The most beautiful village in England: Bibury, Cotswolds
I once read that a famous artist had stated that the most beautiful village in England was Bibury in the Cotswolds. I later found out that it was William Morris (1834-1896) who boldly proclaimed this. Bibury is a stunning village which sits on river Coln in Gloucestershire. I have to reiterate that it is in Gloucestershire as there is a common misconception that is in Oxfordshire!
When we started planning our Cotswolds trip, Bibury was actually our first choice for location. I had looked up accommodation in Bibury and the only reason Bourton on the Water won was because for the dates we had in mind, both accommodations I had my eye on were not available. So you see, it could have been Bibury all along.
Why Bibury though?
There is not one list that does not feature Bibury as one of the most beautiful villages in England. In fact, some publications dare say it is one of the most beautiful in the world! I have to admit that it is a stunning village. We got there on a sunny afternoon and it was a little busy but that did not stop us from enjoying its beauty.
In peak season and sans-pandemic, we were told that over 6000 tourists visit daily. That was shocking considering how small the village is and I started to wonder how annoyed I’d feel if Bibury was where I lived and we had 6k+ people visiting everyday and peeping into my house. The lady further confirmed that regardless of summer or winter, Bibury was busy everyday.
It has been rumoured that Stardust and Bridget Jones’ Diary were filmed in Bibury. However, this is one I was unable to prove. I know Stardust was filmed in some parts of the Cotswolds notably, Castle Combe. However, it is not clear what scene Bibury was featured in. I have watched Bridget Jones’ Diary a few times and as Nigerians would say, I did not find any Bibury inside.
What to do in Bibury
Being the most beautiful village in England, Bibury had to bring it with attractions right? It sure did. Apart from the honey coloured Cotswold stone buildings dotted around the village, there is a lot more to see.
1. Arlington Row
Arlington Row is a group of ancient cottages, which resemble a row of picturesque chocolate boxes. This is the best way I can describe them lol. The cottages were built in 1380 and by the 17th century, were converted to weavers’ cottages. The row is one of the most visited and photographed spot in the country.
Arlington Row is also famous for being the sketched row of houses on the UK passport.
A few years ago, an “ugly yellow car” was parked in front of the row, which affected tourist pictures. It made a massive brouhaha and even made it to the news. Of course, the National Trust shut it down and reiterated that the row was residential and residents could park anywhere.
2. Arlington Mill
Arlington Mill is currently a private residence that dates back to the 17th century. It used to be where the machinery used for trimming the clothes produced at Arlington Row was stored. It also used to be a museum with a collection of period clothing showcasing the Victorian way of life. Today, anyone can rent it for holiday, which means you are staying a piece of history!
3. Bibury Trout Farm
Bibury Trout Farm was founded in 1902 and is one of the oldest trout farms in England. It probably is the prettiest as well. Remember we are in the most beautiful village in England? Bibury Trout Farm opened to the public in 1965 and has become a family attraction. Apart from fish, there are geese, ducks, swans and other wildlife in its surroundings.
4. The Church of St Mary
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a stunning medieval church and was founded around the 8th century. It is just up the street from where the river is and has the most beautiful stained glass with Norman and Saxon carvings. The Church of St Mary is such a serene part of a bustling Bibury village. I recommend a visit to feel the peace that comes after the little walk up the street.
Where To Stay and Eat in Bibury, Cotswolds
We considered staying in The Swan Hotel but as mentioned, it was unavailable on our dates. It is right in the middle of the village and is popular for weddings and private parties. There is also a brasserie for guests regardless of if you are staying in the hotel or not. The Swan Hotel is in a typical country cottage and the building has the most beautiful foliage on its exterior.
The Catherine Wheel Pub – This made us feel like we were really in the Cotswolds. The building is a 15th century pub with exposed beams and beautiful photos dotted around. It serves food and of course, you can get your pint from the bar. It is a pub after all!
Other suggestions are:
For other holiday cottages; which I totally recommend if you are ever in the Cotswolds, check out Holiday Cottages.
Parking in Bibury
There is free parking on the street just off Arlington Row. It does get busy; however, there is another paid car park opposite Bibury Trout Farm. Driving around the village, there are little nooks and crannies to park. But one has to be mindful not to park in front of people’s homes. We did not have any problems finding free parking even though it was a sunny weekend afternoon.
Bibury is beautiful. I don’t know if it is the most beautiful village in England as I have not visited that many. However, of all the Cotswolds villages I visited, Bibury was the most beautiful. It is the perfect little village to spend a day just walking around and taking it all in. There are lots of quiet, non-touristy areas to have your private, serene moments. My favourite was just at the top of the street, legs swinging in the river Coln, watching and feeding the swans. You are away from the crowd but still in the midst of everything happening. It is also the best spot to people watch. But of course, you have the touristy and busy spots as well.
Cheers to Bibury and the sweet vibes it gave us!
Bisous, Bugo x
4 Comments
Tolani
I love love your England touring series. It helps those of us that plan to see more of non-London Britain in the near future.
I think Bibury is quite beautiful in an understated way. The most beautiful village in England, is a massive reach though 😅. I’m sure they’re more beautiful villages.
Thank you for sharing B! 💕
Bugo
Me too!! I’m really enjoying travelling around the UK! I hope I remember how to travel internationally when outside fully opens again LOL
Yes, it’s a very quiet beauty, one that you notice immediately you are there but can’t tell why exactly. LMAO I was like “most beautiful”??? ah! So far, it’s definitely the most beautiful i’ve visited but I haven’t visited a lot of villages so I’m going to have to visit more vilages to try and prove Mr Morris wrong haha
Yoma
I did not find any Bibury inside made me laugh out loud. I love how you write. It’s easy and fun. Well done.
Bugo
LMAO I kept seeing it everywhere but not one article could pin-point the exact scene. I’m sure bits of the movie were filmed in the cotswolds but not poignant enough to record maybe?! Thank you Yoma, I’m glad you enjoyed reading 🙂