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Bibury Takes Steps to Curb Over-Tourism With Proposed Coach Restrictions

The Cotswold village, overwhelmed by up to 20,000 visitors on peak weekends, is exploring measures to manage tourism sustainably and reduce conflicts between residents and tourists.

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Overview

  • Bibury, a small Cotswold village, is struggling with over-tourism driven by social media and large coach tours, leading to overcrowding and infrastructure strain.
  • Local authorities are considering banning large coaches, redesigning parking bays, and promoting alternative transport options like minibuses to ease the pressure.
  • Residents have reported conflicts with tourists, including physical altercations, due to the village's limited infrastructure and narrow roads.
  • Minibus operators in the region are seeing increased demand as an alternative to large coach tours, with some businesses reporting significant growth in bookings.
  • Other Cotswold villages, such as Castle Combe, are facing similar challenges, highlighting a broader regional issue of balancing tourism with community well-being.