Bibury is home to one of the most iconic sights in the Cotswolds, the beautiful Arlington Row. This picturesque row of honey-colored stone cottages draws visitors from around the world, but Bibury has much more to offer in addition to this famous street.
From the beautiful River Coln winding through the village to the postcard-perfect Swan Hotel and the unique Bibury Trout Farm, there’s plenty to discover in this charming Cotswolds village.
I spent an afternoon exploring Bibury, and it might just be my favorite village we visited in the Cotswolds! I loved wandering along the river, admiring the beautiful architecture, and soaking in the idyllic English countryside atmosphere.
Whether you’re stopping by for a couple of hours or planning a leisurely afternoon, here are the best things to do in Bibury to make the most of your visit.
Best Things to Do in Bibury
I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of hard to miss the main sights in Bibury. If you wander along The Street, you’ll come across most of what this picturesque village has to offer.
That said, I saw so many tourists stop at Arlington Row and then turn back toward the parking lot, completely missing another incredibly charming part of Bibury just steps away.
And on the flip side, I saw visitors step off their tour bus outside The Swan Hotel, check out the Trout Farm, and completely miss Arlington Row!
I get it. Sometimes we visit these tiny villages and think we’ll just figure things out when we get there. But you don’t want to miss out on the must-see spots!
So, here are the best things to do in Bibury to make sure you experience everything this charming Cotswolds village has to offer.
Wander Along Arlington Row
Bibury is home to one of England’s most beautiful streets, Arlington Row. This picturesque terrace of honey-colored stone cottages sits alongside a charming stream and water meadow, which only adds to its beauty.
Originally built as a wool store and later converted into weavers’ cottages, Arlington Row is now a Grade I listed historic terrace cared for by the National Trust. It has become one of the Cotswolds’ most recognizable sights and a must-visit attraction in Bibury.
Take some time meandering along Arlington Row, soaking in the beauty of this charming street. It’s so stinking picturesque that you’ll want to take photos from every angle!
Stroll Along the River Coln
The River Coln winds through the village, separating Bibury and Arlington on either side. The river creates an idyllic setting for these two historic settlements, which we collectively know as Bibury.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river, taking in the picturesque stone bridges, honey-colored cottages, and lush greenery lining the water.
There are benches scattered along the riverbank, offering lovely spots to relax and take in the views. You’ll also find people sitting on the grass, enjoying picnics beside the water.
Admire the Beautiful Swan Hotel
The Swan Hotel is one of the most postcard-perfect hotels I have ever seen!
The hotel has a lovely riverside garden with vintage pink deck chairs, set against the backdrop of the beautiful stone building. From the stone bridge in the village, you can admire the garden, the River Coln, and the picturesque hotel all in one picture-perfect view.
For the best photo spot, head onto the stone bridge overlooking The Swan Hotel. It’s easily one of the prettiest views in Bibury!
Visit Bibury Trout Farm
Bibury Trout Farm is by far one of the most unique attractions in the Cotswolds. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to visit England’s oldest working trout farm in the heart of a historic village!
Visitors can wander around the scenic grounds, feed the fish, and even catch their own trout!
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to tour the farm during our visit, but we did get to browse the shop, which sells a selection of local products and trout from the farm. The shop was such a treat to visit. I love a good niche shop!
After seeing the beautiful grounds, I really wish we’d set aside more time to explore.
When we visited in October, there was even a pumpkin patch set up across from the parking lot! It’s something to keep an eye out for if you’re visiting Bibury in autumn.
Explore Rack Isle
Just across from Arlington Row is Rack Isle, a picturesque water meadow and nature reserve along the River Coln.
Historically, this meadow played an important role in Bibury’s wool-weaving industry. After being washed, wool was hung on wooden racks here to dry, which is how Rack Isle got its name!
Today, Rack Isle is a peaceful stretch of greenery that adds to the idyllic setting of Bibury. Take some time to admire the meadow, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and look out for wildlife along the water.
Visit St. Mary’s Church
Just outside the village center sits St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful historic church with origins dating back to the 11th century.
This Anglican church is an architectural gem, with its traditional Cotswolds limestone exterior and centuries of history.
Take a leisurely stroll to admire the church’s beautiful architecture and peaceful churchyard. It’s another lovely historic spot to discover while exploring Bibury.
Wander Through Bibury Village
While Arlington Row certainly garners the most attention, the entire village is absolutely charming!
There are some lovely cafés and cottages along The Street, but keep wandering further into the village to explore the quieter side of Bibury.
We did a little loop to admire some of the adorable Cotswolds stone cottages and ventured over to the Bibury Phone Booth.
There’s just something so charming about wandering through an English village, admiring the honey-colored cottages, and stumbling upon little details like a classic red phone booth!
Stop for Coffee at Bibury Trout Farm
Stopping for coffee at Bibury Trout Farm felt like an experience in itself! First of all, the coffee was delicious, and who doesn’t love a little pick-me-up?
But it was the atmosphere that really stole the show. The café has a spacious outdoor patio overlooking Arlington Mill and the trout farm, making it such a picturesque place to relax.
This was a wonderful way to slow down, soak in the charming countryside atmosphere, and enjoy a little break from sightseeing in Bibury.
Enjoy a Pub Meal at The Catherine Wheel
There’s nothing quite like indulging in a cozy pub meal in a small English village!
The Catherine Wheel is located just down the road from the Bibury Trout Farm and is a traditional Cotswolds pub. With historic stone architecture and a menu featuring classic British pub fare, it’s a great stop for a hearty lunch or dinner in the village.
Where to Stay in Bibury
Planning on basing yourself in Bibury? This picturesque village is a wonderful place to stay if you’re seeking a peaceful, small-village atmosphere. Here are some of my top recommendations:
- The Swan Hotel: A beautiful historic riverside hotel offering elegant accommodations, lovely gardens, and a luxurious countryside atmosphere. Check availability on Booking.com
- No. 9 Bibury: This cozy holiday cottage is perfect for those seeking a private, relaxing Cotswolds getaway. Check availability on Booking.com
Bibury Things to Do: Wrap-Up
For a relatively small village, there are quite a few things to do in Bibury! From admiring the picturesque cottages along Arlington Row to sipping coffee overlooking a working trout farm and enjoying the peaceful riverside setting, Bibury easily became one of my favorite villages in the Cotswolds.
Whether you’re visiting for a couple of hours or spending a leisurely afternoon exploring, Bibury is absolutely worth adding to your Cotswolds itinerary!
