If you close your eyes and picture the quintessential English countryside, chances are you’ll see something not far from this village – a chocolate-box fantasy of cobbled lanes, honeyed stone cottages, and gently rippling riversides.
But for the residents of this Gloucestershire gemreality has been closer to gridlock than idyll, as crowds seeking the ‘most beautiful village in the world’ have swamped its narrow streets. Now, in a bid to reclaim tranquillity and protect its unique charm, it’s moving decisively against over-tourism, with a proposal to permanently ban coaches from its heart.
Over-tourism in the iconic English village of Bibury
Bibury is no stranger to fans: the village has appeared in films such as Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardustinspired William Morris to declare it “the most beautiful village in England,” and was recently crowned the world’s most beautiful village by Forbes. But viral TikTok posts and rave social media coverage have turbocharged its popularity, with 20,000 tourists visiting in a single summer weekend. The result? Chaotic traffic, honking horns, and bottlenecked streets that have tested both resident patience and visitor experience.
What’s changing for tourists visiting Bibury
This past May, Gloucestershire Council trialed a solution: shutting coach bays and restricting buses to designated drop-off and pick-up zones only. After receiving positive community feedback, the council has now proposed making these measures permanent from summer 2026. The plans include:
- Banning coaches from driving through the centre, except at specified drop-off/pick-up points.
- Extending yellow lines to prevent illegal parking and congestion.
- Introducing pay-and-display parking for visitors, with exemptions for residents.
- Improving short-term parking access, particularly near the village school and church.
- Adding raised kerbs and seating to further pedestrianise parts of the centre and enhance safety.
- Balancing Preservation and Access
The moves are aimed at protecting both the character of Bibury and the quality of life for its community while sustaining a healthy, managed flow of visitors. Councillor Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Councilexplained the proposals “aim to make the village safer, reduce congestion, and protect its unique character, while supporting a sustainable visitor economy.”
A public consultation is running until December 3, allowing those affected or interested to share their feedback and help shape the final plan. The goal: “delivering a solution that works for the whole community,” says Spivey.
Bibury is far from alone in its battle with over-tourism. Throughout the UK and beyond, picturesque hotspots continue to grapple with finding a delicate balance between welcoming visitors and preserving local spirit. Whether Bibury’s bold step becomes a template for similar villages remains to be seen – but for now, the hope is that peace and picture-perfect charm may, at last, return to its famous cobbled lanes.
