Neighbour row erupts as 'England's most beautiful village' launches fightback against tourist invasion

Wethersfield resident fears ‘becoming a minority in his own village’

GB News
Eliana Silver

By Eliana Silver


Published: 24/03/2025

- 17:26

The picture-perfect village, known for its honey-coloured stone cottages and Arlington Row, is being swamped by tourists

A neighbour row has erupted after England's "most beautiful village" appeared to fightback against an invasion of picture-snapping tourists.

Gloucestershire County Council confirmed plans to tackle over-tourism in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bibury.


Bibury has become overwhelmed with visitors, with locals claiming it turns "like the Wild West" during peak seasons.

After pressure from residents, the council is now considering measures that could eventually lead to a complete coach ban.

Bibury, Gloucestershire

The picturesque Cotswolds village has become overwhelmed with visitors, with locals claiming it turns "like the Wild West" during peak seasons

GETTY

The first stage of the council's plan will be implemented within the next two months.

It involves changing the layout of parking bays to prevent coaches from stopping or waiting in the layby on the B4425.

The specific area is located next to Swan Bridge in the centre of Bibury.

The second stage will explore introducing restrictions on coach access to the village centre. This would depend on the outcome of a legal consultation process scheduled to begin early this summer.

The council is working to balance tourism needs with local concerns, acknowledging that changes may not be popular with coach operators.

Officials are determined to find compromise solutions that continue to welcome visitors while addressing safety issues.

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Longer-term recommendations include potentially prohibiting coaches from stopping and parking in Bibury completely.

The working group is also exploring improved signage to direct coaches away from the village's narrow lanes.

Officials are investigating potential parking areas outside the village for coaches.

They also want to encourage alternative transport methods for tourists, including walking, cycling, public transport or minibuses.

Councillor Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Bibury residents and visitors."

"The proposed measures will help manage traffic more effectively and enhance the overall experience for everyone," he added.

Parish council chairman Craig Chapman also stated: "The pressures put on us by the sheer volume of tourists visiting and coaches bringing tourists has become intolerable and unacceptable."

Coaches have already been banned from the centre of nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds".

Tourists in Bibury

The picture-perfect village, known for its honey-coloured stone cottages and Arlington Row, has become chaotic during busy periods

GETTY


This village, located 15 miles east of Cheltenham, implemented similar restrictions due to congestion issues.

The ban in Bourton-on-the-Water sparked debate among locals, with some fearing it could turn the village into a "ghost town".

Others welcomed the measures, citing unmanageable visitor numbers.

Residents of Bibury have formed a working group with councillors and police to address the tourism challenges. Locals report that pedestrians are endangered by the volume of traffic.

The picture-perfect village, known for its honey-coloured stone cottages and Arlington Row, has become chaotic during busy periods.

Bibury's narrow lanes are particularly unsuitable for large coaches attempting to manoeuvre through the village.