Villages: Upton – Fulbrook – Signet – Westwell – Holwell – Bradwell Village – Shilton – Swinbrook – Widford – Taynton – Great & Little Barrington – Filkins – Eastleach
Burford, on its steep incline, is known as the gateway to the Cotswolds (most towns have a charming-but-spurious intro: Venice of, heart of, jewel of…and so on) and is the smallest of the towns by population, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. Stunning from almost any angle, but particularly if you’ve been schlepping up the M40, A34 & A40 for hours and finally, an hour later, the hills open up and you can see Buford, nestling from really quite a distance out, and when you finally turn off right, into the lime-flanked Upper High Street, the whole vista of the rooftops opens up before you and it’s instantly welcoming.
Architecturally diverse, and interestingly historic, you can pretty much see everything from one judicious spot at the top of the hill. Black and white timber, porticos, red-brick, all sorts of different coloured ‘Cotswold’ stone… to enjoy the the full flavour of the town, a walk round is a must in any season. In addition to the usual Cotswold bingo – medieval bridge – check; Almshouses – check; Wool Church – check (and so on…) you can also boast about collecting your prescriptions from the country’s oldest pharmacy (Reavleys has been a chemist since 1734 – Amazing!). A walk around the town, noting the evocative names of the roads, Tanners Lane, Sheep Street, Church Lane etc. will find you some cosy places to eat and drink, some peace and quiet by the River Windrush and lead you to plenty of stores in which to which to browse for fun, or pick up the day-to-day without having to leave the town.
The school here, Burford School was established in 1571 and now offers comprehensive education to over 1500 students, and boarding for 100.
Some great places to go if you’re moving to Burford:
Cotswold Wildlife Park – https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/
Burford Church – https://www.burfordchurch.org/
The Bull, Burford – https://www.bullburford.com/
The Angel at Burford – https://theangelatburford.co.uk/
The Cotswold Arms – https://www.cotswoldarms.co.uk/
The Burford Garden Centre – https://www.burford.co.uk/
Bicester Village – https://www.thebicestercollection.com/bicester-village/en
Bicester Heritage – https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/
(both 45 minutes away by car)
Sport & Leisure in Burford
Burford Town Bowls Club – https://www.burfordtownbowlsclub.co.uk/
Burford Golf Club – https://www.burfordgolfclub.co.uk/
