Tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bibury is one of the most beautiful streets in England. A place that feels lost in time, lined with some of the prettiest honey-colored stone cottages in the Cotswolds.
This is Arlington Row.
Meandering along Arlington Row was one of my favorite experiences in Bibury. From admiring the charming cottages up close to taking in the famous view of the cottages lined up along the hillside, with a small stream flowing toward the River Coln, every corner felt like something out of a storybook.
Originally built as a wool store before being converted into weavers’ cottages, Arlington Row has become one of the most recognizable sights in the Cotswolds and a must-visit attraction in Bibury.
Where Is Arlington Row in Bibury?
Arlington Row is pretty easy to find in Bibury. Simply follow The Street along the River Coln until you see the row of honey-colored cottages peeking out beyond the river and marshy landscape.
After gawking at the picturesque scene from The Street, turn onto Awkward Hill (yes, that really is the street name!) to get a closer look at Arlington Row.
How to Get the Classic Arlington Row Photo
Arlington Row is a photographer’s dream!
One of the most wonderful things about Arlington Row is just how photogenic it is. Unlike some famous viewpoints in the Cotswolds, there isn’t necessarily one exact spot where everyone is trying to capture the same photo. Rather, you’ll see visitors snapping photos from all angles of this beautiful row of cottages.
That said, to capture the essence of Arlington Row, I would recommend taking photos from both the bottom and top of the hill. These two perspectives allow you to capture the picturesque cottages in all their beauty.
Personally, I loved the view from the top of the street, with Arlington Row stretching along the right and the small stream flowing toward the River Coln on the left.
Best Time to Visit Arlington Row
Bibury is one of the most visited villages in the Cotswolds, with Arlington Row being its main attraction. As you might imagine, it can get quite busy, especially during peak season.
That said, I didn’t find Arlington Row overly crowded during our visit. While there were tour groups coming and going, they didn’t seem to linger for very long. Rather, Bibury appeared to be a quick stop on their Cotswolds tours.
We visited Arlington Row around 2:00 p.m., and there weren’t too many people lingering. We did have to wait for a group to pass, and we certainly didn’t get many completely empty shots of this iconic photo spot. However, I found the experience enjoyable and not nearly as crowded as I had anticipated.
Though I might have just had luck on my side!
If you’re hoping to capture those postcard-perfect photos without crowds, I’d recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening, when you’re more likely to avoid the larger tour groups that visit throughout the day.
Where to Park for Arlington Row
There is limited free parking along The Street in Bibury, so if you arrive early, you might luck out and snag a spot!
Alternatively, there is parking available at Bibury Trout Farm Car Park, just a 7-minute walk from Arlington Row along The Street.
If you’re looking for more practical information on planning your visit, including things to do, where to eat, and where to stay, check out my Bibury Travel Guide.
If you’re planning a Cotswolds road trip, having a car makes it easy to explore Bibury and other picturesque villages at your own pace. You can compare rental car prices for your Cotswolds trip before your visit.
What Else to See Near Arlington Row
There’s so much more to Bibury than just Arlington Row! Meander along the River Coln, visit Bibury Trout Farm, admire the picturesque Swan Hotel, and so much more!
→ Read my guide to the best things to do in Bibury
Where to Stay Near Arlington Row
If you’re planning to spend the night in Bibury, there are some beautiful places to stay within walking distance of Arlington Row. You can even stay in one of the famous cottages themselves!
- The Swan Hotel: A beautiful riverside hotel in the heart of Bibury, offering charming rooms, garden cottage suites, and picturesque grounds. Perfect for a relaxing Cotswolds getaway. Check availability on Booking.com
- Arlington Row Cottages: For a truly unique experience, you can actually stay in one of the historic Arlington Row cottages! The National Trust offers holiday rentals at Numbers 1 and 9, giving you the chance to experience this iconic Cotswolds street beyond a quick visit. Check availability on Booking.com
Is Arlington Row Worth Visiting: Wrap-up
Arlington Row is one of the most beautiful streets I’ve ever wandered along! It definitely lives up to the hype.
From the charming honey-colored cottages to the picturesque stream running alongside them, Arlington Row is every bit as beautiful in person as it looks in photos.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, I absolutely recommend making a stop in Bibury to experience this iconic street for yourself!
