Bourton-on-the-Water, affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds,’ is grappling with a surge in visitors that many residents say strains local infrastructure and offers limited economic benefit. Over recent years, the picturesque village has become increasingly congested, drawing thousands of tourists year-round instead of just during summer months.
In response to growing concerns, the community group Bourton Residents Voice (BRV) was established in September last year to address issues linked to overtourism. As the peak tourist season unfolds, BRV chair Charlotte Joynes has issued a candid statement highlighting the village’s ongoing struggles.
While some local businesses argue that seasonal tourism revenue sustains them through quieter periods, others worry that the influx of visitors does not translate into meaningful spending locally. During the previous year, some traders and tourists defended the village’s popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, with shopkeepers warning that without tourists, Bourton might turn into a “ghost town.”
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However, BRV points to a shift in visitor behavior. Many tourists now arrive early and stay late but contribute little economically — parking for free on residential streets, bringing their own picnics, and frequently avoiding local businesses. Instead of patronizing cafés, pubs, and restaurants, visitors often eat on the village green, leaving residents to shoulder the costs of litter removal and deal with heavy traffic snarls.
Joynes explained, “Only a small percentage of businesses in Bourton rely heavily on tourism. Many struggle to keep appointments or take breaks as they are caught in continuous traffic jams.” She further noted how residents face significant difficulties navigating the village, especially elderly individuals and those using mobility aids. District nurses also experience delays, hampering their ability to provide timely care.
Recognizing these challenges, Gloucestershire County Council launched a public consultation on July 13 allowing locals and visitors to share feedback. The council aims to review parking policies, coach services, and pedestrian traffic flow to find a better balance between residents, businesses, visitors, and commuters.
This effort is a collaboration involving Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council and Cotswold District Council, highlighting the communal desire to protect the village’s charm while addressing the practical issues that accompany its growing fame.