The village of Bibury in the Cotswolds, UK, renowned for its stunning beauty, is exploring new measures to limit the influx of tourists following the implementation of strict regulations this past summer.
Bibury, characterized by charming honey-colored stone cottages, a meandering river, and a magical historic ambiance, has garnered acclaim as one of the most picturesque villages globally. Forbes recently named it the world’s most beautiful village for 2025, echoing poet William Morris’s proclamation over a century ago that Bibury is England’s most exquisite village.
Arlington Row, a collection of cottages dating back to 1380, is often hailed as Britain’s most photographed and stunning cottages. Originally a wool store, the buildings were later converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century.
The allure of Bibury, with accommodations like the Swan Hotel and The Catherine Wheel pub adorned with lush greenery, has attracted a surge of visitors, putting the village on the tourist radar. However, some residents, including Mark Honeyball, chairman of the local parking action group, have faced unpleasant encounters with tourists, with reports of physical attacks.
The village has been inundated with up to 20,000 visitors over a weekend, with around 50 coaches parking daily in a village of merely 600 inhabitants. In response, Gloucestershire County Council conducted a trial during the summer, leading to plans for permanent restrictions on coach access to Bibury.
Councillor Lisa Spivey highlighted the challenges posed by Bibury’s popularity and proposed measures to safeguard the village’s charm and alleviate congestion. These initiatives, supported by the Bibury One group comprising various stakeholders, aim to regulate the overwhelming tourism influx.
Pending approval, these changes, including restrictions on coach entry and traffic management measures, could be in place by early summer 2026. The village’s iconic 16th-century bridge, strained by the heavy traffic flow of around 40,000 vehicles monthly during peak seasons, underscores the urgency of these planned interventions.
