Few places in the UK ook tempting to visit in the dreary autumn and winter months, but there’s one spot that never fails to impress visitors.
The picturesque village of Bibury, Gloucestershire transforms into an autumnal wonderland peppered with golden leaves and earthy foliage.
Located on the River Coln, this Cotswolds gem is known for its honey-coloured 17th-century stone cottages with steeply pitched roofs, and is described as a “quintessentially British village”.
But like many leafy spots in the UK, Bibury can become very busy on a sunny summer afternoon and even attracts visitors on the coldest winter day. That said, there are far fewer people that flock there in the last months of the year.
Summer visitors have claimed the destination to “always be really busy”, so it’s well worth considering a trip in autumn instead.
One TripAdvisor member noted that Bibury remains just as beautiful in the cooler months, stating: “My wife and I fell in love with the Cotswolds our first visit. We saw Arlington Row on a bus tour from London on that trip, and it was a sunny spring day. This time around it was a dreary autumn afternoon, but Arlington Row continues to be a favourite.”
Another said: “Bibury is a breathtakingly beautiful destination. Just be aware that it can get extremely congested during the travel season making it very difficult to navigate both on foot and by car.
“If you can manage an early visit, you’ll be rewarded with beauty and serenity. Don’t miss the Trout Farm, The Swan Inn and a bit further up the road, The Catherine Wheel Pub. Of course, Arlington Row is a fairy tale and a prime reason to visit Bibury. Highly recommended!”
A third fan of the treasured destination described it as: “Unusual and picturesque – worth an hour or so of anyone’s time.”
They added: “We visited during a misty autumn day and it was still a beautiful village well worth visiting. Once you’ve wandered around the village and taken your photographs there are a couple of pubs and a tea room to finish your visit off.”
As for where to go in Bibury, Arlington Row is a must-see for history buffs. Populated by a series of 14th-century weavers’ cottages that are draped in seasonal foliage, the row is like something out of a storybook.
Stroll along Arlington Row alongside the River Coln and admire the beauty of Bibury before heading to the famed trout farm. Visitors describe the houses as “quaint as can be”, though noted that hoards of tourists in summer – even early September can be distracting.
Established in 1902, the Bibury Trout Farm is one of the oldest working sites of its kind in England. Visitors can feed the trout and even go fishing at the beginner’s fishery – there’s no need to book in advance.
St Mary’s Church is a historic Saxton landmark that dates back to the 8th century, offering visitors a glimpse into Bibury’s rich past.
Elsewhere in Bibury, the Rach Isle is perfect for nature lovers – a tranquil nature reserve that’s ideal for a leisurely walk, especially in the dappled autumn sunshine.
Top-rated cafes and restaurants in the area are easy to come by, including The Swan Hotel, a charming establishment with a highly-rated restaurant that serves delicious cuisine.
Catherine Wheel is another worthy pub renowned for hearty meals and a warm atmosphere. For afternoon tea, The William Morris Tea Room is perfect for traditional bakes and sandwiches.
With 4.3 stars on Google Reviews, customers praised the “great beers, tasty food and top-notch service”. Other complimented the “delicious food” and “lovely location”.