Bibury: A Quintessential Cotswold Village
- cotswoldinsideruk
- May 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Why Visit Bibury?
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury is often called “the most beautiful village in England.” Certainly, this is what William Morris thought of it. With its honey-coloured stone cottages, crystal-clear River Coln, and ancient charm, it's no wonder this spot is a must-see on any Cotswolds itinerary.
The village draws in visitors from around the globe who are enchanted by its postcard-perfect scenes and rich history. Whether you're on a romantic getaway, a solo road trip, or a family day out, Bibury delivers.
What Is Arlington Row Famous For?
Without a doubt, Bibury’s crown jewel is Arlington Row – a 14th-century row of weavers’ cottages, now Grade I listed and one of the most photographed sites in the UK. The cottages were originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store and later converted into homes for weavers in the 17th century.
These quaint cottages even made their way onto UK passports, were featured in the film Stardust, and were visited by Emperor Hirohito during his European tour early in the 20th Century.
What to Do in Bibury
Wondering what to do in Bibury Cotswolds? Here are some highlights:
Stroll Along Arlington Row: It's free, iconic, and ideal for photography lovers.
Visit Bibury Trout Farm: One of the oldest working trout farms in the country, where you can feed the fish or enjoy a fresh trout sandwich in the café.
Explore St Mary’s Church: A beautiful Saxon church with stained glass windows and serene grounds.
Walk the River Coln: The peaceful riverside path is perfect for a gentle walk and some birdwatching.
Grab a coffee in 'Eleven'. This is a beautiful new coffee shop (opposite the footbridge to Arlington Row) that opened in early 2025. Interiors designed by the famous English interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Cakes and light lunches available too.
A Curious Hidden Gem: Bibury’s Old Village Lock-Up
Just a stone’s throw from The Swan Hotel, tucked discreetly along the road to the left of the hotel as you are facing it, sits a small stone building – Bibury’s former village lock-up. Also known as a “blind house”, this tiny prison cell was once used to detain drunkards and petty criminals overnight until they could be dealt with by the local magistrate.
Though no longer in use, the lock-up remains a quirky reminder of Bibury’s past. Built from the same honey-coloured Cotswold stone as the rest of the village, it blends beautifully with its surroundings – making it easy to miss unless you know what to look for.
Where to Park in Bibury, Cotswolds
Parking in Bibury can be tight, especially in peak season. Here are some tips:
There’s a small pay-and-display car park near the Trout Farm and limited roadside parking along the main road.
The majority of free spaces run are on the roadside alongside the river Coln.
There are also a few free spaces opposite the trout farm (next to where the coaches park). However, please note that as of summer 2025 these are out of use due to a trial of a coach drop off and collection point (as opposed to parking).
If these are all full, you can head towards the church (drive so the river is on your right, go past Arlington Row and it is straight ahead). There is a one way road and once you have passed the church there are a few spaces along the road, just make sure you leave enough space for other vehicles to pass and enough space on the pavement for wheelchairs users to have unhindered use of the pavement.
Do not park outside the Swan Hotel unless you have permission from the hotel.
If you’re visiting during weekends or holidays, it’s best to arrive early. Alternatively, consider visiting late afternoon when the crowds have thinned.
When to Visit Bibury
Bibury is magical year-round:
Spring: Flowers bloom, the river sparkles, and it's less busy.
Summer: Lush green landscapes and sunny photo ops, but it gets crowded.
Autumn: Fewer crowds and stunning foliage.
Winter: Quiet and atmospheric, especially with frost or snow.
If you want to enjoy the village at its most peaceful, try visiting on a weekday or off-peak time.
Top Tips for Visiting Bibury
Bring your camera – Arlington Row is stunning in all seasons.
Stop by The Swan Hotel for a drink or meal in a picturesque riverside setting.
Respect residents’ privacy – Arlington Row is still a residential area.
Combine Bibury with nearby villages like Coln St. Aldwyns or Barnsley for a fuller Cotswold experience.
If you are caught short, there are public toilets across the road from the river Coln (where you will no doubt see lots of cars parked), and for paying guest the trout farm also have facilities. Both will charge a small fee, payable by card.
The Swan Hotel, taken from the trout farm entrance
Where else to visit near Bibury
Bibury is a short drive from:
Burford: a quaint Cotswold market town a 15 minute drive north-east of Bibury.
Bampton – famed for being where most of the village scenes in Downton Abbey were filmed – a 30 minute drive east.
Northleach – another stunning Cotswold town, a 15 minute drive north.
Cirencester – the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ – this beautiful large town was a significant Roman settlement, and contains many shops, cafes, museums and is a lovely place to walk around or have dinner - a 20 minute drive south-west.
Final Thoughts
Bibury Cotswolds is more than just a pretty face – it’s a snapshot of England’s rural past and a peaceful haven for today’s visitors. With iconic landmarks like Arlington Row, charming walks, and rich heritage, it’s an essential stop on any Cotswold adventure.
If Bibury is to be part of your South Cotswolds adventure, read our one day itinerary.
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