Bibury: An Enjoyable Tour to the Beautiful Countryside
A tour of Bibury, the small village in Gloucestershire that inspired the Cotswolds, is an enjoyable way to spend your day. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery and charming architecture as you explore what makes this village so special. Here are some of the highlights you can expect to see while walking through this beautiful village!
The Key Facts
The village is known for its natural beauty and its array of traditional art and culture. There are plenty of things to do in Bibury, making it an enjoyable tour for all. The village is also home to a number of historic places, making it a great place to learn about English history and culture.
From art galleries to museums, there are plenty of ways to learn more about local tradition. Visitors can even take part in one of the many guided tours that include visits to various locations around town! Bibury has so much to offer both locals and tourists alike, making it the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway. With so much natural beauty and rich culture on display, you will be left with memories of your visit long after you leave!
So whether you’re looking for a nice vacation spot or somewhere close by to expand your learning experience, Bibury should definitely be considered! The lively streets are full of business owners ready to assist their customers any way they can. Friendly locals offer genuine smiles as they welcome you into their shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants, and more!
History and Culture
The village is situated on the River Coln, which flows through the Cotswolds. Bibury was first recorded in history in 7th century documents. The Domesday Book of 1086 records Bibury as a small village with a population of less than 100 people. In the 12th century, Bibury was granted a royal charter by King Henry II. A new parish church and priory were built at this time.
However, there was a flood in 1368 that caused severe damage to the town and its buildings, including the priory. Many old buildings have been rebuilt since then, and some date back to 14th-century architecture. A walk along the banks of the river can be completed by visiting some old mills and waterwheels from 17th-century times. These mills are now part of an exhibit for tourists to explore. The majority of these mills used to grind corn and produce flour.
The pub offers beer brewed locally by Thornbridge Brewery. They also offer food made with locally sourced ingredients, much like many other pubs in the area. One thing you must try while you’re there is Devonshire cream tea, which consists of warm scones topped with clotted cream and jam, served with either tea or coffee on the side.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Bibury is by car. From London, take the M4 westbound until you reach junction 15. Take the A429 north for about eight miles until you reach Bibury. You can also take a train from London Paddington station to Kemble station and then take a taxi from there. The journey takes about two hours. If you’re driving yourself, there are many parking lots available in Bibury.
There are also some hotels in the area if you want to stay overnight. If you don’t have your own vehicle or prefer not to drive, it’s possible to go on an organised tour of Bibury which lasts around four hours with one of its many sightseeing points including Mount Gilbert House and St Peter’s Church at Duntisbourne Abbots. One thing that is important to know before visiting Bibury is that most sights will be closed on Mondays, so make sure you plan accordingly.
Some of the restaurants nearby include King’s Arms Pub, The Feathers Hotel and Catherine Wheel Inn. For those who enjoy wine tasting, Bibury Vineyard offers a good option. But what makes this village truly special is the architecture; buildings such as Manor Farmhouse, Manor Lodge and Berkeley Castle offer stunning views that create photo opportunities galore!
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay while touring Bibury, there are plenty of options. The Swan Hotel is a great choice if you’re looking for a luxurious experience. For something more laid-back, the Bibury Trout Farm & Campsite is a perfect option. If you’re on a budget, there are also several Airbnbs in the area that offer great value for your money.
One notable one is Cottage At Home which has very reasonable prices and rates. It’s located about an hour from Oxford but it does have all the amenities needed for a nice stay. There’s even room for parking! A downside is that WiFi isn’t included in the price and there aren’t any towels available so make sure to bring those with you if necessary.
Overall, this is a great spot to stay while visiting Bibury. You’ll be close enough to enjoy the city but far enough away for some peace and quiet. With such features, we can see why the Cottage At Home would be such a popular destination. The hosts take pride in their work and go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Another good point is how affordable this property is compared to other Airbnb locations. Prices start at $60 per night for two people, making it an excellent option for small families or groups traveling together who want accommodations with privacy and convenience.
Things To Do
Bibury is a quaint little village located in the Cotswolds, about an hour and a half from London. The village is picturesque, with thatched-roof cottages and a river running through it. There are plenty of walking trails nearby, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring the countryside.
In addition to its natural beauty, Bibury is also home to some interesting historical sites, including Arlington Row, a 14th century wool mill. Two miles north on the A40 lies Woodchester Mansion, which dates back to 1825. It was abandoned for almost 30 years before being opened as a museum in 1975.
The final site worth visiting is St John’s Chapel, built during the 12th century but restored during the 19th century.
The chapel is still used by locals today, hosting a variety of events such as weddings and fundraisers. Visitors can attend daily services at 11 am (October – March) or 3 pm (April – September). To get there from Bibury take the B4424 towards Avening. After one mile take the first left onto Tiddington Road, then follow this road until you reach St John’s Church at Hinton Parva Farm.
Places to visit
Bibury is a beautiful village located in the Cotswolds, England. The village is home to many historical sites and attractions, including Arlington Row, a group of weavers’ cottages built in 1380. Bibury is also home to Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest trout farms in England. Visitors can enjoy tours of the farm and fishing in the River Coln. There are also several walking and hiking trails in Bibury, making it a great place to explore the English countryside. The stone bridge pictured above crosses the River Coln into Stanage End, which has more ancient buildings and offers a different type of view from what visitors find in Bibury itself. If you’re looking for an enjoyable tour that takes you through some beautiful scenery, be sure to visit Bibury!
Photos courtesy of Mike Morley on Flickr
(1), Ian Nankervis on Flickr
(2), Paul Carter on Flickr
(3) For those who love history or just want to experience life in another time period, there’s no better place than Bibury. For those who want to spend their time outdoors exploring nature and getting exercise, Bibury is a perfect destination as well.
