6 lovely things to do in Bibury, The Cotswolds

With quaint cottages and the pretty River Coln, Bibury is an utterly charming village in the heart of the Cotswolds.

It is famed for being home to the iconic Arlington Row, a row of postcard-perfect cottages from the 14th century.

As one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds – and a personal favourite of mine – Bibury is a must-visit for anyone looking to discover that classic ‘cottagecore’ aesthetic.

Having visited the village a few times, my Bibury travel guide explains everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful village.

Whether you prefer to embark on a scenic walk, visit an ancient church and Roman villa, or try a spot of trout fishing, discover my pick of the best things to do in Bibury.

So if you’re planning a visit to Bibury village in the Cotswolds – and I highly recommend that you do – let my guide whet your appetite!

Bibury – what you need to know

Where is Bibury?

Bibury can be found in the county of Gloucestershire, around six-and-a-half miles from the town of Cirencester.

It forms part of the Cotswolds area, which comprises around 800 square miles of beautiful English countryside and picturesque villages.

The River Coln – a Thames tributary – runs through Bibury. Features typical of the Cotswolds are abound in this pretty village, including charming cottages built from honey-toned local stone set among a lush green landscape. 

Believe me when I say that it’s a photographer’s dream!

Parking in Bibury

From personal experience, Bibury parking can be a bit of a nightmare during peak periods, when you may need to wait for a space.

The good news is that there is some free parking available in Bibury, both on the main street and in a car park. 

The latter can be found across the road from Bibury Trout Farm and has a couple of coach bays as well as car parking spaces.

If you arrive early or visit outside the busy summer months, then parking in Bibury shouldn’t pose a problem at all.

But if you plan to visit during peak times then I’d strongly recommend arriving early, or you could be waiting a while for a parking spot.

For those travelling from London and looking to explore the area, you can book a full-day Cotswolds tour to take all the planning hassle out.

Best things to do in Bibury

1. Stroll along Arlington Row

Arguably one of the most photographed spots in The Cotswolds, Arlington Row is a string of ancient cottages that date back to the 14th century.

Run by the National Trust and with an interesting history, it was used by monks to store wool during the 1300s, before being converted into cottages during the 1800s.

These honey-coloured limestone buildings perfectly capture the essence of old-world England – and it’s one of my favourite photo spots in the Cotswolds.

The former weavers’ cottages are still occupied, and one is let as a holiday home. In this area you can also see Rack Isle, a water meadow once used for drying wool.

2. Bibury Trout Farm

When visiting local pubs and restaurants, you’re likely to see Bibury trout on the menu. So if you want to see where it came from, why not pop into the trout farm?

One of the oldest of its kind in the country, the Bibury Trout Farm offers both an educational and recreational experience.

Spread across 15 acres, the farm provides a unique opportunity to learn about the trout breeding process.

But it’s not all observation; if you’re up for it, I’d recommend trying your hand at catching your own trout! 

If that’s not for you, there’s an appealing café on site where you can pause for a bite to eat and a coffee.

This is one of the UK’s oldest and prettiest working trout farms, and the grounds are a delight for nature lovers.

3. Go for a walk

If you enjoy a spot of fresh air and exercise, Bibury is the perfect place in which to enjoy an energetic stomp or a leisurely stroll. There is of course stunning scenery to take in along the way. 

My favourite routes include the Bibury and Coln St Aldwyns circular, the Bibury – Arlington Row – River Coln walk, or the Bibury and Bibury Court Estate circular.

The former connects Bibury with the New Inn in Coln St Aldwyns, and is thus a well-trodden route between the two villages.

4. Chedworth Roman Villa

Chedworth Roman Villa is also overseen by the National Trust and is a listed monument. Nestled in a Cotswolds valley, it’s one of the finest examples in the British Isles.

The villa was unearthed in 1864, and was discovered quite by accident when a local gamekeeper found fragments of mosaic while digging. 

The building dates back as far as the second century, and was completed in the fifth. Elaborate mosaics can still be seen at the site.

It’s near to the Fosse Way, an ancient Roman road that crosses through the Cotswolds, and was also deliberately built by a natural spring.

5. Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary can be accessed directly from the grounds of the Jacobean Bibury Court Hotel.

It’s a Grade I listed Anglican house of worship dating back to the 11th century. The church was once the property of Osney Abbey in Oxfordshire.

St Mary’s is built from the local honey-hued limestone with a slate roof, and incorporates additions from later centuries.

These include a Saxon grave slab, a 13th century font, a 15th century belfry and a north doorway that was constructed during the late 12th century.

6. The Rack Isle

A short walk from Arlington Row, The Rack Isle is a water meadow that plays a crucial role in Bibury’s ecosystem. 

It’s so called due to its former purpose as a drying area for the wool that monks stored and washed in Arlington Row.

Today, The Rack Isle is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which lies between the River Coln and the village’s main thoroughfare.

The small nature reserve comprises a water meadow rich in local flora and fauna, so it’s a must for wildlife lovers.

Keep a keen eye out, as you may spot colourful flowers, kingfishers, dragonflies and even water snakes during your visit.

Where to visit near Bibury

With its rolling green hills and valleys, honey-toned stone buildings and charming towns and villages, the Cotswolds is an area that invites further exploration.

If you’re tempted to do just that, why not check out my complete Cotswolds travel guide? 

Other lovely locations to discover locally include Stow-on-the-Wold, Castle Combe and Bourton on the Water.

While you’re in the Cotswolds, sampling a traditional English afternoon tea is also practically obligatory.

If you have any questions on visiting Bibury or found this guide useful, let me know in the comments!

If you’re planning a visit to the area, read my guide to the best restaurants in Bibury or discover the best hotels in Bibury.

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