Living in Burford

The community spirit in Burford is strong, shaped by its traditions, local businesses, and a shared appreciation for the Cotswolds landscape. Residents often come together for events such as the annual Levellers’ Day, the Burford Festival, and regular farmers’ markets that bring locally produced food and crafts to the high street.

Local life is enhanced by an array of social organisations, from gardening clubs to rotary and art societies, giving newcomers easy opportunities to get involved. The town’s leisure centre, village halls, and churches play a significant role as gathering spots.

The stunning countryside surrounding Burford is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Walks along the River Windrush, rambles over rolling hills, and exploring neighbouring villages are everyday pleasures. Green spaces and the tranquil riverbank provide leisure opportunities for all ages, and community gardens are popular projects for those with green fingers.

Burford is widely recognised as a safe and low-crime area, consistent with its rural Cotswold surroundings. Minor incidents such as occasional traffic offences or petty theft do occur, but these are infrequent compared to larger urban centres in Oxfordshire.

The local community is proactive about maintaining safety, with a visible neighbourhood policing team and regular updates issued by Thames Valley Police. Residents often describe Burford as a place where people look out for one another, contributing to the overall sense of security.

Most crime tends to be opportunistic and levels remain below national averages, making Burford particularly appealing for families and retirees seeking peace of mind. There are also neighbourhood watch schemes and local initiatives aimed at keeping crime rates low and fostering a close-knit atmosphere.

Parking in Burford can be a challenge at peak tourist times, particularly along the historic high street where on-street parking is limited. However, there are public car parks at key points in the town, including a large one near the river and additional spaces behind the high street. Residents in the central area may need to apply for parking permits, especially during busy weekends and summer seasons.

Access by road is straightforward, with the A40 providing a direct route to both Oxford and Cheltenham, and connections to the M40 for motorway travel. The road network makes it easy to reach nearby Cotswold villages and towns as well as larger urban centres.

Congestion through Burford is rare outside of key tourism periods, and much of the town retains the quiet ease associated with rural living. Access to other locations:

• Oxford – approx. 40 minutes via A40 (19 miles)
• Cheltenham – approx. 35 minutes via A40 (22 miles)
• Witney – approx. 15 minutes via A40 (8 miles)
• Swindon – approx. 45 minutes via A361/A419 (27 miles)

Burford is noted for its superb selection of traditional pubs, quaint tea rooms, and high-quality restaurants. The town’s historic inns, such as The Lamb Inn and The Highway Inn, have been serving visitors and locals for centuries, providing hearty meals and a welcoming ambience. The Angel at Burford and The Bull are also much loved for their menus and relaxed atmospheres.

For those seeking culinary experiences, Burford hosts several independent eateries offering seasonal British cuisine, as well as bistros and tearooms perfect for afternoon tea or light bites. There are popular fish & chip shops and artisan bakeries, ensuring variety for all tastes.

Nightlife in Burford is more on the relaxed and intimate side, with bars attached to inns and a handful of wine bars and local ale houses open into the evening. While there are no nightclubs, the social scene is lively enough to offer plenty for those seeking friendly gatherings without the crowds of a city centre.

Burford’s reputation as a family-friendly town is well deserved. The presence of a well-rated primary school and secondary school ensures educational needs are well met. The abundance of parks, open spaces, and nearby countryside means children have room to play and families can enjoy healthy, outdoor activities together.

Childcare options in Burford are mostly provided through nurseries and childminder services in the town and surrounding villages. The local health centre and safe environment contribute to the area’s appeal for families, while low crime rates and a strong sense of community support further peace of mind.

There are family-oriented events throughout the year, and facilities such as play parks, sports fields, and easy access to wildlife parks (like Cotswold Wildlife Park) mean there’s plenty to keep children entertained all year round.

With its wealth of nearby walking trails, riverside paths, and open countryside, Burford is an exceptionally pet-friendly place. The town itself encourages dog owners, with most pubs and many cafes allowing well-behaved dogs inside. The large Burford Recreation Ground is a favourite spot for daily dog walks.

Local amenities include several veterinary practices and pet stores, both in Burford and the surrounding villages. The town’s proximity to open fields and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty enables pet owners to provide active outdoor lifestyles for their animals with ease. The majority of rental and owned homes are open to pets, reflecting the town’s overall pet-loving attitude.

Burford is strategically situated on the A40, one of the main routes connecting Oxford and Cheltenham, making road travel straightforward. Although there is no dedicated train station in Burford, nearby stations at Charlbury, Shipton, and Kingham provide rail services to Oxford, London Paddington, and further afield.

The town benefits from several local and regional bus services, linking residents to Witney, Carterton, Cheltenham, and Oxford. This makes public transport a practical option for those commuting daily or travelling for leisure.

Proximity to major cities and airports is another plus:

• Oxford – 30-40 minutes by car, or around 45-60 minutes via bus
• Cheltenham – Approx. 35 minutes by car
• London – Around 90 minutes drive, 1 hour 15 minutes by train from Kingham
• Heathrow Airport – About 75 minutes by car

This connectivity makes Burford not only a beautiful rural retreat but also practical for commuters and frequent travellers. The location also places the entirety of the Cotswolds within easy reach for day trips and weekends away.

Primary Schools in Burford:

Burford Primary School is the main school serving younger children in the area, known for its nurturing environment and strong ties to the local community. The school received a 'Good' rating in its latest Ofsted inspection (2022). Other village primary schools, such as Wychwood Primary in Shipton-under-Wychwood, are also nearby and offer similarly high standards.

Secondary Schools in Burford:

Burford School and Sixth Form College is the primary secondary school, catering to pupils aged 11–18. The school is well-regarded locally for its pastoral care and broad curriculum, and Ofsted rated it 'Good' in 2022. Chipping Norton School is another popular option within reasonable driving distance, with a positive reputation in the wider region.

Independent Schools, Academies, Colleges:

For parents seeking independent options, Cokethorpe School (near Witney) is a coeducational day school for ages 4–18. Kingham Hill School, located just over the border in neighbouring West Oxfordshire, is also a well-known independent secondary and sixth form with boarding and day places.

Colleges & Universities:

While there aren’t any further education colleges directly in Burford itself, Abingdon & Witney College (Witney campus) provides accessible post-16 education. For higher education, the world-renowned University of Oxford is around 25 miles away, which remains a major draw for those looking for a university city within reach.