When you ask anybody to think of the Cotswolds, chances are they will picture one of two places: Bibury or Bourton on the Water. Both are beautiful, but no village in the UK has a more significant claim to fame than the small village of Bibury. The famous cottages that everyone loves and knows from Bibury are actually pictured in the British passport!
Bibury is a very special village that attracts many tourists day in and day out, especially if the sun is shining! William Morris once commented that it was perhaps the prettiest village in England. He isn’t wrong! It is beautiful in the most quintessential English way. The grey Cotswold stone buildings and the shallow river Coln, which runs down the middle, make Bibury (and neighbouring Arlington) one of the most postcard-perfect towns in the Cotswolds.
Personally, I prefer the more underrated villages and towns that dot the Cotswolds countryside, like Moreton in Marsh or Stanton. However, it would be wrong to come to the area and not visit the most popular one! My only recommendation would be to arrive early or late! Most people visit Bibury as part of a single-day Cotswolds tour from London, visiting Cirencester, Burford, Bourton on the Water, and Stratford upon Avon as part of a whistle stop tour. Few people stay in Bibury, so when you plan your visit, make sure to take that into account if you want to avoid a selfie stick to the eye!
Most visitors come to Bibury with a single aim, and that is to get a photo of the famous Arlington Row. However, Bibury rewards those who visit without being in a rush. And, in this guide, I’d like to share with you 20 things to do in Bibury in addition to taking selfies!
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How to get to Bibury
By Car
The easiest way to reach Bibury is by car since it is in a remote area of the Cotswolds. However, parking is limited and at peak times it can be hard to find a space. There is free parking on the road that runs along the banks of the river Coln, as well as a small free car park opposite The Trout Farm. Please note that some of those spaces are reserved for buses. Far too often cars are parked in those spaces forcing the coaches to block the road and annoy the locals.
If you come during the week or in the off-season, chances are you won’t find any problems parking, but in the summer months and at weekend, I recommend arriving early in the morning or in the evening, once everyone else has gone home. There are some parking spaces if you follow the B2245 West, however, please make sure that if you are parking in the village itself, that you do so conscientiously. This 600 inhabitant village received over 1.4 millions visitors a year. Let’s all be mindful of our impact on the local community.
By Public Transport
Although Bibury isn’t the easiest place to reach by public transport, it is still possible to do so. I write at length on the best ways to explore the Cotswolds using public transport, including how to reach Bibury. You can read that blog post here.
If you are coming from London you have two options. You can take a train to Moreton-on-Marsh, a brilliant base from which to explore the Cotswolds, or you can get a train to Kemble, which is in theory the nearest train station.
From Moreton in Marsh you will want to get the 801 bus to Bourton on Water and then change over to the 855 bus which passes through Bibury on its way to Cirencester. Check the Pullhams website for an up-to-date bus timetable.
From Kemble you will first need to catch a bus to Cirencester, another great base from which to explore the Cotswolds. You have two options to get to Cirencester, Bus 882 or Bus 93. Both of these will drop you off at The Forum in Cirencester from where you will need to get Bus 855 to to Bibury.
An alternative would be to get a taxi when you arrive at Kemble station, There is usually a taxi or two waiting, but if not, give Taxis of Kemble a call on 03338000750. You should expect a roundtrip to cost you roughly £50-60 with them.
An alternative to the train would be to come to Bibury from London by bus. There is a bus service from Victoria Coach Station that will take you to Cirencester, where you will need to swap on to the local bus to get to Bibury. This is by far the cheapest option.
Join a tour
There is a 4th alternative, which would be to join a tour. This is a great option if you are short on time or don’t want the hassle of public transport and don’t have a car. There are a number of tours running from London, none of which I have personally tried. I would caution that the whistle-stop-tours miss out on too much, which is why they would never be my choice. But I realise that they are popular for a reason. If you check Get Your Guide or Viator, there is a plethora of tours to choose from. I’d recommend one that doesn’t try to fit too much in.
Even if you are coming from London though, I’d actually recommend getting the train to Moreton in Marsh and joining the Go Cotswolds Tour. This is a locally run small group tour with guides who live and breath the Cotswold lifestyle every day. I joined them recently on a tour and loved it even though I’ve lived in the area for 9 years. Their tour covers Bibury as well as a number of other Cotswolds towns and villages, and provides a really great taste to the Cotswolds. You can read my review here and you can book them directly on Get Your Guide or Viator.
A little bit of history
Before I delve into the best things to do in Bibury, I think it is worth explaining a little bit of Bibury’s history and its relevance to what you will see when you visit.
It is known that people have lived in and around Bibury since the Iron Ages. The nearby Ablington Hill Fort tells us that there were settlers here as early as 1200 BC. But those were not only settlers. It seemed the Romans liked the Cotswolds as much as tourists do today. After they invaded England in 43 AD they built strategic roads throughout England.
One such road was the Fosse Way, running from Isca (Exeter) to Lindum (Lincoln). That road passed straight through the Cotswolds, which is why there are so many old settlements in this area of outstanding natural beauty. The Fosse Way doesn’t run too far from Bibury, and very close by the Romans built a rather extravagant villa, which was only recently discovered. The Roman Villa is only a short drive from Bibury and is one of the top things I recommend you do when in the area. More about that below.
The Romans
The Cotswolds has a lot to credit the Romans for though, as it is the Romans that brought sheep to the Cotswolds, but they didn’t take them away when they left. It is believed that when the Roman breed of sheep and the local British breed mated, they created what would become the key to Cotswold wealth: The Cotswolds Lion. This breed of sheep is known for its tightly curled long fleece. It was in the 11th century, when the Normans came to England, that there was a renewed interest in sheep; more specifically in their wool.
The wool of the Cotswolds Lion sheep became the most sought-after wool in all of Europe, and the Cotswolds became the epi-centre of the wool trade, bringing a great deal of wealth to the area. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, the sheep were owned by the Church, but after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s, the ownership of the sheep was transferred to the landowners. Both however became incredibly wealthy as a result of the sheep trade.
This history is very relevant for the number 1 thing to do in Bibury: a visit to the famous Arlington Row of Cottages.
Best Things to do in Bibury
Is there more to do in Bibury than taking photos of the Arlington Row of cottages? The answer is yes! Here is a list of everything I recommend you do in and around Bibury, including a visit to Arlington Row.
1. Take a Peek at Pretty Houses at Arlington Row
The rickety old row of crooked limestone cottages in Bibury, known as Arlington Row, is perhaps the most photographed place in all of the Cotswolds! They also happen to be included on the first page of all British passports! But this row of cottages is so much more than just a pretty photo. They tie right in to the history I was explaining just above.
The famous Arlington Row was built as a monastic wool store in the 14th century, somewhere around 1380. It was later, in the 17th century that they were converted into the cottages that we see today. These would become the weavers’ cottages. The weavers produced cloth that was then sent to nearby Arlington Mill.Today, the row of cottages are Grade I listed buildings and form part of a larger architectural conservation area. Although it would be easy to think that you are walking through some form of movie set, it is important to remember that the cottages are now home to National Trust tenants.
Living in a movie set
During my tour with Go Cotswolds, I was told a funny story. An older lady living in one of the cottages knocked on her neighbours door to ask if he could help her move an ornament in her garden. He obliged and went round, leaving his door open. He was maybe gone 10 minutes and when he returned he found a family of Japanese tourists sitting at his kitchen table. They had removed the kettle and china mugs from the wall, and were sitting there pretending to sip tea while taking photos. They had not realised that his home was not, in fact, an exhibit!
If you do want to experience the inside of the cottages though, you can book a night’s stay in Cottage number 9. Perhaps a better way of enjoying it the quintessential Cotswold life without trespassing in anyone’s property!
The Yellow Car
When exploring popular places like Bibury, it is very important to be mindful of the local residents. The story above is funny, and you could argue more fool him for leaving his door open. However, one of Arlington Row’s residents’ life was made a nightmare as a result of people’s obsession with getting the perfect shot.
A photographer, wanting the perfect shot, arrived in Bibury really early to capture the row of cottages before any other tourists arrived. He took his shots and upon returning home realised that parked outside one of the cottages was a bright yellow Vauxhall Corsa. He was livid that this car was parked there ruining what would otherwise had been a perfect shot.
He decided to post these photos on social media and berate the insensitive individual who had parked such an eye-sore of a car in such a picture-perfect location. As it happens, the car belonged to one of the residents and he had only parked his car in his designated parking space.
This story exploded on social media with thousands of people defending the 84 year old man and his car, while thousands joined the photographer in blaming the mindlessness of the man. Life became a nightmare for the retired dentist who was just trying to live a peaceful life in a beautiful quaint village.
Beware of social media!
Yet he was now famous. Yellow Vauxhall Corsa owners from the country rallied together and met in Bibury, parking their cars all over the village in solidarity with the old man. Reports knocked on his door, and influencers asked him if he minded moving his car so that they could get the perfect shot. Not such a peaceful life after all.
One day, the Vauxhall dealership he had bought his car from knocked on the door and asked “How do you like your yellow car?”. “It has ruined my life” answered the old man. He hated it, and he hated his life. They offered to swap the yellow car for a brand-new grey Vauxhall Corsa. He promptly agreed, and now when you visit Arlington Row you will just see a car that blends perfectly into the surroundings. But if you look closely, you will spot the yellow trims, left as a reminder of how he had come to get this brand-new car.
So please remember, this old row of weavers’ cottages are the the private residence of people trying to go about their life as normal. But it isn’t just tourists that have been attracted to Arlington Row, they have also made a couple of guest appearances in movies. Stardust (2007) was filmed here, and some say that so has Bridget Jones’ Diary, although I think that was actually Snowshill, and not Bibury.
Address: Arlington Row, Bibury, GL7 5NJ
2. Admire the Architecture at the Church of St Mary
Even if you are not an architectural buff, you won’t be able but help but be in awe of the Church of St Mary. Located just out of town, this Grade I listed Anglo-Saxon Church was built in the 11th century and is highly indicative of the extreme wealth that existed in this area thanks to the wool trade.
Visiting this church is one of the best things to do in Bibury, especially if you’re an architecture enthusiast or you want to escape the crowds! Most don’t venture out of town! Its nave, clerestory, buttresses, and the 15th-century belfry will all make you stare in wonder! It also features beautiful stained-glass paintings.
Address: Church Road, Bibury, GL7 5NR
3. Step Back in Time at Bibury Court
Bibury Court is yet another Grade I listed building. Grade I and II listed buildings are something we are not missing in the Cotswolds! Bibury Court is a Jacobean-era country house with the River Coln flowing right behind it. The house was first built in 1509 and has since passed down several hands and several owners. This outstandingly lavish building is made almost entirely of Cotswold stone. The court estate features a mill house, a dovecote, and stables to complete its ‘back in time’ feels.
4. Check out Arlington Mill
One of the most iconic buildings in Bibury is the old Arlington Mill. It started as a corn mill in the 11th century before then playing a pivotal role in the wool trade in the 16th century. The facilities within Arlington Mill were used to degrease the cloth produced at the Arlington Cottages. Once the wool trade moved away from the Cotswolds, Arlington Mill became a museum.
The mill still has the wheels and old machinery in place, even if they are no longer used. And excitingly, you can rent out the entire space for a one-of-a-kind stay! It can sleep up to 12 people and is perfect for a group getaway in the Cotswolds countryside!
If you are not staying there though, you can still admire the impressive building from the outside.
5. Take a Stroll along Coln River
One of the most beautiful features of Bibury has to be the smooth flow of the Coln River, a tributary of the Thames. Though Bibury is the general name of the region, the river actually separates the hamlets of Bibury and Arlington. As you take a gentle stroll, expect to see plenty of ducks waddling through its waters, and if you look hard enough, you will also spot trout swimming in the river. In addition, there are several charming footbridges crossing the river, which make perfect photoshoot opportunities for wedding photographers and Instagrammers alike. A stroll by the River Coln is one of the must-do things in Bibury.
If you are looking to get a shot of the cottages on a busy day, the perfect place to position yourself is along the River Colne, by the main road. The foliage will hide the people while giving you a lovely foreground to you photo.
6. Discover Roman History at the Bibury Roman Villa
Even in Roman times, Bibury was considered a desirable location! Coins and pottery dating back to the Roman Empire have been found in the Parish of Bibury. It is known that a Roman Villa existed here, but no excavation has taken place yet. The villa is located by the mill and enclosed by private property, so there isn’t much to it besides reading the information board.
7. Visit nearby Cherworth Roman Villa for a better Roman experience
However, if you are interested in our Roman past, I’d recommend visiting the nearby Cherworth Roman Villa. It is only 8.5 miles from Bibury and has some fascinating and very informative exhibitions.
Nearby Cirecenter was the second largest Roman settlement in England, after London. As such there are more than 50 Roma Villas dotted around the surrounding countryside (that we know of), and one of those is the very lavish Chedworth Roman Villa, which remains one of the most impressive villas that has been discovered in the area. And it was only discovered by luck.
The villa had been built at the bottom of a valley near a nature spring. After the Romans left England in a hurry, the villa was abandoned and forgotten about. Because of its location at the bottom of a valley, rain, mud, and sediment started taking over until eventually, centuries later, the villa was completely covered.
A fluke discovery
It wasn’t until 1864 that the Roman Villa was discovered by chance. The land belonged to Stowell Park, and the gamekeeper was out shooting rabbits. He was using a ferret to go down the rabbit holes to spook the rabbits so they’d run out. And for some reason, the ferret didn’t come out, so he stuck his hand down the rabbit hole to free the ferret when suddenly the ground opened up below him revealing a large cavity and some blue tiles. He thought it was rather odd, so he stuck the blue tiles in his pocket and told his master about the odd events.
This promoted the initial excavation and discoveries of one of the most lavish Roman Villas in the area. It had large dining rooms that talk of parties and entertainment. A temple by the spring, and pools with underfloor heating. You can now visit the exhibits and walk across the the tiled floors over specially erected platforms. It really is somewhere worth visiting if you are exploring Bibury.
Entry fees: £12 for Adults and £6 for children
Address: Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ
8. Explore the Cotswolds with a guide
A lot of people chose to explore the Cotswolds on their own, which is easy to do. Whether you drive or use public transport you will no doubt be able to enjoy the beauty of the honey-coloured market towns and small villages. But exploring the Cotswolds on your own simply allows you to see it’s beauty, but not necessarily understand the history, the culture, and the reality of life in the Cotswolds.
I have lived here now for over 9 years, and have made it a point to visit every town, and most villages and hamlets in North Cotswolds. I have walked, biked, and eaten in most places. In addition, I have also done a lot of research for the purpose of these blogs, and yet I learned so much during my day tour with Go Cotswolds. If you can, I really recommend joining them for their Cotswolds in a Day tour.
9. Explore one of the many footpaths near Bibury
Wherever you are in the Cotswolds, you can guarantee a plethora of footpaths nearby. Because the entirety of the Cotswolds is crisscrossed with well-maintained paths, you can choose to stay as close or go as far as your fitness and available time allows! Here are some of my favourite ones.
10. Bibury Circular Walk
The Bibury Circular trail is one of my favourite 10 km loops for running along since it is super picturesque and not overly hilly. If walking it, I would expect it to take you somewhere in the region of 3 hours depending on how fit you are and how often you stop to admire the beautiful area.
It passes through what I like to call Chocolate Box Country; by that, I mean picture-perfect villages and rolling countryside begging to be explored and photographed! The walk will take you through Coln Saint Aldwyns – a village steeped in history and mostly known for its beautiful church with stained glass windows. It’s a great walk if you’re interested in exploring nearby villages, all the while being accompanied by great countryside views.
11. Rack Isle Water Meadows Walk
The Rack Isle is a well-marked walk that begins directly across from the cottages at Arlington Row. It is called Rack Isle because of its large meadows where weavers would keep their racks to hang dry their wool back in the day. Rack Isle is now an important wetland area and falls under the National Trust Wildfowl Reserve. In the summer, the meadows are covered in pink ragged robins and yellow flag irises, which attract many beautifully coloured butterflies. You can also expect to see dragonflies, grass snakes, water voles, and the prettiest of them all: kingfishers! A nature lovers paradise!
But even if you don’t see any of those, it is still a beautiful place to enjoy a short walk. So relax, walk slowly, and absorb the serenity of nature.
12. Take a drive through Colne Valley
Most people arrive in Bibury by following the A4425 or the Fossecross Lane. However, if you don’t mind narrow windy roads, there is a much more beautiful drive you could take to get here. Or even better, cycle here! If you turn southeast at Fossebridge, you will follow the narrow lane that follows the Colne River through Colne Valley. It’s a beautiful drive through tiny forgotten Cotswolds villages and beautiful countryside.
Only take this road if you are a confident driver.
Places to Eat in Bibury
13. Catch your lunch at Bibury Trout Farm
The Bibury Trout Farm is not only one of the best places to eat in Bibury but is also located at one of the prettiest sites in the entire village. The working farm has been functional since 1902, making it England’s oldest working trout farm! Eating here is a whole experience in itself – you can fish your own trout and book a barbeque place to have it cooked right in front of you – just the way you like it. The trout farm isn’t only for fish lovers though. The Deli also has a range of sandwiches and soups for those not keen on trout.
You can also get sandwiches to go, so why not enjoy a relaxing picnic by the river? And if you are doing that, then grab a bottle of local Poulton Hill Wine too!
Address: Bibury, Cirencester GL7 5NL
14. Enjoy a traditional pub meal at The Catherine Wheel
The Catherine Wheel is Bibury’s only local pub. It also doubles as a B&B for those looking to stay in a quaint traditional English inn. The pub is housed inside a 15th-century building, making the experience of having a drink here all the more exciting! Originally this building had its own stable and orchard. In the 19th century, this was converted into a pub by the beer retailer and barrel maker J Hathaway.
What I like most about the Catherine Wheel is the fact it has a seasonal menu that focuses on making dishes from as much fresh and locally sourced produce as possible. The Catherine Wheel Pub is without a doubt one of the best places to eat in Bibury.
Address: Arlington, Bibury, Cirencester GL7 5ND
15. Check out the newest deli in town: The Twig
The Twig opened in 2021 taking the premises of the old Bibury Village store, which had sat empty for a while. They make great coffee and always have a great selection of cakes on offer. They also sell “posh” sandwiches and have a deli counter with a selection of Spanish and Italian cured meats. Perfect if you want to pick up food for a picnic! They are open Monday to Sunday, 8:30 to 4:30.
Address: The Twig, Arlington, Bibury, GL7 5NL
Where to Stay in Bibury
I have already mentioned that Arlington Mill is a great place to stay for groups; however, if you are traveling as a couple, the following options might be better suited to your needs!
Sycamore Holiday Home
There are a number of holiday homes available in Bibury if you book early enough. The benefit of these is that they tend to offer free parking, and it allows you to enjoy the village when there are no other tourists about, while you can head out and explore other nearby towns during the day when Bibury gets busy.
Sycamore is one of the most highly rated holiday homes in Bibury. It is located 250 yards from the village centre and offers a terrace with garden views. It has one bedroom, a living room, and a kitchenette with a microwave and an oven, perfect should you wish to do any of your own cooking. Sycamore also has an outdoor dining area for a sunny summer afternoon.
The Swan Hotel
The Swan Hotel is perhaps the most sought-after place to stay in Bibury, and not without reason! It is located right on the banks of the Coln River and promises an indulgent tranquil stay. Relax in the garden with a glass of wine during the summer, or sit by the roaring fire with a nice glass of port in the cold winter months. Whenever you visit, it is sure to be memorable!
The Swan Hotel is an old coaching inn that has been very tastefully decorated to appeal to those who enjoy luxurious comfort and attention to detail. I have not stayed at the hotel myself, but I did attend a wedding here, which was perfect in every way. In fact, The Swan Hotel is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Cotswolds!
The hotel has 22 ensuite bedrooms – 18 within the hotel and 4 individual cottages with a private garden in each. A stay at the Swan Hotel will most definitely complete your typical English vacation!
If you are simply looking for somewhere to eat, the hotel also has its own restaurant: The Swan Brasserie. Like many places in the Cotswolds, they focus on locally sourced seasonal produce, providing a mix of English heritage dishes with a modern twist. However, in my opinion, the best food they serve is their afternoon tea. The question however, is whether you will be putting clotted cream on first, or jam! Regardless, don’t miss out on their freshly made scones.
Address: Bibury, Cirencester GL7 5NW
Number 9 Cottage
The Number 9 Cottage is the only one of Arlington Row cottages that can be booked for a short-term stay while on holiday in Bibury. It is booked well in advance so make sure you plan ahead of time! This is an independent, self-catering cottage owned by the National Trust. It has two bedrooms and can accommodate a maximum of three guests. This historic cottage dates back to 1380 and is, in my opinion, the best way to experience “the real” Bibury!
Address: 9 Arlington Row, Bibury, Cirencester GL7 5NJ
Consider staying in Cirencester
If you want a more comprehensive range of accommodation, then I’d definitely recommend checking out the historic roman town of Cirencester. It’s only 7.5 miles away and is one of the best spots to base yourself if you are planning on exploring both North and South Cotswolds, since it is pretty much in the middle.
If you intend to travel via train, then using Cirencester as your base is probably a good idea, since buses from Kemble to Cirencester are much more frequent than those to Bibury. In addition, it will make planning your visit much more straightforward. You will also find a much larger variety of restaurants and hotels to suit all budgets.
How long should I visit Bibury for?
I’m a big advocate for slow travel and would always recommend you spend as much time as you can in any given place as it helps you truly understand what life is really like there. However, if you are just looking to admire the “most beautiful village in England,” as William Morris once said, then a few hours is also enough. So whether you just come for an hour or an entire weekend, please do support the local economy by eating at the restaurants. Sadly, the local post office, which was the go-to shop, has now closed.
If you are looking to explore more local villages, then I’d highly recommend you visit Burford, Bourton on the Water, and Stow on the Wold as part of your Cotswolds tour. If you have time, try to catch the sunset at Broadway Tower too. Wherever you go though, I am confident you will really enjoy it.
Other great spots in the Cotswolds
- Chipping Campden
- Blockley
- Moreton in Marsh
- Broadway
- Stow on the Wold
- Bourton on the Water
- The Slaughters
- Cheltenham
- Bath
- Winchcombe
- Castle Combe
- Cirencester
- Tetbury
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