Gateway to the Cotswolds: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burford

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Our tour starts outside this charming 16th-century building that once served as a meeting place for merchants, complete with its original timbered facade. Inside, the museum holds artifacts that tell the story of Burford’s rich past, including its medieval role in law enforcement.

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2. Walk down this picturesque lane, lined with historic cottages, each one a glimpse into Burford’s past as a prosperous wool town. The name itself is a nod to the sheep markets that once brought wealth to the area, shaping its development over centuries.

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3. Stroll past this ivy-clad inn, which welcomes visitors with its cozy atmosphere and beautiful courtyard garden. Once home to the infamous Lord and Lady Tanfield, their cruel reputation made them the most despised residents of Burford.

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4. You’ll pass the remains of this once-thriving brewery, where traditional brewing methods were perfected over generations. Its connection to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church adds an unexpected twist to its story.

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5. Marvel at this historic inn, with its low beams and roaring fireplaces, has been a beloved local gathering place for centuries. Before it was a pub, it housed a weaver’s cottage and later a brewery, making it a key part of Burford’s economic history.

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6. Peak at this grand former monastery, tucked behind high stone walls, with its air of mystery, enhanced by tales of ghostly apparitions. Local legend warns that anyone who sees its resident ghosts will be cursed—a chilling piece of folklore that lingers to this day.

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7. Learn more about this striking medieval church, with its towering spire and intricate stained glass, dominates the town’s skyline. Inside, it hosts memorials to Civil War soldiers and a reminder of Burford’s role in England’s turbulent past.

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8. One of Burford’s most impressive mansions, this grand residence dates back to the 17th century. It has housed some of the town’s wealthiest figures and offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of its former inhabitants.

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9. Walk past this traditional pub, with its timbered walls and inviting hearth, which has been a favorite stop for weary travelers for generations. It also has a fascinating link to the English Civil War, when it served as a refuge for soldiers.

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10. Take a photo at Symon Wysdom's house, a striking Tudor building with distinctive black-and-white timbering, it was once home to one of Burford’s most successful merchants. Its impressive architecture and historical significance make it one of the town’s most photographed landmarks.

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11. At the end of the tour, you’ll see England’s oldest pharmacy, still operating in its original location. With a history stretching back over 200 years, it’s a fascinating link to the evolution of medicine and local remedies.

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Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Oxford

• Its from-price is 86% below the median of the 267 experiences we list in Oxford.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Oxford

Oxford is England's famous university city, with honey-coloured colleges, libraries, museums and river meadows beside the Thames and the Cherwell.

Oxford has been a university town since the 12th century, and its dreaming spires belong to colleges that stand shoulder to shoulder around quadrangles and gardens. The Radcliffe Camera, a round domed library, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church, whose dining hall inspired scenes in the Harry Potter films, are the best known. The Hertford Bridge, a covered footbridge nicknamed the Bridge of Sighs, links two parts of one college.

Top-ranked sights in Oxford: Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, Trinity College .

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