Northleach is a small village situated between Bibury, Bourton-on-the-water and Burford. It was one of the first villages we visited, and I fell in love with it at first sight.
It doesn’t often come up in trips around the English countryside, only in a couple of articles. But thanks to a bit of research on the internet and social media, it convinced me enough to want to include it in mine.
📍How to get to Northleach
You can get there by public transport from Bourton-on-the-water (buses 801/855), Burford (853) or Bibury (855).
We made the journey by hire car. If you haven’t booked yet, I recommend Rentalcars, it’s a comparison site that will help you get the best price. As for parking, you can park in any of the streets. But I recommend making a stop at The Old Prison Café, , and leave your car here.
🗺 What to visit in Northleach
Market place
This is the place where the weekly market has been held every Wednesday for over 800 years.
In every town I would go looking for the typical red booth. In Northleach it is in this very square. This is where the life of the town is: the pubs, the shops and the cafes.
The Dolls House
This was the first shop specialising in dolls’ houses in England. From 1980 until 1996, the shop was located in Covent Garden. Until it was moved to Northleach.
High Street
This is the main street of the town, and the longest. Following it you can get to all the places I mention in the article. Look how pretty it is 😍👇
St Peter & St Paul Church
This is the church of Northleach. Its history goes back more than 1200 years. It is believed that the church existed as early as 1277 when Henry III granted the right to hold a weekly market.
However, it was not until the 15th century that the church became what it is today.
The Old Prison
The building is a former prison transformed into a beautiful coffee shop. Although it was called the House of Correction rather than a prison. In fact, it was used as a model for the construction of Pentonville Prison in London, based on the rehabilitation of inmates.
Today, you can visit the cells and the old courtroom for free.
🍴Where to eat in Northleach
The Old Prison Café is the place I would like to recommend in Northleach. For lunch, or for a coffee. In the “What to see in Northleach” section you will find out more about the history of this place.
The place is beautiful, bright and cosy. They have an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, and some delicious sweets to treat yourself to.
🛌 Where to sleep in Northleach
There’s not a lot of accommodation to choose from in Northleach, but The Wheatsheaf Inn is a great hotel. It only has 14 rooms, is located on the main street of the village, has very good reviews and some of the most charming rooms.