Why is Bibury famous?

Bibury is famous for being a quintessential, postcard-perfect Cotswold village often cited as the "most beautiful in England," a phrase famously coined by 19th-century artist William Morris. Its renown stems from the iconic 17th-century weaver cottages at Arlington Row, the scenic River Coln, and its historic honey-colored stone buildings.

Why is Bibury so popular with Japanese?

Bibury is particularly frequented by Japanese tourists; this is largely attributed to emperor Hirohito having stayed in the village on his European tour.

Is Bibury the prettiest village in England?

William Morris (1834-96) described Bibury as "the most beautiful village in England". In September 2025 Bibury was declared as the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes.

What is the most beautiful village in England?

While beauty is subjective, Castle Combe (Wiltshire) and Bibury (Cotswolds) are consistently named England's most beautiful villages, famed for their idyllic Cotswold stone cottages, historic charm, and picturesque settings, with Bibury's Arlington Row being especially iconic and Castle Combe often called "the prettiest" and a film-set favorite. Other contenders include coastal Robin Hood's Bay (North Yorkshire) for its smuggling history and sea views, and Mousehole (Cornwall) for its quaint fishing village vibe.
 

Does anyone live in Bibury?

Bibury is a small village in the south Gloucestershire Cotswolds. This charming and popular Cotswold village has a population of just over 600 inhabitants, although this number is dwarfed by the annual influx of visitors.

The Strange Secrets of Bibury — England’s Most Famous Village

Where was Harry Potter filmed in the Cotswolds?

Key Points: Lacock Village is a prime Harry Potter filming location. Lacock Abbey featured prominently as Hogwarts.

Is there anything to do in Bibury?

Bibury Attractions

Bibury Trout Farm is one of the top things to do in Bibury, a place with amusements for all the family. Also discover the Chedworth Roman Villa nestled in a nearby valley, one of the largest in Britain. Be sure to visit the Catherine Wheel pub in Bibury, the only pub in the village.

What TV show is set in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds are a popular filming location for many TV series, including historical dramas like Downton Abbey (using Bampton as Downton village) and Poldark (using Chavenage House), comedy mockumentaries like This Country, mystery shows such as Father Brown (filmed in Blockley), and fantasy/sci-fi productions, with locations like Puzzlewood appearing in shows like Merlin and Doctor Who. Other notable shows include The Diplomat, Sister Boniface Mysteries, and The Buccaneers.

Is it expensive to live in Bibury, England?

With beauty comes desirability, and Bibury's homes are now among the most expensive in the region. According to housing data, average prices in the GL7 postcode hover around £510,000, more than £150,000 above the national average.

Why do the Chinese love the Cotswolds?

One factor behind the Chinese love affair with the Cotswolds dates back to 2012, when Cotswolds Tourism contacted a company called Join in China to help them market the region overseas. “The royal connection locally is one of the key attractions,” Qing Lin, CEO of Join in China, told Telegraph Travel.

What is the most photographed street in Bibury?

Arlington Row is the village's most famous street, with cottages built in 1380. 😳 And also Bibury appeared in British passport designs 📘 We were very lucky to be there on such a bright, sunny day — it didn't even feel like January.

What are some interesting facts about Bibury?

Bibury, on the banks of the River Coln, is rich in both history and nature. The cottages along Arlington Row are believed to have been built around 1380 as a monastic wool store and later converted into weavers' cottages in the 17th century. They are owned by the National Trust and are private homes, except for Nos.

Where do celebrities live in the Cotswolds?

Jeremy Clarkson: The former Top Gear presenter owns a £4 million Cotswolds mansion near Chipping Norton. Kate Moss: The supermodel has a £2 million Cotswolds cottage near the village of Sarsden. Hugh Grant: The actor has a £1.5 million Cotswolds cottage near the village of Swinbrook.

What movie was filmed in Bibury?

Bibury – Stardust and Bridget Jones's Diary

Unsurprisingly, its famous Arlington Row — a string of weavers' cottages — has been the backdrop for movies like Stardust and Bridget Jones's Diary.

Is Bibury the prettiest village?

With the help of Unforgettable Travel Company, Forbes has unveiled the 50 most beautiful villages in the world for 2025. And a small village here in England has been crowned the best looking of them all. The Cotswolds village of Bibury is the most beautiful in the world, according to Forbes.

What is the poshest part of the Cotswolds?

It seems whilst GL7 and GL8 postcodes dominate the list of the ten most expensive places in the Cotswolds, Cirencester has the majority of the spots on the list, with six roads making the grade. The most expensive street is in Tetbury, with a home in Lasborough setting you back over £8 million on average.

What is the most Christmassy village in the Cotswolds?

FAQs about the Cotswolds at Christmastime

My personal opinion is that Bourton-on-the-Water is the most Christmassy Cotswold village, with its enormous Christmas tree in the centre of town and the Christmas shops open year-round. It's the perfect base for a few days in the Cotswolds over the Christmas period.