A man living in the popular Devon holiday town of Dartmouth says he will not see his friends for six months because they refuse to travel into town during the busy tourist season. Local artist Simon Drew claims that day-trippers are jamming the narrow streets and causing parking mayhem, making it unbearable for residents.
Friends Stay Away Until September
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Drew explained: "We met up with some friends the other day to say goodbye until September because although they live in a village nearby, they won't come into town for months." The picturesque town, famed for its charming waterfront and rich maritime heritage, draws thousands of visitors each year, but residents say the influx comes at a cost.
Two-Tier Parking System Fails to Ease Congestion
In an effort to tackle parking issues across Devon, South Hams District Council introduced a "two-tier" parking system last year. This allows families in destinations such as Salcombe and Dartmouth to pay just £5 a year for cheaper parking than tourists. However, critics argue that the scheme has done little to ease the scramble for a coveted parking space. Tourism remains a significant economic driver for the region, with South Hams generating around £266 million from visitors annually, according to Devon Live.
Other Hotspots Struggle with 'Selfie Hunters'
Dartmouth is not alone in facing these challenges. The Cotswolds village of Bilbury, dubbed "the most beautiful village in England" by designer William Morris in the mid-19th century, now sees around 20,000 visitors each weekend. The 700 residents reportedly display an "air of indifference" towards the crowds. One visitor noted plastic bollards on driveways to deter illegal parking, firm warnings about rights of way, and an ice cream van stationed on a grass verge—all at around 11am on a weekday.
Parish council chairman Craig Chapman believes influencers have triggered a surge in tourists to Bilbury. He said: "It's not in fact the prettiest village in the world. A lot of it is hype whipped up by social media and influencers. At the moment we are overwhelmed and need a full evaluation to establish how many tourists the village can cope with." He acknowledged that conditions have improved since coaches were banned from the village centre.
Bourton-on-the-Water Compares to Venice
Just 12 miles north of Bilbury, Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire has also experienced a flood of tourists, with a significant surge in visitors from India. The village is often compared to Venice due to the River Windrush meandering through its heart, but unlike Venice, tourists are not required to pay an entrance fee. Justin Francis, chairman of the Responsible Travel company, believes such a scheme could work if the money was "ring-fenced and given back to improve the lives of residents," allowing local authorities to invest in managing visitor numbers more effectively.
