Fun Things To Do in Burford Summary
Burford, the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” is packed with history, charm, and things to do. Explore St. John the Baptist Church, The Tolsey Museum, and the village’s iconic high street with its unique shops and cosy cafés. Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park, enjoy homemade treats at Burford Bakery, or relax with afternoon tea. Whether you’re discovering its medieval past or browsing for handcrafted goods, Burford is a must-see stop on a Cotswolds day tour from London!
Historical places in Burford
If Bourton-on-the-Water is “little Venice” in the Cotswolds, then Burford is the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”. Downhill from the River Windrush, is situated the historical Burford village. Dating back to the Middle Saxon period, it once was a thriving market town known for its Wool trade. From royal connections to England’s Civil War, Burford has much to its history. This well-preserved history gives the village a lovely, warm vibe. It’s high street….and stone buildings…If you’re travelling to the Cotswolds on a day tour, this is for you, as we’ll look at things to do in Burford.
Burford's Historical Landmarks
As we begin with things to do in Burford, let’s start with historical monuments that make for a good sightseeing experience. Conveniently, to visit all the monuments we’ve listed below, you will only need to walk 5-10 minutes! On your visit, you will not only get a feel of Burford’s cultural identity but gain an admiration for the village, making your day tour all the more special.
St. John the Baptist Church
Historical villages in England were known for having parish churches at the heart of the community, and Burford is no exception. Burford’s 12th-century church, built on its Saxon foundations, is a great starting point for exploring the village if you appreciate Gothic architecture. Highlights include its 15th-century tower and spire, stunning stained glass depicting the life of St John, and tombs that tell the stories of the village’s past residents.
The Tolsey
Tolsey was once what we would describe today as a community hub, where the Burford community gathered for markets and meetings. Now a museum, it houses historical items and information that reveal the village’s past life from the medieval era. Fortunately, admission is completely free, making it an attraction well worth a visit.
The Historic Bridge
Tolsey was once what we would describe today as a community hub, where the Burford community gathered for markets and meetings. Now a museum, it houses historical items and information that reveal the village’s past life from the medieval era. Fortunately, admission is completely free, making it an attraction well worth a visit.
The Cotswolds Guided Day Tour from London
From £90
Visit the Cotswolds from London, and stroll through Bibury, stow on the wold and many more beautiful Cotswolds villages on our luxury coach. Explore the largest area of outstanding natural beauty in Britain.
Activities to Do in Burford
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
A family favourite, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is a must-visit attraction in Burford. This family-run wildlife park first opened its gates in 1970 and spans an impressive 160 acres. It’s home to a diverse range of animals from different climates and habitats around the world, including penguins, lions, giraffes, and more. Beyond the wildlife, the beautifully maintained gardens offer a peaceful space for reflection.
Burford Garden Centre
If you enjoy browsing garden shops, Burford Garden Centre is well worth a visit. The highlight is its extensive plant selection, complemented by a range of garden accessories and homeware. You might even find live music to enhance your visit. There’s also a café for a quick snack and a children’s area to keep little ones entertained.
Burford High Street
Everyone loves high-street shopping, and while Burford is a small village, it boasts a well-known and charming high street. This is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, discover handcrafted items made in Burford, and enjoy a well-deserved lunch featuring locally sourced foods. For some of our top recommendations, take a look at:
- Home & Interiors – Amanda Hanley, Three French Hens
- Handcrafted Goods & Woodwork – Burford Woodcraft
- Fashion & Accessories – Pascale James
- Cafés & Food – Lynwood & Co Cafe | Cotswolds Cafe | UK, The Burford Farm Shop
- Books & Gifts – Madhatter Bookshop
- Art & Craft – Cotswold Glass and Craft
- Clothing & Footwear – Walkers
- Traditional Sweets – Burford Sweet Shop
Where to Eat and Drink in Burford
The Lamb Inn
Step into this historic inn for a hearty meal in a warm, inviting setting. With locally sourced ingredients and a homey atmosphere, The Lamb Inn is the perfect pit stop after a day of exploring the places we’ve suggested. We recommend their sandwich menu, served with triple-cooked chips—giving you the energy boost needed to continue your Cotswolds adventure. You can find the menu here.
Cotswolds Tea Rooms
No visit to the Cotswolds is complete without a proper tea break! Enjoy freshly baked scones, a steaming pot of tea, and the charm of an old-fashioned tearoom—a true taste of England. One standout menu item is their all-day breakfast, a fantastic deal at £12.50, featuring a fried egg, two rashers of bacon, sausage, hash brown, mushroom, tomato, beans, and toast.
Burford Bakery
If you’re after a bite of buttery fluffiness, the locally renowned Bakery on The Hill is your go-to! Located on Burford’s high street, it offers a tempting selection of breads, pastries, and sweet treats, perfectly paired with a good cup of tea or coffee.
Take a hassle-free day tour from London to the Cotswolds and focus on enjoying its villages! Explore Burford with its unique activities, great places to eat and drink, and historic monuments. With our expert guide, visit two must-see villages—Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold—along with additional stops, depending on the day’s schedule.
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