Nestled just a short drive from the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester, lies the quaint village of Bibury, often cited as one of the UK’s most picturesque spots. The village won the admiration of artist William Morris back in the 1800s when he famously described it as “the most beautiful village in England.”
Bibury’s charm didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage either; in 2014, it featured on the Huffington Post’s list of Europe’s most enchanting towns. The village’s Arlington Row is particularly renowned, believed to house some of the nation’s most iconic and photographed cottages.
These structures, originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, were transformed into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century.
Now under the care of the National Trust, these historic cottages are leased to private individuals, with one even available for holiday lets.
Arlington Row has attracted attention from notable figures over the years. Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, was so taken by the cottages that he once planned to transport them across the Atlantic to reconstruct in America, a plan that thankfully did not materialize, reports the Express.
The row also hosted a distinguished guest, Emperor Hirohito of Japan, who stayed in Bibury during his tour of the UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Vatican City, and Malta while he was still Crown Prince.
Visitors to Bibury can also explore the Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest in the country, established in 1902. While a trout farm might not be your usual tourist hotspot, Bibury’s is touted as the most picturesque in the UK, teeming with wildlife alongside the rainbow fish.
The areas around Bibury are believed to have been inhabited since the Iron Age, with archaeological finds including a hill fort and Roman villa on the village outskirts.
In the early eighth century, Earl Leppas was granted the land, naming the settlement after his daughter Beaga, hence it became known as Beagan-byrig. By 899, Beagan-byrig had its first church.
The town’s name evolved over time, with the Domesday Book of 1086 recording it as Becheberie. The name underwent further changes, with Becheberie eventually becoming Bibury.
The closest train station to Bibury is Kemble, followed by a £25 taxi ride to the village. A train journey from London Paddington to Kemble typically takes one hour and 11 minutes.
For more information on how to get to Bibury and to learn more about the village, visit the Bibury website.