Fairford

About Fairford

St Mary's Church at Fairford holds one of the rarest survivals in England — a complete set of 28 medieval stained-glass windows, made between 1500 and 1517 and never broken up. The Reformation, the Civil War and Victorian over-restoration somehow all passed it by.

The town itself is a quiet wool-trade market square with a few good pubs and a clear chalk-fed stream, the Coln, running through. RAF Fairford, a mile out, hosts the Royal International Air Tattoo every July — the largest military airshow in the world.

The Cotswold Guide Top Tips

The west window's Last Judgement is best seen on a sunny afternoon; volunteer guides can usually be found in the church between 10am and 4pm.
If you visit during the Air Tattoo, book accommodation months ahead — every room within ten miles is taken.

Attractions in Fairford

1
Church
St Mary's Church, Fairford
The only English parish church to hold a complete set of medieval stained glass — twenty-eight windows, made between 1500 and 1517 and never broken up.
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Where to eat & drink

The Bull Hotel
Old coaching inn on the Market Square — proper pub at front, restaurant behind.
Allium
Long-standing fine-dining restaurant a few yards from the church.
The Eight Bells
Proper village local on London Road; lunchtime sandwiches and good real ale.

Getting there

By car
9 miles east of Cirencester on the A417, 4 miles west of Lechlade. Free parking on the Market Square.
By bus
the 64 from Swindon and Cirencester runs hourly.

Best time to visit

Year-round; July is air-show month and the town fills with aircraft enthusiasts. The church is open daily, and is at its most magical in low autumn light.