Arlington Row was originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store before being converted into dwellings.
The stones used for the cottages were sourced from local Jurassic limestone quarries found in the Cotswolds.
Rack Isle, the meadow in front of Arlington Row, takes its name from the wooden racks once used there by weavers to hang and dry their woolen cloth.
The village served as a filming location for major motion pictures including Stardust and Bridget Jones's Diary.
The River Coln, which flows through the village, is a clear chalk stream famous for its population of wild brown trout.
Bibury is a quintessential Cotswold village defined by its 17th-century weavers' cottages known as Arlington Row. The village is situated on the banks of the River Coln in Gloucestershire, England. The National Trust manages the iconic Arlington Row, which consists of a terrace of honey-colored limestone buildings originally constructed as a wool store in 1380. These structures were converted into weavers' cottages in the 17th century to support the local cloth industry. The site remains a functioning residential area, with some cottages still inhabited today. The village features the Rack Isle, a water meadow ecosystem that provides a habitat for various waterfowl and flora. William Morris famously described Bibury as the most beautiful village in England. The architecture utilizes traditional Cotswold stone masonry techniques, characterized by steep gabled roofs and mullioned windows. The village attracts significant tourism due to its preserved historic character and picturesque riverfront setting.
From the small bridge crossing the River Coln, looking back toward the full row of Arlington Row cottages.
Visit during the early morning or late evening to avoid heavy day-tripper traffic.
Respect the privacy of residents, as the cottages on Arlington Row are private homes.
Park in the designated public car park rather than attempting to navigate the narrow village lanes.
Do not wander onto private property or block the narrow residential streets with vehicles.
Maintain quiet and respect residential boundaries; do not peek into windows or enter private gardens.
