Overview

SAT NAV. GL7 5NW. BIBURY Depending on which way your sat NAV gets you here, we suggest that to see the best of Bibury, you follow the route from Lechlade, and after departing from Winson and approaching Bibury, at the first turning left, TURN LEFT to follow the road signs for Ablington/Bibury in the small hamlet holding three or four houses. There’s a small triangle green to show you the way. This lane will take you to a small bridge (photo 1) just a few yards later with lovely views on both sides of the bridge (photo 2) looking over the river Coln (photo 3) There’s a small sort of lay-by on your left, just on the bend before the bridge itself, and you can quickly abandon the car while you take photos. Drive on to right at the bend a few feet later, and go to the junction, this is Ablington, and keep following the lane to the right here for Bibury, 1 mile. You will arrive very quickly into Bibury, passing the Swan Hotel on your left (photo 4) by the bridge on the bend. You will need to TURN RIGHT on the bridge PARKING HERE IS SO VERY DIFFICULT, SO MAY WE SUGGEST THIS TO YOU. After turning RIGHT on the bridge, immediately on your left is a small lay-by for parking, also used by coaches, and IF YOU SEE A PLACE TO PARK, GRAB IT, DO NOT MISS THE CHANCE. If no spots available, then drive on ahead for about a quarter of a mile, up to the CATHERINE WHEEL INN (photo 5) it will be on your left. Pull in, and park up, and if open take a break and enjoy a drink. It opens at 12.00 noon. When parked, if you have the energy for a walk, turn right and head back towards the river, and enjoy all you see. If you feel it’s just to far, then Drive out from the Catherine Wheel, to your right (photo 6) and drive down the hill towards the river. LOOK VERY CAREFULLY FOR A PARKING SPOT at that lay-by now on your right (photo 7) if you now see a spot, GRAB IT, DO NOT MISS IT. The views from here are a treat, on the bridge it is now so beautiful (photo 8) on your left, and (photo 9) to your right. Just before the bridge you are looking over through the lush growth towards the Bibury Trout Farm (photo 10) which runs alongside of the river Coln (photo 11) The pull in you have been looking for is (photo 12) and sadly, if you did not find a spot, then at the bridge, TURN RIGHT, and you will see that everyone has parked up alongside the low wall on the right AND PULL IN TO ANY SPOT YOU SEE EMPTY ON YOUR RIGHT, DO NOT MISS IT, GRAB IT. Over to the left is the only toilet we know about (photo 13) and it is just before the tourist attraction of Arlington Row, one of the most photographed views in the Cotswold (photo 14) as seen from the parking area alongside the river Coln (photo 15) during the spring, we have seen large trout in these crystal clear waters, and now during August there are little fluffy balls of ducklings enjoying the local delicacy of fresh green leaves (photo 16) The little beautiful river you follow throughout Bibury is the river Coln, a truly lovely area, with crystal clear water, everyone loves it here. If you now drive ahead to the bend, you can take the narrow lane just a few feet after the bend, and head down to the St Mary’s church (photo 17) which does hold interesting historical scenes for you (photo 18), before you continue ahead to follow the bend round on church lane (photo 19) and head back towards Bibury. Now by the church or on this lane, SET SAT NAV for continuing your journey today. Our recommended tour will now take you to LECHLADE a 40 minute pleasant drive through Cotswold scenery, so the SAT NAV DIRECTION IS. GL7 3AB. LECHLADE. Turn right at church lane and pass the line of cottages to your right (photo 20) and enjoy the ride to LECHLADE. OUR FINAL THOUGHTS It is an extremely beautiful place to see, with crystal clear water running through the village, leading to the row of historical old cottages of Arlington Row. The only downside is that it is so popular and busy, and awkward to park, and we really hope you can find somewhere to park.

Transport & Parking

Very, very difficult. It is a popular tourist attraction, street parking only, so be patient and you will eventually find a spot. On busy holiday seasons, even 9.30am will find the village full. However, it is a very pleasant place to see, so give it a go. If you intend to visit the trout farm, then they do have a small car park available, it’s rather hidden away, down the narrow lane that the Swan hotel stands on. Just drive past their small carpark on the right beyond hotel, and trout farm parking is hidden on the left, just a few yards further on, but you must register your car number at the gate, or face a fine, so don’t forget to do it.

Access

All you need to see is on the level, an ideal disabled persons visit.

Toilets

Only saw basic toilet, alongside river towards Arlington Row, where everyone heads. Do not know the state of toilets though.

Staff

Photos