Bibury is an enthralling village positioned within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds, an space of excellent pure magnificence in southwestern England. There are many great issues to do in Bibury; a quaint village best-known for its picturesque stone cottages and idyllic nation scenes.
The world is house to many historic landmarks equivalent to Arlington Row, a row of Seventeenth-century weavers’ cottages which were superbly preserved. I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and Bibury is one among my favourite villages because of its picturesque structure and charming location.
With its beautiful surroundings and historic buildings Bibury, Cotswolds is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody touring to the West Nation. There are additionally loads of locations to go to close by such because the villages of Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton on the Water, and bigger cities like Stroud and Cirencester.
Finest Issues To Do in Bibury
Under, you’ll discover a big selection of issues to do in Bibury, Cotswolds from exploring the quaint homes and structure to mountaineering and biking trails, nation pubs, and a few superior day journeys to close by locations of curiosity.
1. Stroll Alongside the Well-known Arlington Row
Arlington Row is a picturesque row of honey-colored cottages that had been constructed within the Seventeenth century as a wool retailer. They had been transformed into weavers’ cottages within the nineteenth century and strolling alongside these idyllic cottages is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Bibury; they’re undoubtedly worthy of a photograph or two.
The Arlington Row cottages are one of many most photographed landmarks within the Cotswolds because of their distinctive stone roofs and charming façades. The cottages are additionally a preferred vacationer attraction, drawing guests from all over the world who come to admire their magnificence and study their fascinating historical past.
This is without doubt one of the prime issues to see in Bibury and is a must-visit attraction for anybody visiting the Cotswolds. As an novice photographer myself, that is someplace I like to go to once I’m within the space to snap some pictures and wow my buddies all over the world with such idyllic English scenes.
Deal with: Awkward Hill, Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5NJ
2. See the Outdated Publish Workplace
The Publish Workplace at Bibury is positioned in an enthralling Cotswold stone constructing on the principle avenue and gives a glimpse into days passed by. The positioning is quickly closed (on the time of writing) as they’re present process constructing work to include it into the tea rooms subsequent door, however you’ll have the ability to get pleasure from a cream tea whereas writing a postcard when it reopens shortly.
Make sure you test their web site earlier than your go to to keep away from disappointment.
Deal with: 10 The Road, Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5NP
3. See the Historic St Mary’s Church
The Grade I listed St Mary’s Church dates again to the eleventh Century making it one of many oldest buildings within the area (it’s been the positioning of a church since at the very least 899AD). The north wall of the church incorporates an Anglo-Saxon grave slab, of which 4 related might be discovered within the British Museum.
Different factors of curiosity across the church embody its Saxon columns, a thirteenth Century font, a roof courting to the fifteenth Century, and Seventeenth Century desk tombs. St Mary’s is without doubt one of the prime locations to see in Bibury for these with an curiosity in historical past (I like studying concerning the Anglo-Saxon instances) and has a peaceable churchyard to discover.
Guests can enter the church and grounds freed from cost making this among the finest free issues to do in Bibury. It’s additionally potential to attend a Sunday service. In the event you’re seeking to escape the crowds round Arlington Row, it is a excellent place for a bit solitude.
Deal with: Church Street, Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5NR
4. Strive the Native Trout
Bibury is famed for its trout farm which has an onsite cafe serving up this scrumptious native specialty. You’ll be able to strive the Bibury trout trio of dressed trout with garlic mayo, smoked trout terrine, and smoked trout chowder, or you’ll be able to even rent a barbeque and cook dinner up a trout that you simply’ve caught your self.
However fear, not, if you happen to’re not a fan of fish the cafe has a wonderful vary of cold and hot snacks, salads, and muffins, and is a good place for a spot of breakfast, brunch, or a cream tea for simply £5 ($6.20). All meals is made to order utilizing solely the freshest of domestically sourced components.
There’s additionally a small hut promoting chips, cold and hot drinks, and ice lotions. The cafe is open each day from March to December from 10 am to three:30 pm and from 10 am to three pm in January and February. Making an attempt the native trout is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Bibury for foodies.
Deal with: Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5NL
5. Take the Coln, Saint Aldwyns, and Bibury Stroll
Bibury is positioned within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB) and as such there are many glorious walks by the close by countryside from the village. These vary from quick walks of some miles to longer day-long hikes.
Top-of-the-line hikes to strive is the average 6.5 mile (10.5 km) Coln, Saint Aldwyns, and Bibury round stroll that takes within the lovely River Coln, two picturesque Cotswolds villages, and miles of open fields and pastures. The hike ought to take round three hours to finish, however pack a picnic and make a day of it if the climate permits.
You’ll be able to cease within the charming New Inn in St Aldwyns for a spot of lunch and refreshment midway (strive one of many hearty burgers or the native trout). That is one among my favourite walks within the space and is a good way to identify a number of the native wildlife.
6. Have a Pint in The Catherine Wheel
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Bibury for beer lovers like myself is to drop into the native pub, The Catherine Wheel for a pint of native beer or cider. The Cotswolds is full of rustic nation pubs and I like nothing greater than whiling away a day or night in a pleasing beer backyard, or subsequent to a roaring fireplace in colder instances.
The Catherine Wheel is a conventional inn (you may as well e book a keep right here) with a big bar, nice beer backyard, and restaurant. They provide a terrific number of native beers and ciders, wines and cocktails, and a meals menu utilizing native and seasonal produce. With steaks, pizza, burgers, and naturally trout, there’s one thing to go well with even the fussiest of eaters.
Grabbing a number of pints within the native is definitely among the finest issues to do in Bibury at night time as there isn’t a lot else in the way in which of nightlife on this rural location (one among my favourite issues about this a part of the world – Bilbury may be very laid-back!).
Deal with: Arlington, Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5ND
7. Discover the Rack Isle Nature Reserve
Rack Isle is an historic water meadow positioned beside the weavers’ cottages of Arlington Row in Bibury. It was traditionally used for drying completed fabric and grazing and was given to the Nationwide Belief in 1956. Right now, it serves as an vital wildlife refuge, offering a uncommon habitat for water voles and serving as a protected wildfowl breeding floor.
Wandering round this attractive nature reserve within the coronary heart of the village is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Bibury for households as there’s a number of house to run about (and canine are allowed if stored on a lead). That is additionally a terrific vantage level for snapping photos of Arlington Row away from the crowds.
Deal with: Bibury, Gloucestershire, GL7 5NP
8. Go to Chedworth Roman Villa
If, like me, you’re a lover of Roman historical past you then’ll wish to try the close by ruins of Chedworth Roman Villa simply 8.5 miles (13.7 km) from Bibury. Right here, you’ll discover the ruins of a 4th Century Roman home and an accompanying museum displaying artifacts excavated from the world.
This is without doubt one of the most spectacular archaeological websites within the space, (I used to check archaeology so know a bit concerning the topic), and is properly value a go to for curious adults and youngsters alike. See historic ground mosaics nonetheless remarkably intact, Roman baths, and a water shrine.
Free parking is out there onsite, and there’s a restaurant promoting gentle snacks and cold and hot drinks, a museum and reward store promoting souvenirs and native handicrafts, and a picnic space to get pleasure from too. This is a superb household time out and I extremely advocate a go to. Tickets value £12 for adults and £6 for youngsters.
Deal with: Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ
9. See the Cotswold Lavender Farm
Simply 20 miles north of Bibury is the gorgeous Cotswold Lavender Farm on a hill overlooking the attractive Vale of Evesham. In the course of the season from June to August, you’ll be able to stroll amongst the sweet-smelling purple flowers and take within the beautiful countryside views.
There are over 35 sorts of lavender throughout 70 acres of land which erupt right into a crescendo of shade lighting up this charming nook of the Cotswolds. You’ll be able to go to the onsite distillery to learn the way the lavender oil is extracted and see the vary of merchandise it’s used for.
You should buy lavender-scented items equivalent to fragrances, candles, and extra from the onsite store. There’s a woodland strolling path, a wildflower meadow, and a cabin promoting snacks and cold and hot drinks. The farm is open daily from 14th June till sixth August from 10 am to five pm. Tickets value £7.50 for adults and £3.75 for youngsters.
Deal with: Hill Barn Farm Cottages, Snowshill, Gloucestershire, WR12 7JY
10. Go for a Swim on the Cotswolds Water Park
The Cotswolds Water Park, on the outskirts of Cirencester, is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to close to Bibury with 180 lakes spanning throughout 42 sq. miles. The park gives actions equivalent to riverside walks, picnics, boating, kayaking, and swimming. It’s additionally a breeding floor for 1000’s of chicken species and is a good place for wildlife watching.
There’s even a sandy seashore for swimming and constructing sandcastles, varied watersport actions, and a seashore shack cafe. Guests can rent a BBQ to cook dinner their very own lunch so it’s a really perfect place to pack a picnic. That is one among my favourite spots within the Cotswolds as I like a swim, adopted by a number of lakeside beers and a BBQ.
Though not a conventional water park with slides and flumes, this wonderful lakeside attraction makes for an ideal time out for the entire household. There are many pubs and eating places close by in picturesque villages across the lakes, and you’ll even e book a keep within the water park. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Deal with: Rigsby’s Lane, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6GJ
11. Have a Picnic Alongside the River Coln
The attractive River Coln winds its approach by the center of Bibury and is the right place for a brief stroll and a packed lunch. You’ll be able to decide up some tasty treats from The Twig delicatessen and discover a nice spot to look at the world go by at a snug tempo.
Taking a romantic stroll alongside the river and stopping for a picnic is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Bibury for {couples}.
12. Take a Sizzling Air Baloon Flight
Top-of-the-line methods to see this picturesque a part of the Cotswolds (if you happen to’re not afraid of heights like I’m) is to take a scorching air balloon experience from close by Cheltenham. Flights happen within the morning and early night so riders can catch both a surprising dawn or sundown over the Cotswolds.
It is a actually distinctive solution to see the picturesque cities, villages, and sweeping countryside round Bibury and the remainder of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. You’ll be able to even go for a champagne flight making this a extremely particular factor for {couples} to do in Bibury.
Costs begin at £129 per individual for a four-hour flight and an unforgettable expertise to recollect without end. Click on right here for more information.
13. Go to Close by Cirencester
Cirencester is the closest giant city to Bibury and is properly value a go to for its Roman historical past, enjoyable points of interest, and plenty of great cafes, eating places, and pubs. The city is simply 8 miles (13 km) from Bibury and is well reachable by automobile and bus No 855.
Head to the weekly farmers’ market which is a superb place to choose up native produce and handicrafts, the Corinium Museum detailing the city’s historical past, and a very good open-air swimming pool to chill off in through the summer season months. Together with close by Stroud, Cirencester is one among my favourite cities within the Cotswolds.
14. Go to Bourton on the Water
Identical to Bibury, Bourton on the Water is one other of probably the most picturesque villages within the Cotswolds. There are many great pubs in Bourton, in addition to idyllic cottages alongside the charming River Windrush, a mannequin village, and the superb Hawkstone Brewery which prodcues native craft beers and ciders (together with a beer by TV persona Jeremy Clarkson).
Bourton is simply 12.3 miles (20 km) from Bibury and bus 855 connects the 2 villages, (in addition to the city of Cirencester), with semi-regular providers. Click on right here for the present timetable. That is undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to close to Bibury for it’s picturesque cottages and old-worldly allure.
15. See Picturesque Stow-on-the-Wold
Top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Bibury is the attractive market city of Stow. The city is located on prime of a hill that gives breathtaking views of the encircling Cotswold countryside. The place has a wealthy historical past courting again to the medieval interval and is known for its historic market sq. and picturesque St Edward’s Church.
Stow-on-the-Wold makes a wonderful day journey from Bibury and is the right place to browse the numerous unbiased outlets, seize a chunk in one of many many eating places and pubs, or take stroll within the close by countryside. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Bibury, however you’ll want your personal automobile as public transport is missing on this rural space.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bibury
Under, you’ll discover some helpful itineraries that can assist you get probably the most out of your journey sightseeing in Bibury, Cotswolds. These itineraries embody all the highest sights talked about above and embody day journeys for longer stays.
1 Day in Bibury Itinerary
With only a day in Bibury, begin off on the well-known Arlington Row of cottages. Make sure you take loads of pictures of this unique Seventeenth-century dwelling because it actually is without doubt one of the most picturesque locations in England. Take a stroll alongside the River Coln and see the spectacular St Mary’s Church earlier than popping into the trout farm for a lunch of the native specialty (see under).
Within the afternoon, discover different points of interest across the village from the previous mill and publish workplace and take a stroll within the native Nationwide Belief Wildfowl Reserve. For dinner, head to The Catherine Wheel pub for some hearty meals washed down with a pint or two of native ale or cider.
2-3 Days in Bibury Itinerary
With extra time in Bibury, comply with the above itinerary to your first day and embody nation walks just like the scenic Coln, Saint Aldwyns, and Bibury round stroll which is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) and contains a number of the most picturesque countryside scenes possible. Deal with your self to a meal at Rhe Swan Brasserie and calm down and also you look throughout the river.
1 Week in Bibury Itinerary
With per week to spend in Bibury, comply with the above itineraries to your first three days and add in day journeys to close by Cirencester and Stroud. Discover a number of the different lovely Cotswold villages close by equivalent to Bourton on the Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Try The Keepers Arms in close by Quenington for a pint and a chunk of wonderful pub grub, and remember to decide up some items from The Twig deli for all of the suplies you’ll want for a picnic alongside the river.
The place to Keep in Bibury
These are a number of of the very best locations to remain in Bibury for vacationers:
The Swan Lodge – Finest for First-Time Guests
The four-star Swan Lodge is positioned within the coronary heart of the village and is the right place to remain for first-time guests. This attractive ivy-clad stone constructing sits proper subsequent to the River Coln and gives beautiful views of the encircling countryside. Rooms include an en-suite rest room and there’s an onsite bar, restaurant, and personal backyard. Click on right here to e book now.
Sycamore – Finest for Households
Sycamore is a cute cabin within the coronary heart of the village only a quick stroll from all of the points of interest in Bibury and the native pubs and eating places. The property advantages from an outdoor patio for al-fresco eating, free onsite parking, and WiFi all through. The within is spacious and ethereal with lovely wood flooring and fixtures. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Swallows Nest – Finest for {Couples}
The Swallows Nest is a cute, one-bedroom vacation house in Bibury and the right cozy hideaway for {couples}. The property comes with free, non-public parking, WiFi all through, and a fitted kitchen with all you want for a self-catering keep. All of the Bibury points of interest are only a quick stroll away and the native pub is a stone’s throw from the home. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Finest Eating places in Bibury
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Bibury. There are many glorious eateries across the village from conventional pubs with homely meals to unique eating places, and even the native trout farm. Consuming and ingesting the native specialties is certainly among the finest issues to do round Bibury for foodies.
The Catherine Wheel: This attractive previous pub within the coronary heart of Bibury has an in depth meals menu with native, seasonal dishes and pub favorites. That is my prime place to eat within the village and has cheap costs with mains from £12 to £20. I like to recommend the beer-battered fish and chips or Sunday roast (in addition they do pizzas). Click on right here for instructions.
The Swan Brasserie: This upmarket brasserie at The Swan Lodge is the place to come back for that big day or a soothing afternoon by the river. You’ll be able to get pleasure from afternoon tea on the riverside, a drink within the bar, or an excellently ready meal utilizing the freshest native components from the dinner menu. Click on right here for instructions.
Bibury Trout Farm: Bibury is known for its trout and the very best place to pattern this delicacy is from the cafe of the Bibury Trout Farm. From trout terrine to smoked trout chowder, soups, sandwiches, and even vegan sausage rolls, this is a superb place to come back for an actual style of Bibury. Click on right here for instructions.
The Twig: This quaint little espresso store and deli is the right place to choose up home made sandwiches and muffins for a picnic down by the river. It additionally makes the very best espresso within the village so you’ll be able to come right here to get your each day repair. Additionally they provide a variety of freshly made salads, juices, and different wholesome snacks. Click on right here for instructions.
The Keepers Arms: This conventional nation inn is positioned within the village of Quenington simply three miles from Bibury. The menu contains pub classics with a contemporary twist from burgers with an ale ketchup to beer-battered fish and chips, grilled sea bream, and vegetarian choices. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Bibury
The closest airport to Bibury is Britsol Worldwide which is 70 miles (112 km) to the southwest. The closest giant city is Cirencester and there are each day trains from London Paddington which take beneath two hours. If driving from London, take the M40 after which the A40.
Top-of-the-line methods to get to Bibury is to take a day journey from London like this full-day Cotswolds tour. You’ll get to see Bibury and the well-known Arlington Row in addition to the close by villages of Bourton on the Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Click on right here to e book.
As Bibury is such a tiny village, in all places is well reachable on foot. In the event you want to discover the opposite cities and villages within the neighborhood then hiring a automobile is greatest as there isn’t a lot in the way in which of public transport on this rural a part of England.
Issues To Do in Bibury: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bibury:
Bibury is named probably the most picturesque villages within the Cotswolds (and certainly England). The place is known for the Seventeenth Century Arlington Row of homes, its trout farm, and the historic Arlington Mill.
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the very best instances to go to Bibury because the climate is gentle however there are fewer vacationers than in the summertime months. Summer time might be very nice in Bibury, nevertheless, lodging choices promote out shortly so remember to e book early.
Bibury is certainly value visiting for a wonderful pattern of a British nation village. With a number of historic websites from the previous mill to Arlington Row and many scenic walks, that is one among my favourite locations within the Cotswolds.
One to 2 days is sufficient time to see all of the vacationer points of interest in Bibury. Nevertheless, if you wish to discover a number of the lovely close by cities and villages per week is best.
As with most villages in rural England, Bibury is so much safer than bigger cities and cities. As the world can appeal to a number of folks in the summertime months, take the same old precautions you’d when touring anyplace and guarantee doorways are locked and valuables aren’t left on show.
Strolling alongside picturesque Arlington Row is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Bibury and other people journey from everywhere in the world to see these quaint homes. Different standard issues to do in Bibury embody attempting the native trout and having fun with a pint in The Catherine Wheel pub.
Bibury is known for its trout farm so attempting out this native delicacy is a must-for guests that like fish. There’s an onsite cafe on the farm serving up a variety of dishes from smoked trout chowder to terrine and different mouthwatering specialties.
In Closing
Now you realize what to see and do in Bibury from strolling down the historic and Insta-worthy Arlington Row to sampling the native trout, taking a rustic stroll, or having fun with a pint within the native. That is one among my favourite Cotswold villages and earns its status as one of many prettiest locations within the nation.
