Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Forbes Crowns Bibury the World's Most Beautiful Village as Locals Warn of Overtourism

Officials have reworked coach parking, with consultations on tougher limits to ease pressure on narrow lanes.

Overview

  • Bibury topped Forbes’ new list of the 50 most beautiful villages, spotlighting Arlington Row and the River Coln.
  • Parish council chair Craig Chapman called the accolade a double‑edged sword and described current tourism levels as problematic for residents.
  • Gloucestershire County Council has converted central parking bays into coach drop‑off and pick‑up points by Swan Bridge and asked visitors to arrive in smaller vehicles.
  • Further steps under consultation include tighter coach access, possible prohibitions on stopping and parking, better signage to redirect traffic, and parking options outside the village.
  • The village of about 600 residents has seen reports of up to 20,000 visitors on peak weekends and frequent coach traffic, straining a single‑carriage bridge and narrow lanes.