Rood Cottage

A little more information on Burford

Possibly the most well-known Cotswolds location is Burford. Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Burford is a quaint English village with a mediaeval bridge, old stone homes, and Tudor and Georgian facades. Once known as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds," Cheltenham has evolved into a major regional crossroads and a prosperous wool town. Many visitors fall in love with this little refuge of history and beauty, which is about halfway between Oxford and Cheltenham (each is around 25 minutes away). The Tolsey Museum, a local museum depicting the town's social and industrial history, is housed in the 16th century Tolsey building. The architecture of the church is spectacular, and there are many noteworthy memorials to some of Burford's most illustrious families on display. When Oliver Cromwell attacked this church in 1649, Antony Sedley was one of the three Leveller ringleaders murdered by Cromwell's troops. The baptismal font bears his signature. You can't miss it! While the beauty and history of Burford haven't changed much over the years, the town's stores and antiques, as well as the numerous restaurants, bars, and tea shops, have made it a popular destination for tourists. This location is great for exploring the Cotswolds, which includes Blenheim Palace, Sudley Castle, Warwick Castle, and a number of National Trust Houses. The 16th century Tolsey building, once the meeting place for medieval merchants, now houses The Tolsey Museum, a delightful local museum illustrating the town's social and industrial past. The church is stunning, a real gem architecturally with many interesting memorials charting some of Burford's great families. There is also the signature, on the baptisimal font, of Antony Sedley, one of the Levellers besieged in the church in 1649 - three of the ringleaders were executed by Oliver Cromwell's men in the churchyard. History awaits! With little changing over the centuries, Burford is now very popular with visitors, both for its beauty and history but also for its shopping and antiques, and for the wide variety of places to eat, with restaurants, pubs and teashops. It is an ideal base for visiting The Cotswolds area as it is within easy driving distance of popular attractions such as Blenheim Palace, Sudley Castle, Warwick Castle and several National Trust Houses and Gardens. Bourton on the Water, Bibury, Cirencester and Stow on the Wold are all with 25 minutes from the property.