Bibury faces tourism crisis after Forbes recognition

Bibury, a village in Gloucestershire, England, is facing significant challenges due to a surge in tourism following its recognition by Forbes magazine as the "world's most beautiful village" in 2025. While the village is home to only 627 residents, summer weekends can bring up to 20,000 visitors.

The influx has caused severe traffic and parking issues, with visitors frequently parking on sidewalks, roadsides, and in front of residents' homes, sometimes leading to confrontations. In response, authorities have increased enforcement; parking fines issued in Bibury rose from 28 in 2019 to 651 in 2025, totaling over £45,000.

To manage the crowds and improve the quality of life for locals, the local government is planning several infrastructure changes. These include introducing paid parking, installing road barriers, and converting a former bus parking area into a pedestrian zone. Long-term plans involve creating a large parking facility outside the village center to allow visitors to access attractions via walking or specialized transport.