Cobbled streets, sand-hued stone houses and peaceful countryside vibes are what you’d envision from a weekend away in the Cotswolds. Instead of tranquil village charm, however, visitors to Bibury have often been greeted by honking horns and traffic jams clogging its narrow lanes. But that may soon change, thanks to the introduction of a proposal to permanently reduce traffic in the popular town.
In the height of summer, 20,000 tourists came to Bibury in a single weekend, leading to a campaign from residents to ban coaches from driving through the centre. A trial in May 2025 saw coach bays temporarily shut, with buses only permitted to use designated drop-off and pick-up zones.
Now, Gloucestershire Council has announced a longer-term proposal to help curb mass tourism. Following positive feedback on the May trial, the council is now seeking to make this a permanent fixture.
It will also extend yellow lines to prevent parking problems, introduce pay-and-display (with exemptions for residents) and improve access near a school and church with short-term parking.
According to the Daily Mail, raised kerbs and seating will ‘help pedestrianise parts of the village centre’. If approved, the plan could be in place by summer next year.
So, why exactly does Bibury struggle so much with overtourism? Used as a setting in the films Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardust, the place was once described as the ‘most beautiful village in England’ by William Morris. In September of this year Bibury was crowned the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes, and it’s been reported that TikTok influencers raving about the 600-population Gloucestershire hamlet has contributed to the thousands of people visiting.
Cllr Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, told Gloucestershire Live: ‘Bibury is one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic destinations, but its popularity has created real challenges for residents and visitors alike.
‘These proposals aim to make the village safer, reduce congestion, and protect its unique character, while supporting a sustainable visitor economy.
‘We want to hear from everyone affected by these changes, so please take part in the consultation and help us deliver a solution that works for the whole community.’
A survey on the plans opened today, November 10, and will run until December 3. You can register your views here.
ICYMI: We went to the ‘most beautiful village in the world’ – here are six better places to visit in the Cotswolds instead.
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