A charming Cotswold town with a timeless and enchanting ambiance shines brighter than its neighboring villages in my opinion.
The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is renowned for its honey-stone cottages, rolling hills, cobbled streets, and a plethora of picturesque villages and towns. While Castle Combe and Bibury are often considered the most stunning settlements in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are popular choices among tourists.
Despite all offering the typical English charm and idyllic settings akin to stepping into a fairy tale, I personally found Burford to be even more captivating. This medieval market town in Oxfordshire, known for being the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds,’ boasts a scenic backdrop, a famous high street, and continues to draw numerous visitors.
During a weekend visit to parts of the Cotswolds, I was pleasantly surprised by the charm of Burford, conveniently located just 40 minutes from Oxford and 30 minutes from Cheltenham. The steep and sweeping high street immediately captured my attention, providing a delightful setting for a leisurely Saturday afternoon stroll.
Burford boasts one of the most picturesque streets I’ve encountered. The Hill is lined with charming Cotswold stone cottages adorned with arched doorways, medieval windows, and lush purple wisteria, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. A leisurely walk from The Hill down to the High Street and along the meandering River Windrush felt like stepping into a storybook setting.
The High Street is a treasure trove of independent shops and traditional tearooms. Even on a chilly day in May, locals sat outside enjoying homemade treats. I explored a variety of independent stores, including Ma Maison Belle, No 31 Burford, and Three French Hens, offering a diverse range of homeware, gifts, and decorative items. I also stumbled upon The Oxford Brush Company store, a haven for brush enthusiasts, and a traditional sweet shop that exuded a sense of nostalgia with its vintage charm.
Among the Tudor-style half-timbered buildings on the iconic High Street, visitors can explore Antiques at The George and a quaint red post office adorned with postcards and decorative flags. A notable highlight is The Madhatter Bookshop, a literary haven reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, featuring a vast collection of novels and a cozy reading nook for visitors to unwind.
After browsing the shops, I indulged in a coffee and cake break at the Davenford tea room, savoring their delectable Hummingbird carrot cake and lavender, orange, and Earl Grey cake.
Burford is renowned for its coffee and cake offerings, with charming tea rooms like Huffkins, The Priory, and Bakery on the Hill, as well as the traditional butchers, W J Castle Burford, offering a variety of savory treats like warm sausage rolls and pork baps.
Traditional pubs like the Angel and the Royal Oak are nestled down the side streets, while others like the Mermaid take center stage on the bustling high street. The town also features a local supermarket, Your Coop Food, where visitors can purchase a wicker basket, adding to the quintessential Cotswold charm.
For those keen on exploring this timeless town, parking is available along the main high street, although finding a spot can be challenging on weekends. However, a free car park nearby offers ample space, though access may be limited due to narrow roads during peak times.
