Over a century ago, the renowned poet and artist William Morris hailed Bibury as “the most beautiful village in England.” Morris, a founder of the influential Arts and Crafts movement in 19th-century Britain, clearly had a keen eye for beauty. Today, Bibury has been named the most beautiful village on Earth, earning top honors on a global list by Forbes that spans villages from Norway to Mali to Morocco. Yet, while the village’s allure is undeniable, its growing popularity comes with significant drawbacks for those who call it home.
Nestled in Gloucestershire’s picturesque Cotswolds, Bibury is a “watercolour dream,” as Forbes described it, known for its enchanting rows of golden-hued cottages constructed from traditional Cotswold stone and framed by graceful willow trees. Arlington Row, a historic street dating back to 1380, is the village’s crown jewel and arguably the UK’s most photographed row of houses. Originally a monastic wool store, these cottages later housed weavers and are now cared for by the National Trust.
Walking through Bibury feels like stepping into a fairytale postcard. The gentle flow of the River Coln, quaint stone bridges, grazing cows, and the famed Swan Hotel with its stunning beer garden create a timeless rural idyll. Bibury Trout Farm, one of Britain’s oldest trout farms, supplies local eateries—including Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog—with fresh fish, underpinning the village’s authentic countryside charm.
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However, the village’s picture-perfect reputation has a double edge. Bibury’s tiny population of about 600 residents must contend daily with an influx of tourists far beyond what the village infrastructure can handle. Narrow roads and a single-lane stone bridge become bottlenecks with the arrival of tour buses and day-trippers, causing congestion and frustration.
Craig Chapman, chair of the Bibury Parish Council, described the attention as “problematic” and a “cost for locals,” highlighting issues with parking, traffic flow, and visitor behavior. On a routine weekday, I witnessed tourists from around the globe blocking narrow lanes and bridges—many more focused on capturing the perfect Instagram selfie than respecting the village’s tranquility.
Despite a £5 parking fee at the village’s large car park, demand often exceeds supply, adding pressure to the narrow access road. Requests have even been made for tourists to arrive in smaller vehicles to ease congestion. Yet, many locals feel that despite the masses of visitors, tourism does little to support the village economy, as tourists rarely linger or spend within Bibury itself.
Residents like Victoria Summerley and Lynn Edward have voiced concerns that the visitor influx diminishes the lived experience. Edward noted, “the level of tourism and the hordes of people has just made it entirely unpleasant… All they want to do is come and take a photograph.” This sentiment captures the delicate tension between sharing Bibury’s beauty and preserving its soul for its community.
Bibury’s charm remains undeniable, from Arlington Row’s ancient cottages to the peaceful riverside setting. It truly lives up to its title as the world’s most beautiful village. But if you visit, remember that you are stepping into a living community, not just a tourist attraction. Respectful behavior and consideration for residents help ensure that Bibury’s magic endures—for both locals and future visitors alike.