From Picture-Perfect to Gridlock: Bibury's Tourism Dilemma
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, the village of Bibury faces an unprecedented challenge following its global recognition as one of the world's most beautiful destinations. Recently crowned first in Forbes Magazine's ranking of the 50 most beautiful villages globally, this Gloucestershire gem has become a victim of its own charm.
The village, once described by poet William Morris as 'the most beautiful in England', now regularly welcomes up to 20,000 visitors during weekends - more than thirty times its permanent population of approximately 600 residents.
The Influencer Effect and Infrastructure Strain
The surge in popularity has been significantly driven by social media influencers promoting Bibury as an ideal day-trip destination from major cities like London. This attention has transformed the peaceful Iron Age settlement into what locals describe as resembling 'the Wild West' for much of the year.
Narrow country roads designed for horse and cart now struggle to accommodate coaches and endless streams of cars, leading to severe traffic congestion, parking disputes and frequent gridlocks. The iconic 17th-century terrace of weavers' cottages, familiar from film backdrops in Stardust and Bridget Jones's Diary, now stands as both a tourist magnet and symbol of the village's growing pains.
Council Takes Action With Permanent Measures
Following pressure from residents who formed a working group including councillors and police, Gloucestershire County Council has announced plans to make temporary traffic measures permanent. A trial scheme implemented in May, which saw existing coach bays closed and designated safer drop-off points established, has proven successful enough to warrant permanent implementation.
The council confirms these changes 'will create a safer and more attractive public space for the community and tourists alike'. Additional proposals include implementing a loading bay and disabled parking spaces at the same location, alongside extending yellow line restrictions to prevent parking problems from simply shifting elsewhere.
Broader Improvements and Regional Context
Further enhancements planned for Bibury's public realm include raised kerbing and new seating areas, which authorities say will help pedestrianise parts of the village centre while improving its overall character. If approved following public consultation, these measures could be fully implemented by early summer 2026.
The council is running a survey from November 10 to December 3, allowing locals to share their views on the proposed changes. This comes as nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, dubbed the 'Venice of the Cotswolds', has already banned coaches from its centre due to similar issues.
The situation in Bourton-on-the-Water sparked concerns among local business owners, with shopkeeper Sarita Tapper warning that coach bans could reduce earnings by 50% and potentially force businesses to fold. This highlights the delicate balance communities must strike between preserving quality of life and maintaining economic vitality in tourism-dependent areas.
