Bibury, often hailed as “the most beautiful village in England,” truly lives up to its reputation. Praised by William Morris, a celebrated poet and key figure in the 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement, this picturesque Cotswolds village is a quintessential vision of rural English beauty. Nestled northeast of Cirencester, Bibury’s storybook landscape seems almost too perfect to be real. Yet, seeing it in person reveals a charm that surpasses even the most striking photographs.
The village centers around the tranquil River Coln, adorned by quaint stone bridges and framed by grazing cattle near the historic Swan Hotel, which boasts one of Britain’s most enchanting beer gardens. Just adjacent, the Bibury Trout Farm continues its long tradition of breeding trout — a local culinary delicacy featured in many Cotswolds restaurants.
Bibury’s iconic Arlington Row, a row of stone cottages dating back to 1380, stands as the village’s crowning glory. Originally monastic wool stores, later converted into weavers’ cottages, these timeless homes are arguably the most photographed buildings in the Cotswolds, and perhaps in all of England. Strolling past Arlington Row offers a peaceful escape, though visitors must tread carefully to respect residents’ privacy.
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However, the village’s overwhelming popularity comes with a downside. The steady stream of tourists — coaches, tour groups, and day-trippers—far exceeds what this intimate village of about 600 residents can comfortably support. Longtime resident Lynn Edward shared her concerns with The Guardian, noting how the sheer volume of visitors has made life unpleasant and strained local infrastructure. Many tourists come only to snap photos or selfies, rarely lingering to appreciate the village’s historic beauty fully.
During my visit on an ordinary weekday afternoon, the signs of overtourism were unmistakable. Visitors from around the globe crowded narrow lanes and stone bridges, often blocking pathways in pursuit of the perfect Instagram shot. The village has responded by creating a large car park on its outskirts, charging £5 per vehicle. Yet even this facility, which accommodates 300 cars, often falls short. The narrow approach road becomes congested with both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, adding to the strain.
While one might expect such tourism to boost the local economy significantly, residents remain skeptical. Journalist and village resident Victoria Summerley comments that many tourists contribute little financially to the community, often passing through without supporting local businesses.
Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of tourism is a delicate challenge for Bibury. The village’s stunning beauty naturally attracts visitors eager to experience it, but this popularity also threatens the peaceful lifestyle of those who call Bibury home. Despite the crowds, Bibury remains a breathtaking destination, its allure undiminished but tempered by the realities of overtourism.
Visitors are encouraged to appreciate Bibury with respect and mindfulness toward the residents, preserving both the village’s charm and its community.