Undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in the Cotswolds and another favourite of mine, Burford is a tranquil opportunity to step back in time.

Positioned around 20 miles from both Oxford and Cheltenham, Burford is sometimes described as the gateway to the southern part of the Cotswolds.

It is also located on the River Windrush, but this time the waters are found at the bottom of the sloping high street.

If you want to avoid the busiest times in Burford then I’d really recommend visiting out of season if you can.

However, one time you should aim to join the slightly higher numbers is on Levellers Day in May. There’s a vibrant parade through the town accompanied by various celebrations of human rights and freedom of speech.

What to see and things to do

I adore all the quaint little shops and cafés dotted around the village, plus Burford is where you can find England’s oldest pharmacy. Established in 1734, Reavley’s is still thriving.

This is one of the best villages to visit in the Cotswolds for historians, as St John’s church has a memorial to one of Henry VIII’s barber surgeons. 

There is also the Tolsey Museum, housed in a 16th century building. Annually, Burford hosts Levellers Day, commemorating the three radicals who were executed in the churchyard here.

Personally, I’d recommend settling into one of the cosy cafés and watching the world go by.

Parking in Burford

Burford is actually one of the easiest Cotswolds villages and towns to park in owing to the large free car park at the lower end of town.

Find the car park via a turning by Mrs Bumbles (a wonderful deli!). Take care as the road is narrow as it passes the Church, with just room for a single car, and then enter the car park.

It’s good to know that there are also free and clean public toilets located in the car park too.