Bourton-on-the-Water, often dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” is facing a growing challenge as it seemingly becomes the “village that has learned to live without its villagers.” This is the view of Cotswold District Councillor Jon Wareing (LD), who is urging local authorities to unite in addressing the village’s overtourism concerns.
Earlier this month, residents organised a peaceful protest on the Village Green to highlight the overwhelming impact of tourism on their community. Councillor Wareing emphasised that Bourton’s own residents increasingly find it difficult to access the heart of their village during peak times, leading many to avoid the centre altogether. This shift has contributed to a noticeable decline in residents' quality of life and a weakening of the community spirit.
While Bourton’s economy thrives by catering to tourists, its commercial success largely depends on visitors rather than permanent residents. Councillor Wareing explained that once tourist numbers generate revenue, the economic value increases with the intensity of footfall. Consequently, a village can become busier overall while being less frequented by those who actually live there-a phenomenon he describes as the village learning to live without its villagers.
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He regards the situation in Bourton as a crucial indicator for the wider Cotswold district, which has a population of approximately 90,000. Tourism significantly influences local employment, property markets, commercial premises, and the sustainability of businesses in the area. Housing prices have surged, favouring visitor accommodations over residential needs; meanwhile, workers find it increasingly difficult to afford living close to their jobs, and young people face barriers to remaining in their home communities.
Councillor Wareing is advocating for a broader conversation beyond merely regulating tourism. He called for both local and national governments to reconsider what sustainable communities entail in practice. “Currently, there are no mechanisms to assess whether a settlement can continue to function as a place where people live, work, and build a community when exposed to an economic model prioritising high visitor density,” he stated. He views this as an essential planning issue rather than solely a matter of tourism management.
To tackle this, Councillor Wareing aims to establish a “coalition of the willing” among relevant local authorities. The initial goal is to raise awareness about the forces driving these changes. Without such understanding, he warned, the area risks “sleepwalking into a future where claims about community, affordable housing, and fewer cars on the road are simply rhetorical pipe-dreams.”
Bourton’s county councillor, Paul Hodgkinson (LD), concurs with Councillor Wareing’s concerns regarding tourism’s dual impact. “While tourism brings jobs and stimulates the economy, it is vital to balance this with the needs of residents,” he remarked. Hodkinson praised the current consultation on traffic and parking arrangements in Bourton and welcomed the county council’s intention to implement measures to better manage the village’s challenges.
However, he emphasised the necessity for a comprehensive blueprint to manage and plan for the increasing number of visitors and newcomers. “As an iconic destination attracting high-profile visitors such as Harry and Meghan, the Cotswolds gains heightened attention. While this is positive for the area’s appeal, it also drives up housing costs, putting homes out of reach for young locals trying to get onto the property ladder,” he added.
Lynda Hicks, chairman of Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council, acknowledged the importance of preserving the village as a sustainable community. She expressed anticipation for the results of Gloucestershire County Council’s ongoing Transport and Parking Review and Rural Mobility Pilot, which are expected to provide valuable data to guide future policy discussions.
Both district and county councils have been approached for further comment.