping in Market Square or enjoying a swim at the open-air swimming pool. 

7 | Broadway 

Broadway is another great contender when it comes to places to visit near Burford. Dubbed the jewel of The Cotswolds, this stunning village is also home to some of the best Cotswolds tourist attractions.

Visiting Broadway Tower should be first on your list. This impressive piece of architecture sits atop the highest point in The Cotswolds and offers some incredible views. There’s also a short 1.2-kilometre walk for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to admiring the exterior, purchasing a ticket for Broadway Tower gives you access to its exhibitions. Key focus points in terms of the exhibitions include the history of the tower and the Royal Observer Corps. There is also a section dedicated to world-renowned artist William Morris. 

After admiring the stunning views from the top of Broadway Tower, head back down to the deer park to watch these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Lastly, end your trip on a 45-minute tour of the nuclear bunker and get an amazing insight into what it would have been like for the workers here during the Cold War. 

Other things worth doing in Broadway include hitting up Gordon Russel Design Museum and visiting Broadway Museum and Art Gallery. There are also a number of creative activities available to book in the village such as soap-making and pottery classes.

If you’d prefer, you can opt to take a slow wander around as you take in the charming village vibes. In my opinion, Broadway is without a doubt one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages! 

Amazing places to visit near Burford for your next adventure!

Once you’ve seen enough of The Cotswolds, escape the beauty of the countryside to explore some of England’s best cities. These destinations are the perfect add-on to a Cotswolds road trip due to their close location. Just take your pick or opt to visit all five – the choice is yours! 

8 | Oxford 

Oxford is a beautiful city bursting with eye-catching architecture, thus making it one of my favourite cities in the whole of England! After spending just a few days in the city, I fell in love with its museums, photogenic buildings and great bars.

Plus, its prime location just a half an hour drive from Burford is ideal for those exploring The Cotswolds. 

Wake up bright and early and get on the road for a fun-filled day in Oxford. Harry Potter lovers will be thrilled to hear that the city is home to several filming locations, many of which are part of Oxford University. 

If you’re not a fan of Potter, don’t fret! There are so many other things to do in Oxford that will keep you entertained. For example, you can visit Oxford Castle and Prison, the city’s stunning botanical gardens or the ever-popular Pitt Rivers Museum.

Alternatively, spend some time admiring Oxford’s most beautiful buildings – Radcliffe Camera is my favourite! 

9 | Bath

Another one of the most picturesque cities in England, Bath brings in over six MILLION tourists each year and it isn’t hard to see why!

Perhaps the most popular attraction, The Roman Baths are a key part of the city’s past. It’s the perfect location to delve deeper into Roman history in England. Just make sure you book a ticket in advance. 

If you’re looking to explore Bath beyond its top attraction (and you definitely should), the city is home to a number of spots worth checking out. Bath Abbey is a breathtaking building, making it a must-see for lovers of architecture.

Furthermore, taking a stroll along Pulteney Bridge makes for a relaxing afternoon activity. Afterwards, head to The Royal Crescent to snap a photo of the postcard shot of Bath.

If a visit to the Roman Baths has left you craving a spa day, head to Thermae Bath Spa to enjoy its natural thermal waters. Open into the night with gorgeous views of Bath Abbey from its outdoor pool, it’s the best place to end your day of sightseeing in Bath. 

10 | Bristol

Around 80 minutes from Burford, the city of Bristol is also easily reached by car. Having been several times now, I can confirm that visiting Bristol is well worth doing!

One of the very best things to do is check out Clifton Suspension Bridge during sunset. In my opinion, it’s the best time to visit as you’ll be treated to beautifully calming sunset views over the bridge.

Aside from visiting the bridge, Bristol boasts some amazing street art. Home to world-renowned Banksy, you’ll see several of his famed works across the city.

As you wander around, you’ll come across many street art murals making Bristol a great city to explore if that’s something that interests you. There are even street art tours run with Where The Wall amongst the most popular! 

If you’re an art lover like me, Bristol has a fair few art galleries worth visiting such as:

• Bristol Museum and Art Gallery 
• Arnolfini Arts
• The Arts Mansion 

Top tip: If you’re short on time, you can visit Bath and Bristol on the same day. Just a 40-minute drive or 15-minute train ride from Bath, you’ll be in the city in no time! Just note that this will be quite a jam-packed day if you want to hit up the top attractions in both cities.

11 | Stratford upon Avon

Less than an hour away from Burford by car, Stratford Upon Avon is a historic market town. As the birthplace of the world-famous William Shakespeare, many travellers opt to explore the town while in the area.

After checking out the must-see home of Shakespeare, head to his wife Anne Hathaway’s Cottage before visiting Hall’s Croft. 

Once you’ve explored the town’s popular historical monuments, spend some time visiting its museums. Some of the best include The MAD Museum, Tudor World and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom. If you’re on the hunt for something a little different, Stratford Butterfly Farm is also worth adding to your itinerary. 

Stratford Upon Avon is also home to some amazing theatres playing a variety of shows throughout the year. If that’s something you enjoy, make sure you plan ahead and book a ticket in advance. 

12 | London 

Located approximately 90 minutes from Burford, visiting London on a day trip is easily doable by car. While in the capital, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions, activities and tours.

There truly is something for everyone in this amazing city, from art galleries and museums to shopping and street art, you’re bound to find something that interests you.

If you’ve only got a day in the city, consider hitting up all the top attractions. The best way to do this is to join a free walking tour and I can’t recommend Sandemans Tours enough – I’ve done their tours in many cities across Europe! 

Their amazing tour of London takes you to many of the hot spots including (but not limited to) Buckingham Palace, St Jame’s Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and more.

By the end of the three-hour adventure across London, you will have wracked up thousands of steps and a whole lot more knowledge of the city. It’s the perfect choice for travellers, especially if it’s your first visit. 

Afterwards, take your pick from many of the other top things to do in London to make the most out of your day. 

On a budget? Read this guide for tips on visiting London cheaply.

Top attractions near Burford 

If you’ve decided to extend your trip to Burford, you may be looking to hit up some of the best attractions nearby. In that case, consider visiting the following spots on a day trip from Burford:  

13 | Chedworth Roman Villa

Pay a visit to Chedworth Roman Villa to discover more of the breathtaking Cotswolds! This well-loved National Trust attraction is just a short 25-minute drive from Burford. During your visit, you’ll enjoy a unique glimpse into Roman history in England.

Surrounded by stunning views of the Cotswolds countryside, it’s no wonder the villa is so popular with tourists. With its impressive mosaic floors, ancient bathhouses and well-curated museum exhibits, it’s the perfect destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or art.

After exploring the villa, take a stroll around the grounds and soak up the picturesque scenery. Be sure to bring your camera (or phone) as there are plenty of photo opportunities. Your Instagram feed will thank you!

14 | Blenheim Palace

As one of the most visited attractions in The Cotswolds, over 800 THOUSAND travellers wandered the grounds of Blenheim Palace last year. Home to a stunning landscaped garden and extensive art collection, it’s no wonder the palace is so well-loved.

Just a 25-minute drive away, the palace is easily visited by car from Burford. Once there you can take an informative guided tour of the grounds to discover more about its impressive history. Alternatively, you can opt to explore Blenheim Palace at your own pace, snapping photos and taking in the serene atmosphere.

Throughout the year, a number of events also take place at Blenheim Palace. For example, things like concerts, family-friendly activities and exhibitions. No matter what your age or interests, the palace is worth adding to your England bucket list! 

15 | The Rollright Stones

Situated less than 30 minutes away from Burford by car, the rollright stones are a historical monument dating back over 5000 years ago! The ancient attraction surrounded by the fields of The Cotswolds is visited by thousands of visitors each year with travellers eager to check out the unique stone circle.

Entry to visit the rollright stones cost just £1 for adults and fifty pence for children. If you ask me, that’s a bargain! 

During your visit, you can check out the king’s stone, the king’s men’s stone circle and the whispering knight’s burial chamber at your own pace. There is also plenty of space to sit down and enjoy a picnic if you get a little peckish. 

16 | Kelmscott Manor

Kelmscott Manor is one of the Cotswolds’ hidden gems! This photogenic and historical manor was once home to world-renowned artist William Morris meaning anyone with a particular interest in the artist (such as myself) will want to add it to their itinerary.

It’s the perfect place to see the environment in which he lived and found inspiration for his well-known designs. Visitors can also delve deeper into the life and work of the established writer and designer on a guided tour of the manor. 

After exploring the stunning home, venture outside into the gardens of Kelmscott Manor. As you stroll around the peaceful oasis, it will become evident how much the garden inspired pieces such as Strawberry Theif. 

If you get hungry during your visit, make sure you check out the tearoom which serves a selection of special lunch dishes until 2pm daily. Alternatively, you can opt for a cream tea which are served from 14.30 until closing time. 

Overall, Kelmscott Manor is a fab attraction to discover in The Cotswolds. 

Places to visit near Burford, The Cotswolds FAQ

Conclusion

So, there you have it – 16 of the very best places to visit near Burford! Whether you’re interested in history, nature or simply exploring charming villages, there’s something for everyone.

With so many wonderful destinations waiting to be explored once you’ve checked out the best things to do in Burford, your next adventure is just a stone’s throw away from this popular Cotswolds town!

I hope this list of the best places to visit near Burford has helped you plan a killer road trip. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions! 

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