Bibury, Gloucestershire

Location

Bibury lies on the River Coln in Gloucestershire, around six miles northeast of Cirencester. The village is very accessible from Cheltenham, less than 45 minutes away.

History

Records exist of Bibury in the 1086 Doomsday Book, when the Church of St Mary was believed to have been constructed under the ownership of St Mary’s Priory, Worcestershire.

The population of Bibury grew from the 17th century onwards to house workers for the growing cloth trade in the area. This promoted the building of many of the 17th century stone-built cottages you will see in the village today.

Bibury has boomed in popularity due to being famously described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England". The village was even visited by Emperor Hirohito visiting during his European Tour. The village now sees over 250,000 tourists per year from around the world.

Things to do

Bibury Trout Farm

One of the oldest fully-working trout breeding and rearing farms in the country; originally founded for replenishing local ponds and streams. Nearly half a million trout have been reared at the farm to date!

Rods and nets can be purchased for you to catch your own trout. The staff can gut the fish for you and sell disposable BBQs for you to cook fresh; or simply enjoy trout dishes cooked by the on-site café. They also have crazy golf.

Arlington Row

One of the most photographed locations in the Cotswolds, Arlington Row was originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store to supply cloth to Arlington Mill, then converted into a row of weavers' cottages in the 17th century.

The cottages were restored by the National Trust in 1970’s, who now let the cottages to private tenants. The quaint setting and natural beauty epitomises the Cotswolds.

Where to stay near Bibury

Bank House

Nestled in the heart of Fairford High Street, Bank House is an ideal base for visiting the area. Originally home to Capital & Counties Bank in the 1800s, Bank House has been transformed throughout as a luxury getaway. The converted bank features large bedrooms, a cocktail and board game room, and private cinema room, all within a grand townhouse. Read more here.

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