Bourton-on-the-Water, a village in the Cotswolds that attracts around 300,000 visitors every year despite a population of only about 4,000, is moving forward with plans for a residents' parking permit scheme. The move follows a major consultation in which more than 950 people responded, representing roughly half of the village's households, with Gloucestershire County Council noting there was "strong support" for the plan.
Popularity brings parking problems
The Gloucestershire village is regularly celebrated as one of the UK's most beautiful places and has also featured in lists of the world's prettiest towns. Its honey-coloured stone buildings, traditional cottages and the River Windrush running through its centre have helped turn it into a major tourist destination. Five low stone bridges cross the river, earning Bourton-on-the-Water its nickname, the "Venice of the Cotswolds".
But its popularity has also created problems for people who live there, including overcrowding and parking difficulties. Gloucestershire County Council has now committed funding, and the council hopes changes could be introduced in spring 2027. The formal process will include another public consultation lasting at least 21 days.
Council and councillors respond
Paul Hodgkinson, county councillor for Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach, said: "Bourton is a much-loved and iconic part of the Cotswolds. It attracts many visitors, but people who live and work here must be properly supported.
"This is about getting the balance right, welcoming visitors while protecting residents' quality of life, making parking fairer for local people and finding a workable solution for coaches." He added: "More than 950 people took the time to share their views and the message is clear: residents want practical action. So do I. The commitment to move forward with a residents' parking permit scheme, with the aim of making changes on the ground next spring, is a significant step forward."
Coach traffic and overtourism concerns
Parking is not the only issue being tackled. Temporary coach drop-off and pick-up arrangements are also being trialled, while councils work towards moving coach drop-offs away from residential streets.
Roger Whyborn, transport chief at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the county's most visited destinations. That popularity brings important benefits for the local economy, but it also creates real challenges for residents and the village's road network. Moving forward with the residents' parking scheme is an important first step, alongside our continuing work to find a better long-term approach to coach traffic."
Concerns over overtourism have been growing for some time. District councillor Jon Wareing previously warned about "TikTok tourists" who he claimed "exploit the destination's heritage for clicks". He said: "This kind of visitor tends to have little real interest in the heritage, culture or natural environment they are exploiting for clicks. They are the ultimate hit-and-run tourists. When people are denied social connection, it has an impact on their mental and physical health. One person I've been speaking to has decided to leave the village because she finds it unbearable. This person is not alone - many people are now saying enough is enough." Mr Wareing added: "Our residents are being denied their local experience: the village is being besieged. People can't find places to park, they are having to go to pharmacies in another community and they are frightened."
