The Cotswolds village of Bibury has been crowned the best village in the world by Forbes and the Unforgettable Travel Company, surpassing iconic destinations such as Austria's UNESCO-listed Hallstatt and Norway's Reine. The accolade highlights the village's moss-covered cottages, ancient woodlands, and riverside meadows, epitomising the quintessential British countryside.
Arlington Row: The Jewel of Bibury
At the heart of Bibury lies Arlington Row, a 17th-century cluster of honey-coloured limestone cottages originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store. Converted into weavers' cottages in the 1600s, the Grade I-listed buildings are now one of the most photographed scenes in the Cotswolds. The cloth produced here was historically sent to Arlington Mill on the opposite side of Rack Isle, a protected water meadow. Today, the cottages house private residences and holiday rentals managed by the National Trust. In 2007, Arlington Row featured in the romantic fantasy film Stardust, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, and Ricky Gervais.
William Morris, the renowned 19th-century textile designer, artist, and poet, once called Bibury 'the most beautiful village in England.' The village's charm has been amplified by social media, particularly TikTok, where it is portrayed as a storybook destination.
Visiting Responsibly
Tourists are reminded that the cottages are private property. Visitors are asked not to knock on doors or peer through windows. Vehicle access for non-residents is restricted to prevent incidents like the 2017 'vandalised Vauxhall Corsa' episode, where a local's car was damaged by tourists who claimed it photobombed the iconic view.
England's Oldest Working Trout Farm
Bibury also boasts England's oldest working trout farm, founded in 1902. Originally established to breed and cultivate trout for the local economy, it has become a popular attraction. For a £9.50 entry fee, guests can explore 15 acres, feed thousands of trout in display ponds, or rent fishing equipment to catch their own fish. Cooking facilities are available, with a barbecue hire costing around £115.28 for up to 12 people. The farm's cafe serves locally sourced dishes, including the famous Bibury trout.
Pubs and Dining
The village offers quintessential British pub experiences. The 15th-century Catherine Wheel provides a cosy setting with quality wines and beers, while The Swan Brasserie offers afternoon tea by the river or drinks in the bar.
Walking Trails and History
Visitors can enjoy the four-mile Bibury Court Estate circular trail, which takes about two hours and follows rolling hills, meadows, and the River Coln. The Coln St Alwyns to Bibury Trail passes through another charming Cotswolds village. For a more leisurely pace, St Mary's Church, dating from the 11th century, features ancient stone walls, medieval stained glass windows, a rose garden, and Norman carvings.
Overtourism Concerns
Bibury's popularity has led to overtourism. Last year, the village received up to 20,000 visitors on weekends, with up to 50 coaches arriving daily, despite a population of around 700. Craig Chapman, chair of Bibury Parish Council, stated: 'Whilst the residents of Bibury acknowledge that we live in a lovely village, the pressures put on us by the sheer volume of tourists visiting and coaches bringing tourists has become intolerable and unacceptable. As a consequence of the lack of infrastructure, road narrowness and the disruptive and unsafe location of the two existing coach bays, it is a fact that Bibury is not a suitable destination for larger coaches.'
County councillor Lisa Spivey added that coach arrivals make Bibury 'chaotic almost all year round' and pose dangers. She said: 'These measures will help restore some calm so that everyone can enjoy this beautiful historic village.' In nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, a 2026 survey found that 92% of residents reported traffic and parking issues, 94.6% said there were too many visitors, and 90.8% said tourism harmed their quality of life. That village attracts 300,000 visitors annually but has only 4,000 residents.
