Cotswolds

Councillor Jon Wareing has slammed tourists for abusing locals and leaving rubbish in the village he claims is being “exploited” by a certain type of tourist

A councillor from a picturesque village has accused a particular type of visitors of exploiting the stunning location. Bourton-on-the-Water, nestled in the Cotswolds, is home to roughly 4,000 people. The village features golden stone buildings and breathtaking views that attract countless visitors.

It’s also a bustling destination packed with activities and an abundance of shops, eateries, cafés, and tea rooms, creating an ideal location for a day out or brief holiday. Yet locals and councillors argue that the village is being damaged by “TikTok tourists”.

This category of visitor journeys to Bourton-on-the-Water to exploit the charming landscape as a setting for their selfies, Instagram reels, or TikTok content instead of genuinely experiencing what the settlement has to offer.

READ MORE: ‘I made more than £70,000 in under 12 hours – and it’s all thanks to TikTok’READ MORE: Eggs keep fresh ‘for weeks longer’ when stored in 1 common kitchen place

Jon Wareing, Cotswold district councillor, said: “This kind of visitor tends to have little real interest in the heritage, culture or natural environment they are exploiting for clicks. They are the ultimate hit-and-run tourist.”

According to Mr Wareing, the settlement, dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds, has encountered numerous problems in recent times. The councillor revealed he had witnessed accounts of residents suffering verbal and physical harassment, alongside increasing traffic jams.

He also highlighted that litter is accumulating throughout the village “especially on the green”, according to the BBC. However, tourism alone isn’t the sole problem. He continued: “It’s a combination of over-tourism and fast tourism, which refers to people flocking to honeypot locations for the sole purpose of content creation.”

Despite Bourton’s tiny population, the village attracts around 30,000 tourists a year, which is 7.5 times the number of locals, reports the Express.

In May 2024, Mr Wareing put forward a motion to get the council to acknowledge that tourism was creating issues for Bourton, but it was defeated by six votes to four.

He said: “The recent Bank Holiday weekend provided an illustration of a volatile public sentiment on this topic on social media. This is so destructive for our community and is deeply worrying.”

People online have taken to social media to share their complaints, with one user sharing: “Couldn’t pay me to go there in the summer, it’s bad enough the rest of the year but in the summer madness”. Another said: “I will never go back, used to be quiet, but horrible parking issues, expensive, overrated.”

A third urged: “Don’t go there in Summer…tourism has killed it…locals hate it & can’t blame them. Another said how unfortunate it has turned into: “sadly tiktok bloggers have shown these places now England peaceful secrets ruined”.

TikTok said it did not wish to comment.

Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!

It’s one of the Cotswolds’ best-preserved areas and has remained almost unchanged over the decades. It’s a great place to visit as autumn approaches.

Painswick, which has been dubbed “The Queen of the Cotswolds” by many, is a lesser-known gem of the area and makes for a brilliant day out.

This charming town stands as one of the Cotswolds‘ most perfectly preserved locations, having stayed virtually untouched through the years, and is encircled by stunning rural landscapes.

Its winding lanes are home to England’s most ancient structure to accommodate a Post Office and the nation’s most historic bowling green. The area is home to some of the UK’s most stunning towns and villages.

Should you be considering a visit, you ought to explore St Mary’s church, which stands among 99 yew trees creating one of the most striking churchyards in Britain.

This ancient church boasts a spire housing 14 bells and more than 300 hand-stitched kneelers showing biblical tales, reports the Express.

The Rococo Garden represents an essential destination within the settlement.

It was created during the 1740s as an English country gentleman’s garden for entertaining guests.

This garden now stands as Britain’s sole remaining rococo garden making it a truly unique destination.

From 1984 onwards, it has been restored into a beautifully maintained outdoor area and rescued from decay. Setting off from the settlement, numerous walking paths allow you to experience the finest Cotswolds scenery.

Close to Painswick you’ll discover Painswick Beacon and additional small communities like Sheepscombe. The Cotswolds Way National Trail proves a favourite destination for ramblers.

Should you be planning an extended hike, it stretches all the way to Chipping Camden and even reaches Bath city. For a trip to Painswick, the nearest train station is in Stroud.

The journey from London takes just shy of 90 minutes, followed by a quick 15-minute car ride to reach Painswick.

It’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, particularly as we head into the autumn season.

The Cotswolds is a magnificent area, but it can get extremely busy with tourists – here’s an alternative you’ll love

If you’re on the hunt for a picturesque getaway, with rolling hills and meandering paths, your mind might immediately jump to the Cotswolds.

Regrettably, the number of visitors to this region is growing annually, and it’s quickly becoming overrun with tourists. However, there’s one spot in an unexpected location that offers all the allure and natural splendour of the Cotswolds – minus the hassle of crowds.

Nestled on the River Stour, Dedham in Essex is an idyllic spot for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a respite. And, owing to its position in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s just as stunning as the Cotswolds. In other travel news, British passport holders are urged to do one important thing before October 12.

READ MORE: Hidden beach is like ‘private island’ with crystal clear waters and golden sandsREAD MORE: Easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2 passengers urged to ‘pack a roll of cling film’ in luggage

Dedham is the ideal place to spend a week if you relish walking amongst the country’s most beautiful landscapes, reports the Express. The Dedham Vale is nationally recognised for its awe-inspiring scenery, and it boasts thousands of footpaths to discover.

One particular route takes you to several local landmarks, beginning at a lockhouse in Dedham, passing a charming mill and ending at the breathtaking Gothic St Mary the Virgin Church. There are also countless cycle trails to embark on throughout the Vale and Stour Valley.

If you fancy a truly tranquil afternoon, hire a rowing boat and drift down the River Stour, pausing for a picnic whilst spotting local wildlife. For those who aren’t confident with the oars, there are also boat tours available in the summer!

The quaint town of Dedham is brimming with activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Munnings Art Museum, dedicated to the works of Sir Alfred Munnings, is a must-visit.

READ MORE: Popular town ‘on the brink’ as hundreds of cruise ships bring tourists flooding in

The town boasts an arts and crafts centre, cosy pubs and the renowned Essex Rose Tiptree Tea Room. With a plethora of dining options, visitors are spoilt for choice in Dedham. Whether you’re after budget-friendly bites or fine dining, there’s something for everyone.

The Boathouse Eatery offers delicious pastries with a riverside view, while the Michelin-starred Talbooth Restaurant serves up innovative dishes in a stunning setting. When it comes to accommodation, The Sun Inn is a popular choice, offering comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

So, if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city whilst missing the big crowds, Dedham in Essex is the perfect spot for couples, family groups and friends. Affordable, beautiful and with a guaranteed fun time!

The farm shop is in the news again this week because US vice president JD Vance arrived with a huge entourage of security and police — I visited earlier this summer and one thing was glaring long before I got inside

I’ve never been anywhere quite like this — it’s got to be the poshest farm shop anywhere in Britain. Nestled in the middle of the stunningly beautiful Cotswolds countryside, Daylesford Organic sells hampers for £690.

The manicured shelves feature £36 honey, £10 chocolate and cashew butter sourdough cookies, £175 tablecloths, £40 mushroom coffee and a £23 “immunity formula”.

Outside, a beautiful garden centre displays £1,600 garden dining furniture and £1,000 trees. Walking around it in the sunshine was one of the highlights of my summer. The whole place is gorgeous — and the customers (and their dogs) are as meticulous and beautifully presented as the shop. I came away with a bag full of Isle of Wight tomatoes (the best I’ve ever tasted) and a lavender bush which cost £20.

Daylesford Organic has made headlines for its prices in the past. But it’s back in the news this week because the US vice president, JD Vance, called in. Donald Trump’s second-in-command is in the Cotswolds for a holiday with his family and footage shows his huge entourage of security and police at the farm shop and in the surrounding lanes on Monday. He reportedly spent hours there.

But on my visit, the first thing that struck me wasn’t the food or the prices. It was the cars in the car park. I immediately spotted two Ferraris, several Porsches and too many Range Rovers to count. Right outside the front door was a white Ferrari with a number plate reading “cash”. I parked my car in a distant corner of the car park and then did my best not to look too gobsmacked as I walked around.

But this level of ostentatious wealth isn’t surprising when you consider the area. The farm shop is around halfway between Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds, every inch of which belongs on a postcard. People who call this area home include the Beckhams, David and Samantha Cameron, Mike and Zara Tindall, Princess Anne, Kate Moss, Ellen DeGeneres, Simon Cowell, Richard E Grant and many, many more.

Jeremy Clarkson has made it even more famous with his huge Amazon Prime Video hit Clarkson’s Farm, on which you’ll see sweeping drone-shot views of the sunlit countryside and farmland. I’ve been to his (very different) farm shop too, which you can read about here, as well as his sensational pub, which you can read about here.

Its towns and villages, like Bourton-on-the-Water (read about it here), Bibury (known as Britain’s most beautiful village), Burford, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold are among the most beautiful you’ll find anywhere.

And the farm shop itself was founded in 2002 by Lady Carole Bamford, whose husband is JCB founder Lord Anthony Bamford. The couple are said to have a joint fortune of £9.45bn, making them comfortably one of the very wealthiest people in the UK. Earlier this summer, Lady Bamford was pictured alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla at Ascot Racecourse. The Bamfords own several prize-winning horses, including one bought for £1.4 million.

Walking around the shop and its outdoor garden centre, I enjoyed trying to figure out if I recognised some of the more glamorous customers (I didn’t). But visitors this week would have had no trouble figuring out who the most famous customer was, given the convoy of black SUVs he arrived with.

Locals in the Cotswolds have likened the security lockdown around Vance’s holiday to the Men in Black as roads, footpaths and village lanes were blocked.

One said: “Stopped off at a farm shop…so did JD Vance. Security everywhere.” Another said: “There were a few American SUVs and then loads of Mercedes. And a full police riot van and about three police motorbikes. “Because of this, there are loads of police everywhere at the moment – normally, you’d never see a police car around here.”

One local said: “You do seem to get a few political celebrities round here – Kamala Harris has been, David Cameron lives around here, and Boris Johnson often comes. I go to Daylesford Organic most days with my kids. It’s not often you see a presidential motorcade here though!”

I’d go most days myself if I could and am certainly looking forward to my next visit. It would have been wonderful if Cotswolds farm shop rival Clarkson had decided to pop in at the same time to check out the competition. He has described Vance as “a bearded God-botherer who pretty much thinks that women who’ve been raped should be forced to have the resultant child”.

Clarkson, whose Diddly Squat Farm Shop is no more than a mile from the vice-president’s fortress-like holiday mansion, also said: “I’ve searched for the right word to describe him and I think it’s ‘t**t’.”

Oh well, I still hope Vance, who has also said the UK is a “truly Islamist” country, enjoyed his visit as much as I did. At least he could probably afford to buy a bit more than I could.

A tiny but stunning UK town surrounded by lush countryside and dripping in history is just like the Cotswolds – just without the coach-loads of selfie-stick-waving tourists

A quaint town touted as one of the UK’s ‘best-kept secrets’ makes for the perfect alternative to the tourist-riddled hotspots. Enveloped in rolling Lincolnshire countryside and conveniently located just off the A1 lies the quintessential parish of Stamford. Here, you can expect the same standard of natural beauty, cobbled alleys and ubiquitous history as you’ll find in the Cotswolds – which have garnered swathes of criticism for becoming insufferably busy and overcrowded.

In the words of Sir Walter Scott, Stamford is ‘the finest sight on the road between Edinburgh and London’. And if you’re still not convinced, the town was also crowned ‘Britain’s top place to live’ back in 2021.

READ MORE: Underrated UK seaside town with 3-mile beach named among prettiest in Britain

Despite its long list of accolades, the market town has managed to avoid the blinding tourist limelight – perfectly preserving its Georgian architecture, limestone buildings, and peaceful atmosphere. But historically, Stamford has always been quick to recognise its unique past and appearance – and became England’s first-ever conservation area back in 1967.

“There are over 600 listed buildings in and around the town: largely 17th and 18th century mellow limestone buildings with some older timber framed buildings,” explains Visit Lincolnshire.

“Stamford has the finest collection of medieval churches – five in all – of any small town in England. The area is also known for its stone and slate quarries and the Collyweston stone slate is found on the roofs of many Stamford buildings.”

With a bustling high street filled with independent cafes and shops, Stamford has also embraced the modern. Head over to The Drawing Room for a caffeine pick-me-up and delicious slice of cake, or check out The Slanted Door for an evening of fine dining and cocktails – and don’t forget to call in at St Martins Antiques Centre for a truly unique souvenir.

Of course, no trip to Stamford is complete without visiting Burghley House – a gorgeous Elizabethan mansion built by the First Minister of Elizabeth I.

Built between 1555 and 1587 Burghley has its original Tudor kitchen, 18 magnificent State Rooms and priceless works of art – as well as perfectly manicured gardens you can roam around.

Last year, the stately home was temporarily closed for the filming of a Netflix adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein. The film is set to be released this year, which means you still have time to visit the grand building before it gets overwhelmingly popular.

How to get to Stamford

Located just over 90 miles from central London, it takes around two hours and seven minutes to drive up to Stamford – if you’re lucky enough to avoid any traffic. Indirect trains, which usually include a stop at Peterborough, can however slash the journey time down to just over one hour.

If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £21.20. If you have a rail card – this can bring the price down to £17.15.

Unlike the Cotswolds, staying in Stamford doesn’t have to break the bank. Despite its small size, there is still a range of accommodation types to suit varying budgets – from no-frills hotels to luxury suites.

For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, August 15 -17) at the stunning and centrally-located Crown Hotel will set you back £404. This is based on two adults sharing a Double Room, and includes breakfast.

If you’re not wanting to splurge out, check out this cosy one-bedroom apartment that costs just £217 on the exact same nights. It has an equally good location, and comes with a fully-equipped kitchen which can help you avoid costs by cooking at home.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

Castle Combe in Wiltshire, England, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning medieval stone cottages, winding streets and surrounding natural beauty

With summer upon us, many are planning their getaways, yet there’s no need to jet off abroad when the UK boasts some truly stunning destinations. Castle Combe in Wiltshire is often lauded as one of the prettiest villages not only in Britain but across the globe, making it an ideal spot for those exploring the Cotswolds.

Visitors to this picturesque village might feel as though they’ve wandered into a storybook, with its ancient stone cottages and charming, twisty lanes remaining untouched by modernity – a dream for anyone keen on sightseeing. But Castle Combe’s allure isn’t just architectural; it’s also cradled by the natural splendour of the Cotswolds.

READ MORE: FatFace’s ‘cool’ summer dress that ‘doesn’t crease’ and will ‘pack well for holidays’

Travellers will find themselves amidst enchanting woodlands, undulating hills, and verdant countryside, all contributing to the village’s magical vibe.

Described by Country Living as having houses “so pretty they should be on a postcard” due to its “ancient, honey-hued” cottages, Castle Combe has also earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of “most beautiful villages in the world“.

CN Traveller praised the village, saying: “Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village located in the southwest county of Wiltshire. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches.”

This idyllic village is the ultimate destination for photography enthusiasts, with the historic village bridge crossing the River Bybrook being a particularly picturesque spot to capture.

History buffs will be drawn to Castle Combe for its plethora of medieval structures, including the stunning St Andrew’s church, established in the 13th century, reports the Express.

The church houses the tomb of Sir Walter de Dunstanville, Baron of Castle Combe and a crusader who passed away in 1270. It also boasts a quaint shop renowned for its charming postcards.

Film aficionados will find Castle Combe intriguing as it has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films, from the 1960s Doctor Dolittle to the more recent Stardust in 2007 and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse in 2011.

Castle Combe offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking a leisurely holiday, providing opportunities for nature walks, historical exploration, and cosy evenings at the local pub.

For those embarking on a nature walk, the village’s famed Little Picnic Shop provides everything needed for a delightful summer picnic.

However, for an authentic English countryside experience, a visit to The Old Rectory Pop-up Tearoom is a must. Here, guests can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea complete with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and a cuppa served in fine china.

The Old Stables offers a more laid-back yet snug setting for a coffee shop in the village, where patrons can indulge in a bacon sarnie or their hot drink of choice.

Castle Combe’s residences often feature quaint stalls outside, vending local and homemade delights like jams, bakes, or sweets – ideal for picking up as you wander through the village.

Travel aficionado Jamie, the brains behind Explore with Ed, suggests that those keen on visiting Castle Combe should do so promptly, especially as the village is at its most charming in midsummer.

He commented: “The prettiness of Castle Combe is perhaps at its peak in the height of summer when the honey-coloured cottages are graced with colourful climbing plants and overflowing window baskets.”

Bibury in the Cotswolds is rightly described as the most beautiful village in England – but the sheer number of tourists who visit every day is off-putting

William Morris once hailed Bibury as “the most beautiful village in England”. Given his expertise in aesthetics as the esteemed poet and artist who spearheaded the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, I’m inclined to trust his judgement on such matters.

And he certainly wasn’t mistaken about this gem in the Cotswolds, a little north-east of Cirencester. Before my visit, I had seen numerous photos of Bibury and was half-convinced they were the result of some clever photographic manipulation — could it really be that beautiful in reality?

The answer is a resounding yes. Imagine the quintessential storybook British village with a dash of Harry Potter magic — even then you might not quite capture the sheer loveliness of the place. Bibury is enchanting, whimsical and could be considered the crowning glory of the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its beauty.

The tranquil river Coln meanders through the village centre, flanked by charming low stone bridges. Nearby, cows leisurely graze beside the road adjacent to the Swan Hotel, which looms over the village and boasts perhaps the prettiest beer garden in the country.

The Bibury Trout Farm nearby nurtures fish that grace the plates of restaurants throughout the Cotswolds, including those at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, where I ate it — you can read what I thought here.

The true gem of Bibury is undoubtedly Arlington Row, a sequence of cottages initially constructed from the local stone in 1380 next to the River Coln as a monastic wool store, and later converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. It’s probably the most photographed street in the Cotswolds — and potentially the entire country.

As you amble down the slender lane beside the cottages, having crossed a quaint stone bridge over the river to reach them, the weight of everyday life just seems to disappear. I strove to balance my respect for the privacy of residents with an irresistibly wide-eyed admiration for their astonishingly attractive homes. Hopefully, the people lucky enough to live here enjoy the fact that, like Buckingham Palace, thousands of people take pictures of their homes every day.

And that brings me to the one thing about Bibury that is a bit off-putting: the number of tourists here is way out of proportion to the size of the village and its ability to cope with them. The 600 or so people who live here are sharing these narrow lanes and pretty fields with coaches, tour groups and day-trippers every day — thousands of them.

One resident, Lynn Edward, who has lived in Bibury for six years, told The Guardian this year: “We have such a beautiful place that we want to share, but the level of tourism and the hordes of people that come has just made it entirely unpleasant, and the infrastructure doesn’t really cope with it.

“All they want to do is come and take a photograph. They don’t stay in the village. They don’t linger enough to really ingest the beauty and historic value of the place. It’s literally, I think, to take a selfie.”

I knew in advance that Bibury was a tourist attraction — and obviously I was here as a tourist. But I didn’t appreciate just how many people there would be on a random weekday afternoon.

But it was obvious even before I got to the village centre, with groups of tourists strolling in the middle of the road en route, long lines of parked cars beside the river, several different languages from all over the world to be heard and people of all nationalities standing on Bibury’s pretty stone bridges to grab a selfie. Some of them were not especially inclined to bother moving when it was clear others wanted to get across, instead taking their time to get that perfect shot for Instagram — and some claim the rocketing number of visitors to Bibury is down to the boom in travel and tourism influencers on social media.

There’s even a large car park on the outskirts of the village, where visitors are charged £5 to park before walking into the heart of the village. There is enough space for 300 cars but villagers say even this is not enough on some days, Express reports. The narrow lane between the car park and the village is a tight squeeze when trying to cope with two-way traffic as well as all the tourists on foot.

While you might assume that such a large number of tourists would also bring a significant economic benefit, people in the village don’t seem convinced. Victoria Summerley, a journalist and author who has lived here since 2012, says: “[The villagers] would say [the tourists] don’t put any money into the village.”

It is clearly a difficult balance. While tourism can bring benefits and people are often proud to share the beauty of where they live with visitors, it is understandable that villagers who call Bibury home are frustrated by the extent to which it has now become a tourist attraction. It is undoubtedly a staggeringly beautiful place, and lives up to its billing as “the most beautiful village in England”, even considering the amount of competition in the Cotswolds alone. So if you do visit, please try and be as respectful as possible of the people who live here.

Things to do in Bibury

Arlington Row

A row of cottages originally built of local stone in 1380, next to the River Coln, is probably the most photographed street in the Cotswolds, possibly even the country. A short circular route runs from the Swan Hotel to the cottages and back along a track to the hotel.

Bibury Trout Farm

Bibury Trout Farm is one of Britain’s oldest trout farms. Founded in 1902, you will find its trout on the menu in restaurants around the Cotswolds. It is open to the public while being a working trout farm producing hundreds of thousands of trout (brown, blue and rainbow) a year. It also has an on-site smokery. You can buy the trout on site and in the village shop. Entry to the farm costs £9 for adults.

Swan Hotel

The beautiful Swan Hotel is perhaps the most prominent building in Bibury, its walls covered in greenery. You can stay here or simply book a table for lunch or dinner. It also has arguably the most beautiful beer garden in Britain, with deckchairs set almost on an island surrounded by the tranquil River Coln.

Eleven Bibury

With interiors designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Eleven Bibury is a mixture of cafe, restaurant, art space and shared working space just across the main road from the river. Grab a brunch, a slice of cake or coffee and escape the crowds of tourists outside.

This Cotswolds village stands apart from its popular neighbours with distinctly red-hued cottages and some impressive former locals including great writers and thinkers

Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds is a village not as traditional as its neighbours. The ‘picture postcard’ destination is defined by cottages in a different shade but just as charming and impressive.

Great Tew is located five miles east of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The village overlooks the Worton Valley from a limestone ridge, offering a distinct perspective on the well-trodden UK holiday destination that is the Cotswolds.

One thing that distinguishes Great Tew from other Cotswolds villages is the predominant stone used in the construction of local cottages. While the yellow Cotswold stone has become synonymous with the region, Great Tew cottages boast a different style.

In this part of the region, ironstone dominates and has a much darker red hue. Furthermore, the cottages in Great Tew are thatched, which is not a particularly common feature in the Cotswolds.

READ MORE: Beautiful little UK seaside village looks like it could be in the Cotswolds

There is evidence that people lived in the landscape of Great Tew in pre-Roman times but the first sign of habitation is during the Roman occupation in the 3rd and 4th centuries. During the Saxon period, Great Tew acquired the name Ciric Tiwa, or Church Tew.

At one point, the famed Great Tew Estate was inherited by Lucius Carey, Second Viscount Falkland, during which time it gained notoriety because of the ‘Great Tew Circle’ of writers and scholars who often met for political and theological debates.

In 1914, the Great Tew Estate was held in public trusteeship for almost fifty years, during which time very little was done to maintain the Estate or its buildings. In 1962 Major Eustace Robb inherited the estate and immediately set about a gradual programme of improvements that made the village prosper and laid the foundations for its future health.

Farms were reclaimed, cottages were refurbished and a sewage system for the village was installed under Major Robb. Today, the Great Tew Estate belongs to the Johnston family who are just as committed to the village’s prosperity.

While Great Tew is an example of a thriving Cotswold village, it stands in slight contrast to its popular neighbours that are struggling under the weight of overtourism.

Bibury – often called the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ – sees thousands of tourists visit from across the world annually. Plans for a new car and coach park were withdrawn in the area earlier this year to deter more tourists from visiting.

Locals have grown increasingly unnerved by the massive tourist crowds descending on the area. To address the problem of overtourism, residents have formed a working group that includes councillors and police. Gloucestershire County Council has also announced plans to tackle overtourism in the village.

In 2025, reports emerged that coaches could soon be banned from stopping and parking in the village. Longer-term recommendations from the working group also include improving signs to direct coaches away from the village’s narrow lanes.

The council chairman of a popular UK tourist destination has said that introducing a new car park was “not plausible” as the village continues to struggle with overtourism

Plans for a new car and coach park in one of England’s most idyllic villages have been withdrawn to deter more tourists from visiting. While some destinations clamour to intrigue travellers, this holiday hotspot in Gloucestershire says “enough people” are already visiting.

Bibury – often called the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ – sees thousands of tourists visit from across the world annually. But the fairytale-esque village is considered a victim of its own beauty, as hordes of tourists have been causing significant traffic and chaos in the area.

As reported by the BBC, Craig Chapman from Bibury Parish Council said that a potential proposal for a car park would have been rejected by planners had it made it to the council. While the proposal was eventually dropped, Chapman said there are “enough people coming into the village”.

READ MORE: Insanely beautiful UK village is so magical you won’t ever want to leave

He continued: “the thought of having an out of village car park with 130 cars and 10 coaches – at least 500 people shuttling down to the village or walking the narrow pavement was not plausible.”

Bibury has garnered a reputation as the ‘most beautiful village in England’ as once described by 19th century writer William Morris. Today, it is home to a few hundred residents but welcomes thousands of visitors daily, with up to 50 coach buses coming into the village a day.

Locals have grown increasingly unnerved by the massive tourist crowds descending on the area. To address the problem of overtourism, residents have formed a working group that includes councillors and police. Gloucestershire County Council has also announced plans to tackle overtourism in the village.

Early this year, reports emerged that coaches could soon be banned from stopping and parking in the village. However, less drastic measures will be implemented sooner.

Over the next few months, the layout of parking bays will be updated to prevent coaches from parking or idling in the layby on the B4425. This is next to the Swan Bridge in the centre of the village.

The second phase of plans will see the potential introduction of restrictions on coach access to the centre of Bibury. In order to move forward with this, a legal consultation process would be needed and is set to start in early summer.

Longer-term recommendations from the working group also include improving signs to direct coaches away from the village’s narrow lanes. In addition, the group wants to explore alternative parking options outside the village.

Finally, the local working group wants to encourage tourists to use other modes of transport to visit the village, including walking, cycling or using public transport. There is no direct train into Bibury, however many travellers take a direct train to Kemble from London and then get a 24-minute taxi to Bibury.

All said, there are still plenty of other villages in the Cotswolds to explore and which deserve traveller attention. Despite being slightly less popular than Bibury, Broadway is considered to be the ‘jewel of the Cotswolds’.

Located in the north of the region, the village is known for its manicured lawns, art galleries and classic tea shops. Broadway is a particular gem for art and antique lovers and collectors.

This lesser-known village is northwest Wiltshire has everything you’d expect from the Cotswolds, including mellow stone cottages, a charming 17th-century estate and a beloved local eatery

Even regular visitors to the Cotswolds may have missed the memo on this picturesque village. While buzzier destinations like Bibury and Bourton often get the most attention from tourists, heading to a new part of Wiltshire will help you enjoy the area in peace and relative quiet.

Biddestone has a reputation for being one of the best-kept secrets of the Cotswolds – which, of course, means that it is not as big a secret as it once was. Still, the village has retained a quiet charm that travellers would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Biddestone is a small, rural village in north west Wiltshire, England, with an incredibly modest population of only a few hundred residents. You may have even passed the village unknowingly, as it is in close proximity to many other beloved destinations; just four miles from Castle Combe and about 5 miles from Lacock, Corsham, Giddeahall and Chippenham.

READ MORE: Insanely beautiful UK village is so magical you won’t ever want to leave

The heart of Biddestone is the village green, where many community events and celebrations are hosted every year. The main open space is surrounded by grand Cotswold mellow stone homes and cottages, decreasing in size as you move away from the village centre.

The architecture of the area certainly adds to the character of the squared village, with the majority of buildings boasting picturesque Georgian facades and tiled roofs. Travellers planning an extended trip in the area can stay at one of the architectural marvels situated by the village’s large duck pond.

The Anvil Cottage and the Billiard Room are both award-winning holiday properties set on the grounds of a 17th-century estate, known as The Close. Once a working forge, Anvil Cottage has been restored beautifully and is now a five-star gold-rated luxury property.

The Billiard Room has also been masterfully restored, though it has lived many lives. Originally a blanket factory and then the village school, the property was also converted into a billiard room by the owner of the estate in the 1920s. Today, it is a luxe hideaway with all the modern conveniences of any top hotel.

The duck pond on the property also has a unique history, originally serving as a watering place for cattle from the local farms. The Close also continues to celebrate the village’s wool trading history, which is what allowed it to prosper.

Another architectural landmark of the area is the church of St. Nicholas, which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. The church was reportedly never enlarged during the seven centuries between its Norman foundation and the late Victorian era, and visitors are welcome to explore the historical landmark daily.

The Grade II* listed Manor House is another stop worth adding to your list. When it is open to the public – dogs included – travellers can explore the five acres of beautifully manicured gardens, streams and orchards. Once you’re done strolling for the day, a trip to the local favourite pub – The White Horse – is a must. It’s easy enough to spot with it’s bright white facade.

While Biddestone has just enough to keep you entertained for a day and plenty of gorgeous accommodation options, it may be better suited for a day trip from a neighbouring base. In fact, you’re likely to meet other Cotswolds residents from Chippenham spending a day on The Green or at The White Horse.

It’s also a great starting off point for a countryside walk, another reason its so popular with Cotswolds natives.. The Wiltshire Walks website recommends a scenic four-mile walk west into the rural landscape and the deep valley of Colerne Park.