Village crowned the world’s most beautiful, but locals say they can’t stand living there
- UK Hidden Gems
- Nov 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, this picture-perfect village was named the number one spot on Forbes’ list of the 50 most beautiful villages in the world, but the people who live there aren’t too happy about it.
Taking the top spot was this postcard-worthy village surrounded by rolling countryside, charming cottages and climbing flowers.
Set beside the gentle flow of the River Coln, this 14th-century gem looks like something out of a storybook, complete with golden meadows, ducks on the water and peaceful farms by the riverbank.
Although it might look like paradise to visitors, locals say life in Bibury has become more difficult since the village shot to fame.
Once a quiet and sleepy place, it’s now packed with tourists from across the UK and around the world, all keen to see its famous streets and old stone houses.
Bibury beat some stunning rivals to earn its top spot, including Oia in Santorini and the historic village of Shirakawa-go in Japan. But this small corner of the Cotswolds, home to just 600 residents, has suddenly found itself flooded with crowds of admirers.
It’s estimated that as many as 20,000 people visited Bibury in just one weekend this summer. Craig Chapman, chair of Bibury Parish Council, said the surge in visitors has become “problematic” and has come “at a cost for locals.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Mr Chapman said: “I’m quite astonished, having travelled all over the world, to think we’re the most beautiful village on the planet. It’s a huge honour, but also a big surprise – there’s plenty of competition out there.”
Because of the huge rise in visitor numbers, the parish council has introduced new measures to manage the flow of tourists. Parking bays in the village centre have been closed, and new drop-off and pick-up areas have been set up to help ease congestion.
Officials have also encouraged visitors to arrive in smaller vehicles instead of large coaches or minibuses, which often clog up the narrow village lanes and spoil the view for residents.
Locals worry that without these rules, the crowds could quickly overwhelm what was once a peaceful and picturesque place.
Mr Chapman added: “It really is a double-edged sword. The challenge is all about how people come to the village, how they behave when they’re here, and where they choose to park.”
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