Burford Cotswolds Oxfordshire

Burford in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, South West England

Burford in Oxfordshire is called the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”. In fact, Burford was the first Cotswold town to be given a charter (in 1087 AD) and thus became an official market town. Burford is even mentioned in the Domesday Book from the early Norman period.

History

The name ‘Burford’ may mean ‘the ford by the hill’ and that ‘hill’ provided excellent pasture for the sheep and stone for its masons which were both important to the town’s historical development.

Nowadays, the town has a population of around 1,400 inhabitants.

Sign Post in the town pointing to the Visitor Information Centre

River Windrush

The River Windrush flows around the town and can be crossed rather than ‘ford’ed by the historic Burford Bridge (see below).

The exact age of this bridge is unknown but it was repaired in 1322 AD. It is also known that Queen Elizabeth I was greeted at this bridge in 1574 AD by local luminary Simon Wisdom among others.

Bridge in Burford, Oxfordshire

Visitors to this lovely town will find the visitor information centre (see below) on Sheep Street. There are maps and pamphlets and the staff can help with finding accommodation.

Tourist Information Centre on Sheep Street

The town is also home to the historic Lamb Inn (see below). The Lamb Inn became an inn in 1720 AD.

Historic Lamb Inn

Access – Getting There

The town is located on the A40 a short drive west from Oxford. The town is also within easy reach of Swindon, Cirencester, Cheltenham and Gloucester. From Bath drive north on the A4, A429 and the B4425.

Visitors to the town may also want to visit nearby Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury.

Burford Visitor Information Centre
The Brewery
Sheep Street
Burford, Oxfordshire
OX18 4LP
Tel: 01993 823558
South West England Map