Residents of Bourton-on-the-Water, a village in the Cotswolds, are taking a stand against the overwhelming effects of overtourism by staging a “day of action” to reclaim their village green and address parking and congestion issues.
Starting from 8am on August 15, villagers are gathering at the village green equipped with picnic blankets, chairs, and mobility aids, asserting their right to public spaces. In a coordinated parking protest, residents plan to clear their driveways and instead park their own vehicles in free, on-street residential areas. This strategy aims to encourage visiting tourists to utilise designated official car parks rather than crowd local streets, easing traffic congestion.
The action has been organised by Bourton Residents' Voice, who emphasise that this is not an attempt to discourage tourists from visiting.
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“Tourism is vital to our local economy, and we welcome visitors as part of village life,” the group stated. “However, we seek balance, effective management, and concrete action. Our village, home to over 4,000 residents, can no longer endure the pressures created by the sheer volume of visitors, which now affect us throughout the entire year, not just the traditional April to October season.”
Residents stress the importance of being able to move safely around their village without enduring constant congestion and to park near their homes. They have also raised concerns about excessive litter, public fouling, and damage to Bourton’s historic walls and buildings, calling for existing regulations to be enforced properly.
“Residents should not simply have to put up with the current situation,” the group said. “We have voiced our concerns through emails, complaints, and discussions; however, social media conversations alone will not bring the change our community deserves. This protest is about prompting authorities and partners to acknowledge the unsustainable nature of the current circumstances and collaborate with residents, businesses, and tourism providers to find practical solutions.
“We want visitors to continue enjoying our beautiful village, but just as importantly, we want residents to enjoy living here.”
Local district councillors support the residents' initiative. Jon Wareing (Liberal Democrat, Bourton Village) explained that many residents feel the village core no longer feels like their own community. “This is not against visitors, but a protest about what the village green has become,” he said. “Bourton used to be a thriving, real community 30 years ago, not a theme park. People still live here, but they feel overwhelmed by the crowds.”
Councillor Len Wilkins (Conservative, Bourton Vale) expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of action from Gloucestershire County Council regarding coach traffic management. “They’ve allowed coaches to go everywhere and claimed they can’t stop them,” he remarked. “Residents haven’t wanted to take this step but feel they have no alternative to make their voices heard.”
Resident Amanda Davis highlighted the community’s desire for balance. “People want fewer visitors at peak times and greater respect,” she said. “These are the sentiments I am hearing, and I’m interested to see what tomorrow brings.”
Gloucestershire County Councillor Roger Whyborn (Liberal Democrat, Benhall and Up Hatherley), responsible for road safety and sustainable transport, acknowledged tourism’s economic benefits along with the challenges it creates. “We hear residents' concerns about congestion, parking, and coach traffic,” he said. “We respect their right to voice these issues and are working with the parish council, district council, and other partners to find the right balance. Possible measures include residents' parking permits, enhanced parking controls, and better coach management. We welcome ongoing community feedback as these discussions proceed.”
Similarly, Tony Dale, Cotswold District Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture, and visitor experience, acknowledged the challenges residents face due to tourism success. “We remain committed to managing these pressures in collaboration with our partners,” he said. “We listen carefully to residents’ concerns and aim to find realistic and practical solutions that balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Dale noted the complexity of the issue, stating that simple solutions are not readily available under current legal frameworks, and emphasised the need for visitors to park legally and behave respectfully.
“We encourage residents to engage with us on specific actions to shape effective and achievable solutions together,” he added.
As the “day of action” unfolds, the community awaits potential constructive responses from local authorities to maintain the charm and livability of Bourton-on-the-Water for both residents and visitors alike.