Bibury - Absolutely Awesome Things to Do in the Medieval Village
The enchanting English village of Bibury has gathered fame far beyond its modest size. Known for its captivating rows of medieval stone cottages, the town has become one of the most visited travel destinations in Gloucestershire.
Bibury is not just a beautiful village in England; it's a living postcard, an invitation to step back in time and savour the simple pleasures of village life in one of England's most picturesque settings.
View of the Bibury Arlington Row from the riverside
In this post, I will dive into the dream that is Bibury and guide you on everything there is to do in this classic English town.
A Stroll Down Arlington Row
The Bibury Arlington Row is one of the most picturesque scenes throughout the entire Cotswolds. Bibury has become famous for the row of beautiful weavers cottages that make up the Arlington Row.
Traditional Cotswolds houses on Arlington Row
The quaint houses were originally built in the 14th century and were initially constructed as a wool store by local weavers. These cottages were later converted into homes in the 17th century.
Visiting the Arlington Row is a top priority for travellers and is often regarded as one of the best things to do in Bibury. I have visited Arlington Row several times and found it the least busy on a cold winter morning. However, it's important to remember that Arlington Row can become extremely crowded in the afternoon practically every day of the week and at almost any time of year.
The Bibury Arlington Row ID42921026 © Pljvv | Dreamstime.com
I recommend getting there early for travellers seeking that perfect Instagram shot of Arlington Row cottages and those wanting to see these cottages in true serenity.
The world-famous weavers cottages of Arlington Row can be found all over social media, and you can find them on just about any Cotswold travel list.
Rack Isle Water Meadows
The Rack Isle Water Meadows is a picturesque wildlife reserve set upon the banks of the River Coln. This tiny island full of nature and wildlife is beautifully preserved by the National Trust, offering visitors a real escape into the nature of Bibury.
The Rack Isle Water Meadows in Bibury
Although I didn't notice many animals when I visited the Rack Isle Water Meadows, spending time at this tranquil nature spot was an enriching experience.
Visit St Mary's Church
The Grade I listed Anglo-Saxon church stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of medieval architecture in Bibury. St Mary's Church dates back to the 11th century, and the original church building is considered as old as the 9th century.
Medieval architecture of St Mary’s Church in Bibury
An Anglo-Saxon gravestone is built into a wall in the church; for this reason, the St Mary's Church is often called the Saxon Church.
Its stunning medieval stained glass windows, rustic stone walls, and gracefully sloping roofline are all part of its medieval architecture.
View of St Mary’s Church
The church's idyllic setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the tranquil waters of the River Coln, make it a favoured destination for those seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse into England's rich heritage.
A visit to the Church of St. Mary in Bibury is a journey through history and a window into the timeless beauty of the Cotswold countryside.
Bibury, "The Most Beautiful Village in England"
You may have heard that "Bibury is the most beautiful village in England". Having travelled to many historic British villages, I have to say that Bibury might be one of the most beautiful I've seen.
I have visited Bibury multiple times, and it always amazes me with its countryside location, weavers cottages, well-preserved nature and classic British charm. So, if you're looking for one of the most beautiful villages in England, Bibury is the right place to visit.
Visit the Bibury Trout Farm
The Bibury Trout Farm is a historic and charming destination for visitors and anglers alike. Established in 1902, the Bibury Trout Farm is one of England's oldest and most renowned trout farms.
Situated on the banks of the crystal-clear River Coln, the Bibury Trout Farm farm offers a serene and picturesque setting for a day out. Visitors can explore the well-maintained grounds, including the interconnecting trout ponds, and observe the thriving trout population.
Trout at the Bibury trout farm ID223797175 © I Wei Huang|Dreamstime.com
The trout farm is not only a place of natural beauty but also an educational centre where guests can learn about the life cycle of trout and the art of fly fishing.
Catch-your-own trout fishing is an everyday activity for visitors here, and it is currently priced at £10.50 per kilo of self-caught trout. More information on this can be found on the Bibury Trout Farm website.
Additionally, there is a delightful farm shop on-site where you can purchase freshly caught and smoked trout, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and food lovers.
Dinner at the Catherine Wheel Pub
The Catherine Wheel Pub is one of the best places to go if you want to complete the Bibury dream day. Visiting this small Cotswolds village presents few options in terms of food. Still, luckily, one of the restaurants it does offer is this fantastic British Gastro pub.
The Catherine Wheel pub is an excellent option for Bibury travellers seeking authentic British pub food in a traditional setting.
Bibury Walks
One of the countryside walks is sure to enrich your Bibury experience. The rural location of Bibury means that it offers a great deal in terms of walking. Bibury is a fairly small village, so a circular walk through the town might be the best option if you are on a day trip.
Early winter morning view of Bibury village by the River Coln
For those looking for more in-depth walks into the English countryside, Bibury can also serve as a good base for those walks. If you are interested in walks, the link to this site will help you plan some exciting excursions.
Discover Roman History at the Chedworth Roman Villa
The Chedworth Roman Villa offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life in Britain during the 2nd and 4th centuries AD. Secluded amidst the lush greenery of the Cotswolds countryside, the villa boasts intricate mosaics, beautifully designed Roman bathhouses, and an impressive network of rooms.
One of its most striking features is the intricate Orpheus mosaic, renowned for its vibrant colours and intricate patterns.
The Chedworth Roman Villa ID256822821 © John Corry|Dreamstime.com
Visitors can explore the villa's various rooms, including the dining area, bedrooms, and even the hypocaust system that once provided underfloor heating. The Chedworth Roman Villa stands as a testament to the sophistication and magnificent architectural accomplishment of the Roman Empire.
Although the Chedworth Roman Villa is not located in Bibury, it can be reached within a short 20-minute drive. So, for those visiting Bibury by car, this is an easy addition to your trip.
Afternoon Tea at the Swan Hotel
The Swan Hotel is known for being one of Bibury's most iconic hotels, pubs and afternoon tea rooms.
The Swan Hotel in Bibury ID223797175 © I Wei Huang|Dreamstime.com
It features a variety of tasty treats and tea choices. The Swan hotel afternoon tea experience is reasonably priced, and the food quality and ambience make it worth it. This is the only afternoon tea establishment I am aware of in Bibury, and thankfully, it offers a wonderful experience.
Places to stay in Bibury
The Swan Hotel is one of the best and only hotels in Bibury's main town centre. Although there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses in Bibury's surrounding areas, you don't have to be limited to the Swan Hotel.
The Cotswolds has many nearby towns and unique areas and finding a guesthouse or hotel will be easy, many of which will be outside the main town centre and offer beautiful countryside settings.
Booking in advance, especially during the summer, will ensure you get better offers, as booking a hotel in this region can sometimes get pricey.
Why Visit Bibury today?
One of the best reasons to visit Bibury today is its timeless countryside charm. Being taken back in time to a Cotswold village located on the banks of the River Coln is not an easy experience to find.
Of course, other towns in the Cotswolds do offer the medieval charm that Bibury has. However, nothing is quite like the beautiful Arlington Row set amongst the picturesque English countryside. Put simply, Bibury is one of a kind, even within the Cotswolds.
What is Bibury Famous for?
So, for those wondering what is Bibury famous for, look no further than Arlington Row. The town has a number of things it is known for, but in reality, Bibury is a small Cotswold village, and Arlington Row is it's stand-out feature.
Beautiful Arlington Row cottages in Bibury
The row of scenic weaver's cottages has been featured on social media and in many travel blogs, magazines and documentaries.
When Should I Visit Bibury?
Having visited Bibury multiple times, I can happily say it is a beautiful village at any time of the year. Although, one thing to remember when visiting during the winter is that there is a shortage of indoor places in Bibury, so make sure you come well-prepared.
Are There Shops in Bibury?
No, not really. The small Cotswold village centre has around two coffee shops and a few hotels, and that's it. The coffee shops are called The Twig and the Cotswolds Cafe.
There is almost nothing else besides these two cafes and the Swan Hotel. Although inconvenient, this is what preserves Bibury's historic charm and keeps visitors coming all year round.
Bibury village is a true testament to medieval life in the Cotswolds. Its preservation of the beautiful Arlington Row and its peaceful countryside make it the perfect place to experience an incredible day out.
While Bibury offers few shops and restaurants, it does not detract from its medieval village experience.
In fact, the lack of tourist facilities amplifies the Cotswold village and adds to its medieval charm. Bibury is worth visiting and should be at the top of your list when visiting the Cotswolds.