The Most Beautiful Village In The World Is An Enchanting Storybook Destination In England

A village that "unfurls like a watercolor dream" and where a river weaves "through golden buttercups and forget-me-nots" may read like lines directly out of a Victorian poem. But in fact, these are words used by the editors of Forbes to describe the most beautiful village in the world: Bibury, England. The village of Bibury was placed on top of the list of 50 such villages, and after learning more about its quaint beauty, it's not difficult to see why.

Bibury is in south central England in a rural area called The Cotswolds, just over 80 miles west of London, that offers a countryside that feels like a step back in time. Since 1966, it's been part of a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 790 square miles. The village itself dates back to at least the eighth century, and its famous stone cottages that make up Arlington Row is one of the most frequently photographed sites in Britain.

The weavers cottages originally build in the 14th century even appear within passports issued by the United Kingdom. Today, they stand as a testament to the history of the area, and there is no public access available to the inside. Be that as it may, there are plenty of other sites to photograph and explore during a visit to this village that truly looks like it was crafted as a storybook destination.

Thousands of visitors from around the world make it a point to explore Bilbury each year, and it's a perfect destination for first-time travelers. The architecture here has changed little over the centuries and reflects a genuine medieval flair that is difficult to find in modern times. In addition to the Arlington Row cottages, more than 100 historic buildings are packed into the town. This includes the 12th-century St. Mary's Church, which is always popular among tourists.

For visitors looking for a more hands-on experience, there's England's oldest operating trout farm. Bibury Trout Farm was founded in 1902 and invites visitors to either buy fresh fish or catch their own with a provided fishing rod. The location serves as a reminder of the importance of farming in the region as well as a chance to enjoy a meal in its restaurant and cafe, surrounded by a historic setting along the Coln River.

The Cotswolds are full of stunning villages, including Castle Combe, with its own fairy-tale charm. But since it was named the most beautiful village in the world, Bibury is expected to see an uptick in tourism. While the renewed interest has been positive for the local economy, the estimated 600 residents who call the village home have had to make some adjustments, members of the Bibury Parish Council told BBC News.

Tourists are always welcome in Bibury, but they are asked to follow a few guidelines to ensure that not only does their visit go smoothly, but that the peacefulness and heritage of the village remain intact as well. It takes less than three hours to drive to Bibury from London, and many choose to arrive by bus. To accommodate those tourists, the village has created special drop-off and pick-up points outside the village center to accommodate larger vehicles. Tourists who do arrive by car are asked to only bring smaller vehicles onto the historic, narrow streets of the village.

There is no charge to visit Bibury or to wander through its streets and take photographs. However, there are fees for parking and for certain tours at attractions like Bilbury Trout Farm. For those looking to extend their stay in Bibury, a number of cottages, bed-and-breakfast options, and one historic hotel are available for overnight guests.

Each summer, it's estimated that up to 20,000 tourists may visit Bibury over a single weekend. To avoid the largest crowds, it's best to arrive to the village either early in the morning or later in the day, after 4 p.m. For those looking for a more peaceful visit, the spring and fall months see fewer visitors, and overnight stays are often less expensive.