Things To Do In Burford Cotswolds & Where To Eat And Drink

Here’s what to do in Burford for a first trip…

This store solely dedicated to the best food of all time is one of three branches in Moreton-on-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford. The wide range of tasty cheeses are made locally in – you guessed it – The Cotswolds!

I love browsing inside this shop and wishing I had £8.50 to spend on a block of Barnham Blue. Other classics include whiskey-smoked cheddar, stinking bishop, Oxford Blue, Cornish mature gouda, Shropshire Blue, Wild Garlic Cornish Yarg, oak-smoked cheddar… The list goes on.

You can also shop for cheese, biscuits, chutney and pickles, as well as other deli goods like charcuterie, olives, wines, ciders, cookies and fudge. If you have £50+ to splurge, you can take away an entire hamper of all their best sellers.Find The Cotswold Cheese Company at 113 High Street. You can also get Cotswold Cheese delivered if you get hungry back home.

If you’re not already on a sugar high from your visit to Huffkins, one of my favourite things to do in Burford UK is take a trip to Burford Sweet Shop.

This adorable store inside a golden Cotswold brick building sells all kinds of traditional sweets. With almost a hundred varieties to choose from, how will you ever pick?

I like the chocolate-coated Turkish delight, the dolly mixture and marzipan teacakes. Most of the sweets cost £2-3 per 100g making them some of the cheapest Burford souvenirs. Of course, there are some pricer goodie bags and hampers if you want to splash out or treat a friend.

Find the Sweet Shop Burford at 94 High Street.

Three French Hens is another Burford shop that doesn’t sell anything especially useful but is worth a visit nonetheless. The inviting exterior will tempt you inside with its quirky clutter, homeware items and Harry Potter gifts.

Although I have no use for them, the luxury door handles in all manner of different colours and patterns are a favourite.

Find Three French Hens at 39 High Street.

The Madhatter Bookshop is a cosy independent bookshop on Burford High Street. The Alice in Wonderland-themed name seems fitting when you consider that Oxford, the birthplace of the novels, isn’t far away.

The friendly staff are passionate about their books and will help you find whatever you’re looking for. Having a browse here is one of the best things to do in Burford, plus they sell hats.

Find Madhatter Bookshop at 122 High Street.

Don’t leave Burford without sinking a pint at a traditional British pub.

While there are a few different pubs in Burford for different occasions, they all have a few things in common. Burford is not a place where you’ll find quirky, hipster bars with experimental cocktails. But that’s okay: one of the best things to do in Burford is curl up with a pint or glass of wine and a hearty roast, soaking up the surrounding of a proper British pub.

There are a few of the best:

The Mermaid at Burford is an 18th-century pub with a cheeky welcome sign, wooden period fireplaces and a hearty British menu.

As well as starters, burgers, sharing boards and desserts, they serve incredible jugs of Pimms in the summer which can be enjoyed sat outside.

For the winter months, you can curl up beside the fire and sample the wide range of real ales.

This is the most picturesque spot in town from September to December when red leaves grow up the golden stone of the Cotswolds Arms pub. In the summer months, they’re replaced by equally attractive flowery displays.

Aside from the photo potential, this is one of the most popular pubs in Burford known for their ales and hearty meals.

As well as British classics like fish ‘n’ chips and beef and ale pie, they now serve veggie dishes aubergine chilli and sweet potato curry, plus a range of gluten-free dishes. They also run a Friday burger night where you can get a burger and a pint for £10.

For a filling meal in cosy settings, visit The Priory. I recently stopped for coffee and a toasted teacake as a rest break but they pride themselves on their full English breakfast for only £9.50.

The building dates back to the 17th century and has a sleepy garden set away from the main road.

This community centre might not be there oldest or most traditional building in Burford but it certainly has the best garden views.

The spacious green garden of Warwick Hall looks out over the river where you can spot wildlife in the summertime.

The cafe serves coffees, cakes and sandwiches which makes for a good pitstop while exploring Burford. Enter within the grounds of St John the Baptist Church.