8 Things to do in Burford: The Gateway to The Cotswolds (2024 Guide)

Last Updated on October 22, 2024 by Lauren Allen

Dubbed the Gateway to The Cotswolds, there are several amazing things to do in Burford Village. If you’re heading to this area of outstanding natural beauty, spending a day (or at least a few hours) in Burford, Oxfordshire is a must!

Over the years, The Cotswolds have become a hit with locals and tourists from across the globe. After visiting the area myself, I can completely understand why. This picture-perfect area of the English countryside offers incredible views, unique charm and a quintessential UK getaway that’s worthy of a place on your bucket list. 

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most out of your time in Burford. We’ll delve deep into:

• Burford attractions that you can’t miss 
• Is Burford worth visiting? 
• Why is the town so popular?
• How to get to Burford, Cotswolds 
• The best places to eat in Burford
• Burford pubs worth visiting 
• Where to stay in Burford 
• Things to do near Burford
• FAQs about visiting Burford 

Things to do in Burford

1 | Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 6pm (with an earlier closing time of 4pm in winter). Last admission is one hour before closing time. 

Ticket prices: £11.50 – £18 (e-tickets are cheaper)

If you’re an animal lover, you may want to consider booking a ticket to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with giraffes, spot some lions and check out exotic birds.

The park is home to a wide selection of animals and wildlife, offering something for everyone whether you’re a fan of birds or getting out in nature. 

Speaking of nature, the grounds are stunning with beautiful gardens and spots to relax. Bursting with colourful flowers and trees, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic if you’re lucky with the weather (you are in England after all). 

Lastly, the park offers animal encounters, adoptions and other exciting activities worth considering. Animal enthusiasts will be in their element! 

How long do you need at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens? 

To truly appreciate one of the best things to do in Burford, you should aim to spend around four hours at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. 

2 | Shop til’ you drop

One of the best things to do in The Cotswolds is shop at the many independent stores. Across the region, you’ll find a wide selection of shops selling local delicacies, homeware, fashion and much more. 

If you fancy a spot of shopping, Burford is one of the best towns to visit in the area. On the high street, there are quite a few shops worth visiting. If you’re looking to buy some souvenirs, gifts for your loved ones or just fancy treating yourself, make sure you spend some time in this popular Cotswolds village! 

Plus, once you’ve got your steps in, you can reward yourself at one of the town’s cosy pubs (wink wink).

Some of the coolest Burford shops include:

Country House Gifts

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 5pm.

Country House Gifts is one of the best Burford shops if you’re on the hunt for presents, children’s clothes, toys or home decor. They sell a range of products to suit all tastes such as teapots, fancy soaps and decorative flowers. 

The Sweet Shop

Opening hours: Open daily from 9am until 5pm (with a later opening time of 10am on Sundays).

A must for those with a sweet tooth, The Sweet Shop in Burford has a cool retro vibe that is worth checking out! Plus, who doesn’t love sweets? The best thing about this place is the large selection of sweets on offer. They sell everything from cherry lips to bonbons. 

During the festive period, The Sweet Shop get into the Christmas spirit with colourful displays in the window. How fun! 

Three French Hens

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 5.30pm.

Three French Hens is a great spot for a bit of shopping in Burford. Despite only being small, they offer unique goods including home decor, gifts, greeting cards and much more. 

The Cotswold Cheese Company

Opening hours: Open daily from 9am until 5pm (with a later start and earlier closing time on Sundays).

Cheese enthusiasts will be in their element at The Cotswold Cheese Company. Located in the heart of Burford and several other Cotswolds villages, this popular shop sells a large selection of tasty cheeses. Despite being on the pricier side, it’s more than worth it for the taste. Yum! 

3 | Crocodiles of the World

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am until 5pm.

Ticket prices: £10.50 – £51.50 depending on the ticket type. Babies under two go free. Keeper experiences cost considerably more. 

If you’re on the hunt for unusual things to do in The Cotswolds, consider visiting Crocodiles of the World. This one-of-a-kind Burford attraction is home to a number of crocodile species, including Tomistomas, West African crocodiles and much more.

They even house some of the most threatened crocodiles across the globe. In addition to crocs, the zoo also houses other animals such as turtles, meerkats, otters and lizards. 

For a more hands-on experience, the zoo also offers unique experiences such as:

• Meet the Meerkats: Get up close and personal with some meerkats. Discover more about how they live and help with feeding time. 
• Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience: Meet Dirk, the biggest tortoise in the country. 
• Croc Keeper Experience: Feeling brave? Spend a few hours getting hands-on at the zoo by meeting and feeding a lot of the unique residents (aka the 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.

How long do you need at Crocodiles of the World in Burford? 

It depends on how interested you are in the different animals and species, but typically, a few hours should be enough at this popular Burford attraction.

4 | Visit Brian Sinfield Gallery

Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday (9.30am until 5pm)

Making a stop at the Brian Sinfield Gallery is essential if (like me) you have a large interest in art. The gallery is located right on the high street and houses a beautiful collection of paintings, sculptures and other art pieces.

Throughout the year, the gallery runs a number of varied exhibitions focusing on a range of topics and art practices. This means it’s a great place to visit regardless of if you’ve already been.

Plus, it’s not that big so it should be pretty easy to squeeze it into your Cotswolds itinerary (even if it’s jam-packed). 

Personally, a relaxed stroll around this amazing art gallery was a highlight of my adventure through The Cotswolds! As one of the best free things to do in Burford, this gallery is well worth a quick visit if you’re in town.

5 | See the arched medieval bridge

Burford (and The Cotswolds as a whole) has a lot of interesting history. Situated at the end of the high street is a historic medieval bridge. The bridge was constructed centuries ago and stands over the River Windrush. It’s worth seeing if you are visiting Burford for the first time.

6 | Visit Minster Lovell Hall

One of the top things to do near Burford is explore Minster Lovell Hall. Located just a 10-minute drive (or 30ish minute bus ride) away, you can easily add it to your itinerary if you have one day in Burford. 

As with all English Heritage sites, this impressive Oxfordshire attraction boasts a lot of history and charm. What was once an elegant manor house now sits in ruins. Despite that, you will still get a real feel for the unique building that once stood in this spot. 

If you’re into spooky stories, it’s said that Minster Lovell Hall has a ghost. Legend has it that during a renovation in the 18th century, skeletons were found of a man and a dog. Almost immediately, these skeletons perished into dust, leaving those who witnessed the incident pretty spooked up (obviously). 

Unlike many English Heritage attractions, this intriguing collection of ruins is completely free to visit. It’s also always open making it easy to explore the hall once most of the local attractions have already closed. Due to this, you should leave this spot until the end of the day to maximise your sightseeing potential. 

7 | Check out the church of St John the Baptist

If you want to take advantage of free things to do in Burford, make sure you pay a visit to the church of St John the Baptist. Located in the heart of the picturesque town, this stunning Anglican church stands tall over Burford and is one of the town’s architectural gems.

As well as being one of the most significant religious landmarks in The Cotswolds, the church has a unique history dating back to the 11th Century. These days, it has become one of the top ten visited churches in England. 

After visiting the church grounds, take a walk down Lawrence Lane where you can capture a snap for Instagram showcasing the church in the background. This is without a doubt one of the prettiest streets in The Cotswolds. 

8 | Admire the views from Burford Hill

One of the coolest things to do in The Cotswolds is to admire the stunning views. As you explore the region, you’ll find lots of impressive viewpoints offering countryside landscapes and incredible photo opportunities. 

Buford is no different. From the top of Burford Hill, you can see the rolling hills of the Cotswolds countryside. This is without a doubt one of the nicest views in the area so ensure you walk up the hill to check it out. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

---

Is Burford worth visiting?

Of course, Burford is absolutely worth visiting! Home to some fantastic shops, restaurants and tourist attractions, Burford is one of the best places to visit in The Cotswolds.

---

Why is Burford so popular?

Over the years, Burford has become one of the most popular places to visit in The Cotswolds. The reason for this is down to its location. Dubbed the gateway to The Cotswolds, it’s often the first stop for many travellers. 

Furthermore, Burford is also well-loved for shopping and great pubs. Another thing that makes the town such a hit is the amazing view overlooking the rolling hills of The Cotswolds from the top of Burford Hill. 

---

How to get to Burford, United Kingdom

Wondering how to get to Burford? Unfortunately, options are a little limited. However, you can consider the following when deciding how to get to this medieval Cotswolds town:

Driving to Burford in The Cotswolds

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK (or other Cotswolds villages), the best way to get to Burford is to drive. This is due to the convenience as public transport links are not ideal in the area. With limited train and bus links, it’s a lot easier to explore this area of England if you have a car.

If you are not a UK resident, it’s possible to rent a car. This will offer time freedom as you will be able to travel as much as you wish without relying on other methods of transportation!

Getting to Burford by train

Although there isn’t a train station in Burford, there is one in Shipton. This station is located approximately 15 minutes away from town by car. From there, you can jump in a taxi and make your way into Burford. 

---

Burford restaurants

Spice Lounge

Do you enjoy Indian food? Then Spice Lounge is the place for you. This is one of the best restaurants in town and serves up a large variety of delicious Indian dishes.

In addition to that, they boast everything you will ever want from a restaurant: helpful waiters, fantastic customer service and a fab atmosphere.

Burford House

Alternatively, pay a visit to Burford House. This cosy establishment is another lovely place to grab a bite to eat. It’s the best place to go if you are looking for somewhere to eat breakfast or if you want to experience legendary afternoon tea. Burford House serves a selection of options including tasty pancakes, crumpets and traditional English breakfasts.

Bakery on the Hill

If you’re on the hunt for something to eat whilst on the move, head to the Bakery on the Hill. This charming cafe offers great coffee, sandwiches and pastries.

Furthermore, the staff are friendly and offer a warm welcome. We grabbed something from here as we were exploring and thought it was delicious! 10 out of 10 would recommend it!

Pubs in Burford

Are you really experiencing England if you don’t stop off at the pub at least once? They’re the perfect spots to rest your legs in between visiting tourist attractions and partaking in cool activities. Here are the best pubs in Burford:

The Royal Oak

Highly rated for excellent food. The pies specifically are popular amongst travellers and locals alike. The Royal Oak also offers fantastic customer service and a large menu of alcoholic beverages.

The Mermaid

Located on the high street, The Mermaid is a convenient stop to grab a drink when you fancy a break from shopping. Dogs are also welcome here which is an added bonus!

The Cotswold Arms

Without a doubt one of the best in The Cotswolds, this cosy pub is the perfect place to stop if you need to escape the rain (because after all, you are travelling in England).

The pub has a fireplace to keep it warm in the colder months and is comfortably decorated. Lastly, staff are very welcoming which seems to be the norm in this part of the country.

Burford hotels and holiday homes

The Lamb Inn

Nestled away down a quiet side street, The Lamb Inn is a charming 3-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, a super snug atmosphere and incredible customer service. Guests love this establishment thanks to its peaceful vibe, stunning decor and great location.

Burford House

As one of the very best places to stay in town, Burford House is just stunning. Although it has limited rooms, each one has been finished to a super high standard.

Their beautiful rooms offer a charming place to rest your head (and your feet) after a day of sightseeing. Every single room boasts tea-making amenities, free wifi and a TV to enjoy whilst you relax!

Church Cottage

Thirdly, you could enjoy a comfortable retreat at Church Cottage in Burford. This unique home offers one of the cosiest stays in The Cotswolds.

The cottage comes with a living and dining area, three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and two bathrooms. It also offers free guest wifi, parking, a TV and a DVD player – ideal for a comfortable night in after a busy day.

Lastly, it also boasts a great garden space to the rear of the property. This is just perfect if you are in the area on a warm summer’s day!

The cottage is beautifully decorated throughout, which makes for a lovely stay. Furthermore, a big holiday home is ideal for visitors who are travelling in a larger group.

Lime Tree Apartments

Offering a more relaxed stay in a fully furnished apartment, Lime Tree is a great alternative to staying in a hotel. The complete holiday home comes with a lounge/ bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen all to yourself.

It’s ideal for travellers who hope for a more homely feel whilst on their adventures.

The kitchen is perfect (based on size and facilities) for cooking up a storm and the bathroom even has a bath – perfect for those who love a soak after a day out! Lastly, the holiday home is located in a relaxing setting with a lovely garden outside.

What more could you want?

Places to visit near Burford, Oxfordshire

If you’re staying in town and fancy heading on a day trip, there are many beautiful places to visit near Burford. For example, you might decide to hit up many of the other Cotswold villages.

Alternatively, head to the likes of Oxford or Blenheim Palace – two of the most amazing spots to explore in the UK! Wherever you decided to go, you will be treated to incredible English charm. 

Oxford, Oxfordshire

Less than 30 minutes away from town, the city of Oxford is one of the best places to visit in the South of England. Its incredible architecture makes it truly stand out as one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

With so many things to do in Oxford, you should aim to spend two days (at least) in the city. As such, it’s a great place to continue your journey after checking out what The Cotswolds villages have to offer.

Whilst visiting Oxford, there are a number of things you must do. For example, make sure you leave enough time to visit some university buildings. The Bodleian Library and The Divinity School are both open to visitors.

Fun fact: Potterheads absolutely must visit The Divinity School as some scenes from the movies were filmed here.

Next, spend some time snapping some Instagram photos in front of Radcliffe Camera (aka Oxford’s coolest building). Afterwards, check out the views from the top of the University Church, wander around Christ Church Cathedral and visit Oxford Castle and Prison.

If you’d prefer to visit museums and galleries, Oxford has you covered! Within the city, you have a number of options. Art lovers should head straight to Modern Art Oxford whilst history lovers may want to explore the Pitt Rivers Museum. Lastly, The Oxford Museum of Natural History is also worth checking out.

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Located less than 20 minutes away from Burford, Chipping Norton is another town worth adding to your Cotswolds itinerary. Even if you only make a quick stop, you can spend some time visiting the town’s museum, strolling around the Church of St Mary or checking out the beautiful Almshouses.

Devil’s Chimney, Gloucestershire

Situated around 30 minutes away from town in Leckhampton, Devil’s Chimney is a popular stop whilst on a Cotswolds road trip. It’s also one of the best things to do near Burford.

Visiting this tourist attraction is a great pass time for travellers who enjoy scenic hikes. The walk showcases amazing views over Cheltenham and beyond. Due to this, Devil’s Chimney is a must-do activity if you want a bit of fresh air and exercise.

FAQ about visiting Burford, The Cotswolds

Conclusion

So, there we have it! You now know what to do in Burford, England on your upcoming adventure to The Cotswolds. Simply put, this charming town is a worthy addition to your UK bucket list and offers a getaway bursting with history, breathtaking views and relaxed vibes. 

As if that wasn’t enough, the cosy pubs, independent stores and excellent restaurants in Burford are sure to leave a lasting impression! 

I hope this guide of things to do in Burford has helped you plan your ideal trip to this Cotswolds town! If you have any tips to share, feel free to share them in the comments section below!

Like this post? Then pin it!