Arlington Row is Bibury’s most iconic view - a row of stone cottages with a story rooted in the village’s wool trade. It began as a medieval wool store and was later converted into weavers’ cottages, which is why it feels so perfectly “of the Cotswolds”. Pause here for the details: stonework, rooflines and the way the row sits beside the river.

Just opposite Arlington Row, the Rack Isle is a water meadow shaped by the river and the village’s working past. Its name comes from the racks that once dried cloth in the open air after it was washed at Arlington Mill. Today it’s an important wildlife habitat - look out for water-loving birds and plants as you walk.

The River Coln runs through Bibury, with the main street on one side and the Rack Isle water meadow on the other. It’s part of what gives the village its distinctive feel - stone, water, and meadow all in one view. Follow the river for a few minutes and you’ll see why this landscape has shaped Bibury’s story.

St Mary’s is a Grade I listed parish church with origins in the mid–late 11th century, later enlarged and altered over the centuries. Step inside if it’s open: look out for the Norman doorway arches, an unusual 13th-century font, and a striking north chancel stained-glass window by Karl Parsons (1927) - a detail from it even featured on a Royal Mail Christmas stamp.

Bibury is best on foot, and the most memorable moments are often between the highlights - a bend in the river, a meadow edge, a sudden view of stone against green. We’ve pulled together four downloadable routes, from a short essentials loop to a longer countryside wander.

Bibury is small, so shopping here is less about “high street” and more about finding well-chosen pieces - local craft, thoughtful gifts, and things that genuinely suit the village. If you enjoy makers, materials and provenance, Eleven Bibury’s Gallery Shop is a lovely place to browse.

Whether you’re after breakfast, lunch, or simply coffee and cake, Bibury is a lovely place to stop. At Eleven Bibury, everything is made in our kitchens, with thoughtful flavours and the best local suppliers we can find - the kind of food that feels generous, satisfying and well-balanced. You can sit in or take away if you’re short on time, or pick up something to enjoy picnic-style by the river.