Bibury
Bibury sits on the banks of the River Coln, in Gloucestershire, six miles northeast of Cirencester. It’s regarded by many as one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages. In fact, according to the celebrated artist William Morris, it’s “the most beautiful village in England”.
Bibury is full of stone, honey-coloured cottages which date back to the 17th century and were originally inhabited by weavers who worked at nearby Arlington Mill. Bibury is home to number of beautiful historical landmarks, including Bibury Court, a magnificent piece of Jacobean architecture which dates back to 1633. In the centre of the village is an elegant square and an impressive Saxon church.
Trout Farm and Gardens, Bibury
The village’s most distinctive landmark is Arlington Row, a row of ancient stone cottages which was built as a monastic wool store. Arlington Row is one of the Cotswolds’ most photographed scenes and has appeared in several TV shows and films, including Stardust and Bridget Jones’ Diary. On Bibury’s doorstep, you’ll discover the rolling hills and meadows of the Cotswolds, criss-crossed by countless trails which are perfect for a long walk in the countryside.
In the heart of the village is Bibury Trout Farm, where 10-million rainbow trout are spawned every year. It’s an interesting day out and you can even catch your own trout. Look out for swans, kingfishers and otters.
Also well worth a visit is Rack Isle, where wool used to be hung to dry after being washes at Arlington Row. It’s now a haven for water-loving plants, animals and birds, including orchid, water vole and marsh marigold.
In and around Bibury are some of the Cotswolds’ best restaurants, cafes, tearooms and pubs. The Catherine Wheel is a beautiful 15th century stone pub, which serves traditional cask ales and tasty, unpretentious dishes, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Another good option is The New Inn, an ivy-covered pub with a reputation for excellent food. Alternatively, try The Swan Brasserie, where you can enjoy a seasonally changing menu of classic British cuisine in a pretty courtyard when the sun’s shining or by a roaring fire in the winter months. One of the grandest places for afternoon tea in the Cotswolds is Bibury Court, a magnificent Jacobean manor house surrounded by stunning gardens.
“With its rows of honey-coloured cottages, pretty square and Saxon church, it’s easy to see why Bibury is considered by many to be the Cotswolds’ prettiest village.”
Bibury is an excellent base for exploring some of the Cotswold’s most picturesque countryside, towns and villages. The bustling market town of Cirencester is well worth a visit. A little further afield is Cheltenham, an elegant spa town, where you’ll find some of the country’s finest regency architecture and a series of exciting cultural events.