A picturesque UK village, hailed as the most beautiful in the world, is making progress in addressing the challenges of overtourism. Bibury, located in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, is known for its stunning honey-hued stone cottages, meandering river, and enchanting historic ambiance. Forbes recently recognized Bibury as the world’s most appealing village for 2025, echoing poet William Morris’s declaration of it being the most beautiful village in England over a century ago.
The iconic Arlington Row cottages, dating back to 1380 as a monastic wool store before being transformed into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century, are often lauded as Britain’s most photographed and breathtaking cottages. Bibury, with accommodations like the Swan Hotel and The Catherine Wheel pub, exudes charm that has made it a popular tourist destination. However, the surge in visitors has raised concerns among locals.
Mark Honeyball, chairman of the local parking action group and a resident of Bibury for ten years, shared his unsettling encounters with tourists. He recounted an incident where a coach driver became aggressive after being asked to move from restricted parking spaces. The influx of up to 20,000 tourists during peak weekends, with around 50 coaches arriving daily in a village housing only 600 residents, has strained the community.
To tackle overtourism, Gloucestershire County Council has allocated £175,000 towards a project aimed at managing tourism pressures in Bibury. Measures being considered include restrictions on coach access, closure of central parking bays, and the introduction of pay-and-display parking for enhanced enforcement. Efforts are underway to engage with coach operators and stakeholders to promote the use of smaller vehicles and ensure sustainable tourism practices in the village.