Burford, The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Roughly halfway between Oxford and Cheltenham, and known as ‘The Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Burford is one of the prettiest towns in England, where centuries old buildings line the main street that slopes steeply down to the River Windrush and the three arched medieval bridge that spans it.
Visitors are drawn by the charm and the chance to take their time to potter round and browse the local boutique shops, with plenty in the line of interiors and antiques. Investigate the little alleyways and side streets, find out Burford’s history in the museum, and then find somewhere for lunch – there are several very good places to eat in the town, with tea rooms pubs and restaurants to choose from. The Angel and The Highway are both highly recommended, or if it’s looking more like teatime go to The Priory.
Nearby are Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, and Crocodiles of the World.