Bibury in the Cotswolds has been named the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes Magazine – but for those of us who live here, it’s not quite the fairytale it seems
Being declared the world’s most stunning village might appear like a fantasy come true, but for residents of this picturesque settlement, the reality isn’t quite the fairy tale it appears to be.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury has captivated visitors for years with its golden limestone cottages, the renowned Arlington Row featuring its 14th century dwellings, meandering pathways, and the tranquil waters of the River Coln. Now, this acclaim has achieved international recognition.
In Forbes Magazine‘s freshly published 2025 compilation of the world’s 50 most stunning villages, Bibury claimed the top spot – an accolade that, whilst complimentary, has delivered a series of difficulties for those who reside in this community.
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What was once a tranquil neighbourhood of approximately 600 to 700 inhabitants now regularly welcomes up to 20,000 visitors during a single weekend, reports the Express.
Craig Chapman, chairman of Bibury Parish Council, has voiced concerns about the obstacles accompanying the village’s growing fame, describing it as a “double-edged sword” and noting this recognition has “come at a cost” for residents.
Whilst tourism bolsters the local economy, it simultaneously creates three significant issues, according to Mr Chapman: tourist conduct, parking pandemonium and the narrow roadway.
Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, he said: “I’m fairly flabbergasted, having travelled the world, to believe we’re the most attractive village in the world. It’s a great honour, but it’s a little bit of a surprise; there’s a lot of competition out there.”
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Hallstatt in Austria took the runner-up spot in Forbes’ ranking, with Reine in Norway, Giethoorn in the Netherlands, and Gásadalur in the Faroe Islands trailing close behind.
Mr Chapman remarked: “It’s completely a double-edged sword. The issue is very much about the mechanisms whereby people come to the village and when they come here, how they behave, where they park.”
“The reality is we sit on a B-road. The road is narrow, there’s one bridge across the River Coln, which is only wide enough for one vehicle. We’ve suffered greatly from congestion, particularly from the larger coaches.”
He emphasised the need for “harmony” between tourists and locals but acknowledged that recent restrictions were making a difference. Gloucestershire County Council has implemented new measures, including a coach access limit introduced in May and a recommendation last month for tourists to visit in smaller vehicles.
