Things to do in the Cotswolds
There is much to do and see in the lovely Cotswolds whatever the season. Since we moved to the Cotswolds some fifteen years ago we have had great fun together discovering the charming towns and villages, all the places of interest and the beautiful walks which surround us here. We enjoy sharing this information with our guests and it is available for the moment that you arrive at Burford House.
The wonderful City of Oxford is close by and there are a number of the most famous Houses and Gardens to visit.
For those seeking a little retail therapy we are an easy drive from the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham and also from Bicester outlet Shopping Village which currently has a range of stores that includes many designer and famous brand names.
OXFORD
An easy half hour drive from Burford House and well worth spending at least half a day there, "that sweet city with her dreaming spires" as Thomas Arnold called it, has much to offer. We consider the following to be well worthy of a visit
Merton College - a wonderful Medieval library, which houses the first edition of The Canterbury Tales, it has the oldest buildings of all the colleges and a beautiful garden.
Christ Church College - the college chapel has been the Cathedral of the city since 1546. Choral evensong can be heard from 6.00pm Monday to Saturday during term time.
Magdalen College - pronounced Maudlin', and thought by many to be the most lovely of all the colleges, with its riverside location, cloisters and Perpendicular bell tower.
Bodleian Library - founded in 1480, it is the University's' research library and one of the most important in the world. The circular Radcliffe Camera is part of the library and is used for studying and for reading.
Ashmolean Museum - dating from 1677 and housing important collections of Chinese bronzes, Islamic and Japanese ceramics and Indian sculpture.
Botanic Gardens - the oldest botanic gardens in Britain and home to over eight thousand species.
We have a full guide to Oxford, information on tours and recommendations for where to have a drink and where to eat.
HOUSES, CASTLES AND GARDENS
The Cotswolds is an area with many historic buildings and beautiful gardens, here are a few of our favourites
Blenheim Palace - a gift from the nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his victory over the French at the battle of Blenheim in 1704. The house was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and the gardens by Capability Brown. HOUSE & GARDENS OPEN EARLY MAR-END OCT / PARK OPEN ALL YEAR
Kelmscott Manor - Country home of William Morris from 1871 1896 and containing many of his po sessions and products of his genius. Morris is buried in the Churchyard.
OPEN WEDNESDAYS AND 3RD SATURDAY APR-SEP.
Chastleton House - A wonderful Jacobean house, owned and lived in continuously until the early 1990s by one family. It is filled with everyday objects alongside the very rare and is an absolute gem.
EARLY APR-END SEP
WED-SAT 1-5 / OCT & NOV WED-SAT 1-4.
Waddesdon Manor - a French Renaissance style chateau in Buckinghamshire. This wonderful place is owned by the Rothschild family and run by the National Trust and houses very fine collections of French porcelain and English portraits
EARLY APR-EARLY NOV
WED-SUN 11-4.
Chedworth Roman Villa - the best Romano-British villa site in Britain. Dating from 120AD and extended over nearly three centuries.
OPEN MARCH TO NOVEMBER
11 - 4, SUMMER 10-5.
Warwick Castle - Easy to spend a whole day at this magnificent Castle, parts of which pre-date the Norman invasion in 1066. Lovely gardens and regular "events" add to the attraction.
OPEN EVERY DAY, APR-SEP 10-6 / OCT-MAR 10-5
Sudeley Castle - Once the home of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. This is also a building with 1000 years of history. Highlights include the
Queens Garden, the Tithe Barn and the Castle Apartments.
OPEN 29 TH MAR-2 NOV
11.00-5.00
Snowshill Manor - A lovely Cotswold Manor House housing the extraordinary collections of Charles Paget Wade, rooms full of bicycles, musical instruments and oriental armour. Wonderful views. OPEN END MAR-EARLY NOV NOON-5
GARDENS
Batsford Arboretum - A lovely restful place to walk whatever the season. There is also a falconry centre and a garden centre.
OPEN DAILY EARLY FEB-MID NOV
Hidcote Manor Garden - One of the most delightful gardens in England, created in the early 20 th century, it is a series of small gardens and features many rare shrubs, trees and roses.
OPEN END OF MAR-EARLY NOV, CLOSED THURS & FRI.
Kiftsgate Court Garden - Magnificently situated garden on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment. Many unusual trees and home of the Kiftsgate Rose.
OPEN APR-SEPT ON WED, THURS, SUN ONLY, JUN & JUL ALSO OPEN MON & SAT.
Painswick Rococo Garden - Unique 18 th century restoration featuring winding woodland walks and charming contemporary buildings.
OPEN JAN-NOV.
“This is our second trip to your beautiful home, yours was the one place we wanted to return to and it lived up to all our expectations. Thanks for the warm welcome and caring attitude.”
- The Ferns Family, Sydney, Australia.
