Best of Burford

Located just around halfway between Cheltenham and Oxford, Burford is a must for any Cotswold holiday bucket list. Often referred to as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is a picture-postcard market town that offerstimeless Cotswold charm.

Burford gets its name from the old English words for Fortified town (Burh) and crossing of a river (Ford). First mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086, Burford is a town as rich in history as it is in beauty.

Burford sits on the River Windrush, featuring classic Cotswold-stone houses, antique shops, historic pubs, and an enchanting medieval bridge over the river. If you take a stroll up to Burford hill, you’ll find some great spots to take in the beauty of the traditional Cotswold homes that surround you.

Pop in to have a look at the magnificent St John the Baptist Church, dating back to 1175, this impressive church is ranked one of the top 10 most visited churches in the Country. Read more about the history of the church here: History —Burford Church

A day out in Burford wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Burford Garden Company – a day out in its own right! Burford Garden Company is set across a 15-acre site and is a haven for both interior design lovers and garden enthusiasts alike - with a large selection of outdoor and indoor plants, a wide range of home and garden furnishings, and even a live pianist! It really is a one of a kind. There is also a lovely café with indoor and outdoor seating, serving freshly made food, drinks and cakes.

Just a 10-minute drive from Burford is the village ofMinster Lovell, a beautiful quaint village bursting with beauty and character.The River Windrush winds through the village, with some pubs offering river-side seating – perfect to enjoy the scenery as you rest and refresh fromall the exploring.

At Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, you’ll discover the extensive remains of a magnificent 15^th century manor house built by WilliamBaron of Lovell and Holand. William was one of the richest men in England atthe time and had built the manor as a demonstration of his wealth. You can readmore about the history of this impressive building here: Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote | English Heritage

If you fancy a spot of wild swimming, there is a lovely spot right next to the ruins where you can cool off in the river (which gets to about a metre in depth). Find out more about wild swimming in Minster Lovell here: Minster Lovell Swimming, River Windrush

Between Minster Lovell and Burford, you’ll find The FarmersDog Pub, owned by Jeremy Clarkson. The pub features local lager and cider from Jeremy’s Hawkstone brewery and serves only produce from British farms. There is also a Diddly Squat Farm shop where you can pick up produce from Clarksons Diddly Squat Farm.

If you’re looking for a day out with the kids, a day out at The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is hard to beat. Just under 3miles from Burford, the park features one of the UKs largest zoological collections - here you’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with a wide array of animals such as majestic lions, imposing rhinos, graceful zebras and towering giraffes. Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and spacious enclosures, it’s a place where the wonders of nature are on full display, making it an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. Read here for more information about the park and to book tickets Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens