THE Cotswolds are one of the most popular spots in the country, especially during the summer months.
Yet some beautiful villages are being inundated with tourists – so a new tourist charge is set to be introduced.
It’s estimated that over 35million people head to the Cotswolds every year to see villages adorned with pretty cobbled cottages and quaint shops.
But the flood of tourists does mean that locals suffer and so a new visitor levy is being put in place at certain destinations to benefit those who live in the area.
One of these places is the village of Bourton-on-the-Water which is set to introduce a new parking fee – and a change to free parking hours.
Parking will be free before 10am at Rissington Road car park, rather than 8a.
However, charges will apply until 8pm, rather than 6pm, so tourists will have to pay for an extra two hours later if staying the whole day.
The reason for the change in timings is to give residents easier access to village services in the morning and “accommodate the growing trend” of visitors staying later into the evening.
Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for health, culture and visitor experience, said: “I know first-hand the challenges the village faces during the tourist season.”
“This new approach is designed to give something back to residents and boost the money going back into the village.”
He added that earlier access would provide support to local shops and services.
Bourton-on-the-Water has had a tourism levy in place since 2021 – where some of the money made from parking fees goes towards local projects.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for health, culture, and visitor experience, added: “The levy in Bourton has funded important initiatives, including extra parking enforcement and the appointment of a village warden which are helping to alleviate some of the impacts of tourism on the village.”
Another village, Stow-on-the-Wold, which is just 8 minutes away, is also looking at doing the same.
Hodgkinson said that new charge would to bring “similar benefits for residents”.
The new Cotswold District Council strategy is due to run from this year until 2028.
Other measures include making parking in the district sustainable.
Plus, here is an English village that visitors call ‘a Cotswolds dream’ which has two of the country’s best hotels.
And check out this stunning Cotswolds village with its own sandy beach and lagoon – miles from the English seaside.
One Sun Writer says this Cotswolds town is always missed in favour of other prettier villages…
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “My hometown in the Cotswolds is often passed over in favour of its more glamorous trendy neighbours. But that could soon be able to change after one of its hotels was recently named one of the best in the world.
“The World’s 50 Best Hotels announced last week named everything from five-star beach resorts to thousand-pound-a-night city stays. And while I’ve been lucky enough to stay in a few – such as The Peninsular in Hong Kong – one that also made the list was Estelle Manor.
“One of five in the UK to have made the list, the Witney hotel is now putting the town on the map. Having only opened in 2023, Estelle Manor has boomed in popularity.
“Earlier this summer, Eve Jobs – the daughter of Steve Jobs – celebrated a four day wedding event at the cost of £5million. Other celeb sightings include Kate Moss, as well as Alan Carr and Molly-Mae.
“Set on 85 acres of a parkland estate, the hotel is the sister to the private members club Maison Estelle in London. Some of the 108 rooms are in the Grade II listed house, while there are also Woodland Cabins.
“The hotel’s Eynsham Baths opened in last summer, while activities include archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting and clay pigeon shooting.
“The town of Witney itself is worth a visit, and is often much quieter than its nearby neighbour Burford. There is the free-to-visit Witney Museum, while kids will love Cogges Manor Farm with pygmy goats to see.
“Grab some tea and cake at Hunters Cafe, before shopping at many of the independent stores such as Witney Antiques and Lily’s Attic.
“If you see huge queues, they are likely at Sandwich de Witney, a sandwich shop with overstuffed baguettes that always sells out by lunch.”