BIBURY, THE COTSWOLDS: A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE
Bibury is often called the most beautiful village in England. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, it’s a picture perfect setting marked by everything that makes this part of the UK so special including weaver’s cottages, rolling greenery, a flowing river, swans and footpaths. Bibury is actually two small villages (Bibury and Arlington) split by the River Coln, but they are both generally referred to as Bibury. Below is my complete travel guide to Bibury including places to visit, hotels, restaurants, Bibury photo locations, travel tips and more.
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Soaking in the serene countryside setting of Arlington Row.
BIBURY TRAVEL TIPS
- WHAT IS THE COTSWOLDS? – The Cotswolds is a region of the English countryside spread across the five counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
- GRADE II BUILDINGS – When a building in the Cotswolds is referred to as Grade II, it means there is a special interest in the structure and it’s been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest by Historic England.
- CURRENCY – The official currency of the UK is the British pound. Almost everywhere takes credit card, but it’s always helpful to have cash handy for smaller purchases.
- TIPPING – It’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip for good service.
One of my favorite views is from the bridge in front of the Swan Hotel.
WHEN TO VISIT BIBURY
- APRIL-MAY – Spring season in the Cotswolds is lovely with green landscapes, blooming flowers, bustling village markets and less crowds than the summer months.
- JUNE-AUGUST – Summer offers the best weather in the Cotswolds with frequent sunshine and infrequent rain. This is also the busiest time of the year to visit.
- SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER – Another lovely time to visit the Cotswolds is Autumn when the air is crisp and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow. It’s also shoulder season – hotel prices decrease and summer crowds disperse. Note that this is also the start of the rain, so expect cold temperatures and the occasional shower.
- DECEMBER-MARCH – It certainly is a mood this time of the year, if you don’t mind grey skies, fog and rain. Otherwise, avoid a winter visit to the Cotswolds.
Storybook feels.
Arlington Row is the most famous location in Bibury.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED IN BIBURY?
Both Bibury and Arlington are small, endearing and can easily be explored in a couple hours. Allocate extra time if you plan to take photos in the villages – they are very picturesque, but can get busy. I suggest making Bibury one of your first stops of the day because it gets crowded with tourists, especially Arlington Row.
Morning treats from The Twig, the cutest cafe in Bibury.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BIBURY
ARLINGTON ROW
Arlington Row is an iconic row of stone weaver’s cottages. Originally a medieval wool shop, this cluster of 600-year old homes lines a footpath that runs parallel to a small stream. The cottages were built using Cotswold stone, giving them the pretty honey colored hue that is so common in the region. The setting is utterly charming, and looks like a scene from a movie. The nine cottages are owned by the National Trust, eight of which are rented to private citizens. Cottage number nine is the only unit available as a short term holiday rental.
BIBURY TROUT FARM
This is England’s oldest working trout farm, dating back to 1902. Visitors are invited to feed thousands of trout, learn about the fishing process and even catch a fish for purchase (take it home to cook if you’re staying in an Airbnb). The setting of the farm is idyllic even if you don’t fish – flowing water, gentle pathways and lush surrounds.
RACK ISLE WATER MEADOW
In Bibury’s early days, the Rack Isle Water Meadow was used to dry wool after it was washed at the Arlington Mill. Today the marshy meadow is a protected wildlife habitat – a sanctuary for animals, flora and fauna. Visitors can walk the path that runs along the edge of the watery meadow that connects Arlington Row to the heart of Bibury.
ST. MARY’S CHURCH
St. Mary’s is the main church in Bibury. It dates back to the 11th century, but blends architectural elements from different eras (Gothic, Norman and Saxon) as it was expanded and modified over time. It sits at the end of the village along the River Coln, surrounded by a peaceful churchyard that is home to ancient tombs.
Even if you aren’t staying or eating at the Swan Hotel, it’s worth a stroll by to see one of the most stunning scenes in town. The 17th century inn overlooks the banks of the River Coln, surrounded by riverside gardens, a stone bridge, ivy walls and little chairs along the water. A setting straight from Bridgerton.
Arlington Row.
BEST BIBURY HOTELS
Cotteswold House is a lovely little bed & breakfast located in Arlington. The house dates back to the 17th century, but the interior has been completely remodeled. Everything is bright, fresh and modern with four rooms and two cottages to choose from. A full English or Irish breakfast is served every morning.
This little gem is located just five minutes from Bibury in the village of Barnsley. The honey-hued country house dates back to the 17th century with the property’s original gardens designed by renowned English garden designer Rosemary Verey. The Pig in the Cotswolds is cozy, homey and tranquil – everything a countryside stay should be. The surrounding gardens are beautiful, an abundance of lush greenery, archways, country umbrellas, stone posts and more. The inviting rooms mix comfort and elegace with four poster beds, exposed brick, wood beams and free standing tubs.
The rooms might be dated at the Swan Hotel, but the property’s exterior is utterly charming and one of the most picturesque settings in the Cotswolds. The building is a historic, ivy-covered former coaching inn that looks like set piece from Bridgerton. Rooms mix cozy, traditional details with modern comforts. The fireplace and riverside garden amenities make this place a gem.
St. Mary’s Church.
WHERE TO EAT IN BIBURY
ELEVEN BIBURY
This cafe-shop-post office-gallery combo is located in the heart of Bibury, across from Arlington Row. The shop sells a variety of home goods, and the cafe is very popular. The morning menu includes specialty coffees, English breakfast, smoked salmon, pastries, fresh breads, green eggs, porridge and more.
SWAN BRASSIERE
The Swan Brasserie sits in the iconic Swan Hotel, one of the most picturesque settings in the village. Menu offerings include whole baked trout, barbecued aubergine, beer battered haddock and miso glazed chicken. The restaurant is open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Swan Brassiere might not have the best food, but it’s one of the only restaurant options in the village.
THE TWIG
This colorful cafe is located just up the road from the Bibury Trout Farm. The decor is chic, the drinks are tasty and morning pastries fresh and flaky. One of my favorite spots in the village.
Sheep roam the surrounding countryside.
GET TO BIBURY
- AIR – The Bristol Airport (BRS) is the closest airport to Bibury, located 76 miles away. For more connections, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 94 miles away.
- TRAIN – For travelers arriving to the Cotswolds by train, the closest station to Bibury is located 14 miles away in Kemble.
- CAR – The best way into Bibury is by car because you’ll need one every day to explore the region. There is free street parking in the village if you arrive early or late in the day.
