Explore
Discover picturesque villages, idyllic countryside, fine dining and family fun all within a stone’s throw of the barns.
Perfectly placed between Burford and Cirencester at the heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury and the surrounding villages offer a wonderful array of things to do, glorious walks to enjoy, and mouth-watering places to eat and drink.
Eat and Drink
Delve in to the gastronomic delights of the Cotswolds… Sample local produce by visiting the nearby farm shops and bustling farmers markets in local towns, or tuck in at exceptional local eateries: in Bibury The Catherine Wheel offers a welcoming rustic ambience and great pub grub, whilst the gorgeous riverside Swan Brasserie serves delicious locally-inspired lunch, afternoon tea and dinner menus. Four miles away in Barnsley you’ll find mouth-watering fare at The Village Pub and outstanding fine dining at The Potager at Barnsley House, whilst the local-favourite Bell at Langford and famous Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach are both a must.
Walks
Whether you’re a gentle rambler, dedicated dogwalker or ambitious hiker, the unspoiled countryside around the barns offers all sorts of walking routes to get your boots muddy and the cobwebs blown away. Set out from your doorstep into the surrounding lanes, water meadows and woodland, discovering rich wildlife, picturesque medieval villages, Roman roads, hidden dew ponds and welcoming country pubs – the walk from Bibury, along the river Coln to a slap-up lunch at The New Inn in Coln St Aldwyns has always been a favourite Sunday excursion. Amble around Bibury with its chocolate-box houses, Saxon church and tranquil riverside; or drive to nearby Cotswold Water Park, a delightful area of peaceful lakes and waterways.
Family Fun
The Cotswolds are a fantastic place to spend time as a family, whatever your children’s ages or interests. Cotswold Wildlife Park, Cotswold Farm Park, Chedworth Roman Villa, Corinium Museum Cirencester, and Cotswold Water Park all lie less than half an hour’s drive from Bibury, as does the picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water with its Model Village, Birdland Park and Gardens, and Motoring Museum. Westonbirt Arboretum, Blenheim Palace, and the Gloucester Warwickshire steam railway are all reachable on a longer daytrip. Even the circus comes to town with Gifford’s Circus passing through every summer.
History
Whilst it’s the scenery that gets the most attention, the area is also steeped in history. Join the throng at ‘most photographed street in England’ - Arlington Row in Bibury dating back to 1380. Discover the Saxon church of St Mary the Virgin in Bibury, or the remains of the grandest Roman villa in Britain at Chedworth. Not to mention historic Cirencester 15 minutes away, a healthy sprinkling of National Trust houses, and the imposing Broadway Tower, a Capability Brown folly with exceptional views from the top.