The small village has built an international reputation despite its size (Image: Getty)
The UK is home to thousands of villages, each offering visitors something a little different. While some are known for their history, others attract people with their countryside views, traditional cottages or quiet streets.
Many have become popular tourist destinations, welcoming visitors from across Britain and around the world every year. But choosing the country’s most beautiful village is no easy task. Having said that, there is one village in the UK that constantly appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful villages and has become one of the Cotswolds’ biggest attractions.
Bibury is home to around 600 people (Image: Getty)
That is Bibury in Gloucestershire. Home to around 600 people, the small village has built an international reputation despite its size. According to the latest Census, 581 people live in the parish, although local estimates often put the population at between 600 and 700.
Bibury’s reputation stretches back more than 100 years. Artist and writer William Morris once described it as “the most beautiful village in England”, helping to put it on the map long before social media and travel influencers.
It has continued to receive international recognition ever since.
Forbes named Bibury the world’s best village in a ranking created with travel experts from Unforgettable Travel Company, placing it ahead of famous destinations including Hallstatt in Austria, Oia in Greece and Reine in Norway.
One of the village’s biggest attractions is Arlington Row, a row of honey-coloured stone cottages that dates back to the 14th century.
The buildings were originally used to store wool before being turned into homes for local weavers in the 17th century.
One of the village’s biggest attractions is Arlington Row (Image: Getty)
Today, Arlington Row is owned by the National Trust and is one of the most photographed streets in the UK.
It has also appeared in films including Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardust.
Just across the River Coln is Rack Isle, a protected water meadow where wool was once laid out to dry after being washed in the river. The area is now home to a range of wildlife, including water voles and wetland birds.
Visitors can also stop by Bibury Trout Farm, which opened in 1902 and is one of the oldest working trout farms in Britain.
People can feed the fish, catch their own trout or enjoy freshly smoked fish at the on-site café.
Bibury’s reputation stretches back more than 100 years (Image: Getty)
Another landmark is St Mary’s Church, which has Saxon origins and features medieval stained-glass windows.
The Grade I listed church has stood at the heart of the village for centuries.
Although Bibury has become famous worldwide, it has no railway station.
Visitors travelling by train can get off at Kemble before taking a taxi or a local bus into the village.
Drivers can also reach Bibury from central London in around two to two-and-a-half hours, although visitors are advised to arrive early as parking spaces can fill up quickly, particularly during the busiest months.
