Residents of 'Britain's Most Beautiful Village' Rebel Against Tourist Invasion

Residents of Bibury, a village in Gloucestershire famed for its picturesque 17th-century weavers' cottages, are voicing frustration over what they describe as an overwhelming influx of tourists. The village, which has been featured in films such as "Stardust" and "Bridget Jones's Diary," can attract up to 20,000 visitors on weekends, vastly exceeding its permanent population of 600.

This surge in visitors, partly fueled by social media influencers and a historical designation by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England,' has led to significant disruption. Locals report issues with blocked roads, parking disputes, and traffic gridlocks caused by coaches navigating narrow lanes. Some residents have resorted to posting "private, no entry" signs, even translating them into multiple languages to deter visitors from entering their property or taking photographs through windows.

One parish councillor, Brian Skarda, cited the "inconsiderate" behavior and sheer numbers of tourists as reasons for his family's departure after 14 years. He described instances where residents were virtually unable to leave their homes or move their cars due to the crowds. Victoria Summerley, another resident, recounted an incident where a hand holding a phone was pushed through her letterbox to film inside, and another where she sprayed a driver with a hose for blocking her driveway.

Claire Perrin expressed dismay, stating, "It makes you question staying here," amid what she called the "age of Instagram."

The issue of over-tourism is not new to Bibury. Japanese tourists have been drawn to the village since Crown Prince Hirohito visited in 1921. More recently, a rise in middle-class Chinese tourists has been noted, many of whom discovered the village through platforms like Chinese Instagram.

In response to previous calls for action, the parish council and police worked with Gloucestershire County Council. A trial scheme was implemented in May 2025, involving temporary closure of existing coach bays and the creation of designated drop-off and pick-up points. However, these plans have not yet been permanently enacted.