Beautiful UK village so pretty people travel from Japan to visit

01 September 2023 , 12:34

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This gorgeous traditional Cotswolds village attracts tourists from Japan (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Us Brits are often very hard on ourselves – and our country – whether it's our football, our food or our often-horrendous weather.

But while sunnier climes are an ideal escape for many of us, there are plenty of stunning places at home we often fail to appreciate. Take, for instance, the gorgeous village of Bibury.

Located in rural Gloucestershire, it's considered one of the finest 'secret' little areas Britain has to offer, and are world-famous. They are so picturesque they made it onto Faraway Furniture's 'most Instagrammable' places in the world list.

Bibury comes in at 14th while Cinque Terre, a string of villages on the Italian Riviera, takes the top spot. But Bibury is so breathtaking that it even draws tourists all the way from Japan.

Perhaps the most stunning sight to see in Bibury is Arlington Row. Originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, it was converted into a row of weavers' cottages in the 17th century and sits aside the River Coln, close to a a three-arch bridge with a romantic natural background.

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Arlington Row with the Swan Hotel (SWNS.com)

The influx of Japanese tourists is attributed to Emperor Hirohito having stayed in the village on his European tour – and you can see why – the ivy and climbing plants scattered across the cottages creates a timeless scene which really needs to be viewed in person.

The Swan Hotel is a great place to stay and to eat and despite the size of the village there are several other places to find sustenance, includingthe Catherine Wheel pub, which serves hearty meals. You can also visit Bibury Trout Farm's cafe which stocks some fab locally sourced food.

The village is easily within reach for a day trip, less than two-hour drive along the M4, but there are lots of places to stay should you find you need to experience the area's beauty for a little longer. You can check out Faraway Furniture's full list below:

• Cinque Terre, Italy
• Reine, Norway
• Oia, Greece
• Burano, Italy
• Colmar, France
• Hallstatt, Austria
• Alberobello, Italy
• Hobbiton, New Zealand
• Shirakawa-go, Japan
• Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
• Wegen, Switzerland
• Ait Benhaddou, Morocco
• Popeye Village, Malta
• Bibury, England
• Ortahisar, Turkey
• Fenghuang Ancient Town, China
• Staithes, England
• Júzcar, Spain.

Paul Donald