Beautiful village two hours from London, cited by many celebrity fans as one of Britain’s prettiest

While great British weather does very little to invoke a summer feeling, a trip to the coast or to the countryside could be the perfect answer to your holiday dreams. Two hours from the capital, there is a quaint village that might fulfill your desire to escape the capital.

Known as the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford in north Oxfordshire feels like a world away from the bustling capital. The main street offers visitors stunning views of the countryside and the River Windrush, which features a beautiful medieval three-arch bridge.

The quaint streets are lined with charming antique shops, old cottages and old houses that appear little changed from Tudor times. The town is even home to England’s oldest pharmacy – Reavley’s in Burford was founded in 1734.

CONTINUE READING: The lovely commuter village 45 minutes from London that’s under the radar with houses selling for £379,000

There’s plenty to do in the riverside village, from exploring old pubs like the Cotswolds Arms and tea rooms including Huffkins, to visiting the 15th-century parish church of St John Baptist. Burford is also perfect for history buffs with many attractions including the Tolsey Museum which showcases the city’s social and industrial past.

The parish church is also home to memorials depicting some of Burford’s well-known families, including one of Henry VIII’s barber. If you have young children with you, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & ​​Gardens and Crocodiles of the World are both close by and cater to families the perfect day trip.

The wildlife park is home to more than 260 species of animals, including rhinos, giraffes and penguins, and covers 120 hectares of parkland. Crocodiles of the World offers exciting experiences including underwater viewing, conversation and animal encounters.

Tourists are well catered for in the city with the Burford Visitor Information Center in the town centre. If things couldn’t get any better, Burford car park is free for all and is a five minute walk from the main street.

how to get there

Burford is a two hour drive from London via the M40 and A40. Alternatively you can take a 45 minute train from London Paddington to Oxford and then two buses – the S1 and 853.

Want more from MyLondon? Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the latest and greatest news from across London here.