Residents of ‘the most beautiful village in England' sound alarm over new car park plans
Bibury is famous for its row of residential 17th-century weavers' cottages and its water meadow – and was once described by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England'.
Yet a huge surge in tourism in the post-Covid era has seen residents complain of tourists climbing over walls and scrambling over private garden fences to take pictures and admire the countryside cottages.
Large coaches and swarms of cars have also left residents frustrated.
In March, Gloucestershire County Council announced that action is starting to be taken to tackle congestion by changing the layout of coach parking bays to stop coaches from parking or waiting in the layby on the B4425 in the centre of the village.
A working group has been set up in collaboration with the Cotswold District Council, Bibury Parish Council and Gloucestershire Constabulary to discuss ideas and proposals to manage the influx of visitor coaches.
In the future, the group said it will explore recommendations, such as introducing restrictions on coach access in the centre of the village, installing traffic access signage and encouraging travel by minibus.
Councillor Craig Chapman, the chairman of Bibury Parish Council, said: 'Whilst the residents of Bibury acknowledge that we live in a lovely village, the pressures put on us by the sheer volume of tourists visiting and coaches bringing tourists has become intolerable and unacceptable.
'As a consequence of the lack of infrastructure, road narrowness and the disruptive and unsafe location of the two existing coach bays, it is a fact that Bibury is not a suitable destination for larger coaches.
'Whilst this is the start of action it is very positive and I am confident will be appreciated by the community.''
It is not just coaches that cause congestion, with local business Bibury Trout Farm agreeing to use their car park, around the corner from the village, in the past for cars and small coaches to move some of the parking off the streets.
The owner of the farm has now submitted a planning application for a new parking site with enough space for 100 cars, 12 coaches and a shuttle bus into the village.
Yet villager Wendy Hazelwood told the BBC News she was not in agreement with the idea.
"This [the proposed new parking site] is totally counter-productive to what we want to achieve in the village because it will bring approximately 800 tourists, maybe, every hour extra into the village.
"We're trying to reduce the tourism, not increase it," she added.
Meanwhile, Maxwell Thomas, owner of Bibury Trout Farm, argued that large amounts of tourism are inevitable whether there is additional parking or not.
"People have been coming to this village for hundreds of years and businesses have been here for hundreds of years,' he told the BBC.
"It's in the 10 prettiest villages in the world and you expect to have people visiting all the time, you can't help it," he said.
The Independent has contacted Bibury Trout Farm for further comment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
an hour ago
- Time Business News
Why Investors Are Flocking to Fiji's Resort Property Market
Fiji has long been regarded as a tropical paradise. Its lush greenery, turquoise waters and laid-back island culture have drawn travelers from around the world. But in recent years, it's not just tourists flocking to this Pacific gem. Savvy investors are taking notice too! The surge in demand for resort property for sale in Fiji has been nothing short of remarkable, primarily driven by a unique combination of natural beauty, growing infrastructure and investor-friendly policies. Why Fiji is becoming a global hotspot for resort real estate and why now might be the perfect time to explore your own slice of paradise? We list down the reasons. One of the key factors attracting investors is Fiji's relatively stable political climate compared to other island nations. Since the 2014 general elections, the government has made consistent efforts to open up the economy, improve infrastructure and attract foreign investment. Fiji's government actively supports tourism and real estate development, offering tax incentives for certain types of resort investments and simplified processes for foreign property ownership. While non-citizens cannot directly buy freehold land in some Pacific countries, Fiji is one of the few where foreigners can legally buy freehold property, which is a major draw for investors looking for security and ownership rights. Tourism is Fiji's largest economic sector, contributing over 40% to GDP and employing a significant portion of the population. Prior to the pandemic, Fiji welcomed close to a million visitors annually—a staggering number for a country with just under 1 million residents. Post-COVID, tourism is bouncing back fast, with luxury and eco-resorts in particularly high demand. Airlines have reinstated direct flights from Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and even parts of Asia, making Fiji more accessible than ever. As a result, the demand for Fiji beachfront property for sale and operational Fiji island resorts for sale is surging, as investors aim to capitalize on the tourist influx. Today's luxury travelers are looking for more than just comfort. They're seeking exclusivity, eco-conscious experiences and immersion in local culture. Fiji checks all these boxes. Many of the Fiji resorts for sale on the market are geared toward eco-tourism, offering solar power, rainwater collection systems, organic farming and reef-safe activities. For example, private Fiji islands for sale often include sustainable development plans, appealing to investors who want to tap into the luxury eco-resort trend. From barefoot luxury retreats to private overwater villas, Fiji's resort properties offer a high-end experience that travelers are willing to pay a premium for. Thereby making them a profitable investment for those who choose the right project. Another reason the resort property market in Fiji is heating up is simple economics: supply is limited. Unlike sprawling mainland countries, Fiji comprises over 330 islands, of which only a fraction are suitable for development. This scarcity of developable land, especially beachfront property for sale in Fiji, naturally drives up prices and investor interest. Many investors are seizing the opportunity to purchase existing resort businesses that come with valuable infrastructure: villas, restaurants, private beaches and even airstrips or boat docks. A fully functioning Fiji island resort for sale can generate immediate income, particularly if it's already listed on platforms like or Airbnb. Let's face it: investing in Fiji isn't just about the bottom line—it's also about the lifestyle. Crystal-clear lagoons, world-class diving, surfing and warm, friendly locals make it an appealing place to not just visit, but to live or semi-retire. Foreigners who invest in resort property or establish businesses in Fiji can apply for long-term residency permits, making it easier to live and manage their assets locally. Whether you plan to relocate full-time or just want a tropical home base, owning resort property in Fiji offers both financial and personal rewards. While Fiji is certainly not 'cheap' by developing-nation standards, it offers more affordable entry points for resort investors than many other premium tropical destinations. A Fiji island for sale or a modest resort for sale in Fiji might cost significantly less than comparable properties in French Polynesia, the Maldives, or the Caribbean. This pricing advantage is particularly attractive to mid-sized hospitality investors and private equity firms looking for value with room for capital appreciation. For example, a small private island with basic amenities might be acquired for under USD 3 million, whereas similar properties in other regions can easily exceed USD 10 million. Fiji is not as remote as many assume. The country has two international airports and dozens of regional airstrips. Major carriers like Fiji Airways, Qantas and Air New Zealand offer frequent flights, especially to hubs like Nadi and Suva. Road networks, internet access and utilities have improved drastically in the last decade. Fiber optic broadband is expanding to more remote islands, making it easier to manage resort operations, work remotely, or host tech-savvy guests. As infrastructure improves, the feasibility and profitability of resort development grow stronger. Fiji's property market offers something for every type of investor: Turnkey resorts already generating income Undeveloped beachfront lots ideal for eco-retreats or glamping Private islands for exclusive, ultra-luxury resorts Boutique hotels in urban areas like Suva and Nadi catering to business travelers Fractional ownership opportunities in luxury resort developments Whether you're seeking passive income, development potential, or a legacy asset, the Fiji resort for sale market is broad and increasingly sophisticated. Fiji is no longer just a destination for honeymooners or backpackers. It's increasingly recognized among international investors, travel media and sustainability organizations as a premier location for high-quality, responsible tourism. Major hotel brands and independent luxury players alike are entering or expanding in Fiji, adding momentum to an already strong trend. With global interest rising, early investors stand to benefit from capital gains and increased property values in the years ahead. The stars have aligned in Fiji: investor-friendly policies, stunning natural assets, limited land availability and a booming tourism market are combining to create a highly attractive environment for real estate investment. From resort property for sale in Fiji to private Fiji islands for sale, opportunities abound for those with vision—and a taste for the extraordinary. Whether you're looking to expand a resort portfolio, develop your own dream retreat, or simply diversify into a lifestyle asset with serious earning potential, Fiji is calling. And for many investors, answering that call has already paid off handsomely. Want to explore a Fiji beachfront property for sale? Connect with local agents and due diligence professionals to help you evaluate available listings. With the right guidance, your investment in Fiji could be your most rewarding yet—financially and personally. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CNBC
11 hours ago
- CNBC
31-year-old moved from the U.S. to Portugal and only works 20 hours a week: 'I'm much happier in Lisbon'
Roughly 10 years ago, Kaitlin Wichmann's life looked great on paper: The Kansas native had just graduated from college, was living in Los Angeles, had a full-time marketing job and enjoyed beautiful ocean views while working from her office in Santa Monica. But she wasn't happy. "Every day going into my job, parking in the same spot, going to the same desk, staring at the same wall — I was just like, 'There has to be more to life than this,'" Wichmann, now 31, tells CNBC Make It. It was a wakeup call that she was ready to ditch LA, and the U.S. for that matter, to become her own boss and travel the world. Now, Wichmann's days are very different: She lives Lisbon, Portugal, and is a freelance digital marketer helping American and Portuguese clients with their online advertising. She sets her own schedule (about 20 hours per week) and often works alongside friends at co-working spaces. Wichmann earns about $7,000 USD in a typical month, though her income can vary from $2,400 to $12,000 in a month. She says she earns more freelancing today than she did working for an agency in LA. She spends her free time playing tennis and padel (which is similar to tennis and squash), taking Portuguese lessons, going to the beach and traveling. "I definitely feel happier and more at peace here," Wichmann says. Here's how she made the leap. Wichmann's interest in living abroad started when she was younger. She grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, with her parents and three siblings, and her family often hosted international exchange students. When Wichmann turned 18, she traveled overseas for the first time and stayed with former exchange students in Europe. She moved to LA for college and started her career there, until she realized she didn't want to work a 9-to-5 job at all."When you're just working that much, it just wasn't enjoyable for me," she says. "And I realized if I wanted to take a jump and leave a full-time job, I wouldn't be able to do that in Los Angeles." Wichmann started taking freelance marketing work while working full-time at an agency until she eventually had enough clients to make a modest living. With her own client book, she traded LA for digital nomad life and prioritized places with lower costs of living. She first moved to Bali, Indonesia, in 2019; then went on to Chiang Mai, Thailand; spent a few weeks in Vietnam; and then another two months in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved back to the U.S. and stayed in Kansas City during the Covid-19 pandemic, but by 2021 was ready to keep things moving again. Wichmann was researching places she wanted to live more long-term when she remembered a previous trip to Madeira, an island off the coast of Portugal. She decided Lisbon checked off the boxes of what she wanted in a new home: good weather, proximity to a beach, a large international community and a walkable city that centered healthy activity. Around the same time, Portugal was seeing a swell of digital nomads moving in, including from the U.S. More than 714,000 foreigners made up 7% of Portugal's population in 2021, a new high, according to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. Wichmann completed the application for her D7 passive income visa remotely under strict Covid guidelines: She submitted her fingerprints, opened a Portuguese bank account with 10,000 euros (about $11,600), got a tax number and signed a lease on an apartment. The visa allowed her four months to get started in Portugal, and once she arrived, she applied for residency for a two-year stay. Wichmann renewed her visa in 2023, giving her another three years of residency. (Portugal launched a separate D8 visa for digital nomads in October 2022.) Wichmann's housing arrangements have run the gamut in Lisbon: First, she stayed in a co-living space, then she subleased short-term rooms in different apartments before she found an apartment of her own. She signed a three-year lease. The biggest culture shock was learning the local language. "I immediately took classes at a university to learn Portuguese," Wichmann says, then started taking private lessons and now works one-on-one with a teacher. She books packs of five 60-minute lessons for about $71, or five 30-minute lessons for $50 as needed. "I feel like that's what's really helped me improve and what's made me a lot more confident in my speaking skills," she says. Here's how Wichmann spent her money in June 2025. Wichmann says she chose the neighborhood she lives in because it's walkable and not too far from the downtown area of Lisbon, which has plenty of restaurants, cafes and other activities. She typically uses public transit and buys a monthly unlimited pass for 30 euros, or about $35, but opted to go a la carte in June since she was away traveling. Wichmann spent time in England in June visiting her boyfriend, Henry Breheny, 31, whom she met in college in LA. They trade off visiting one another every month or so and also travel around the world together. Most of Wichmann's June discretionary spending went toward her England trip, as well as booking future travel and treating herself to a pool cabana to celebrate her birthday. She typically pays about $34 per month for about 10 hours of time at co-working spaces, but in June booked herself a three-day pass at a new place for just under $100. As a freelancer with unpredictable income, Wichmann aims to pay herself $3,000 a month, enough to cover her basic expenses, before dedicating the rest to her student loan payments, savings and investments. She has a six-month emergency fund and over $200,000 in retirement and other investment accounts. Wichmann is intentional with her work schedule so she has ample time and energy to enrich her personal life. "A lot of people are like, 'Wow, you have so much free time!' But I really fill those other hours with passion projects," she says. She's recently taken up tennis again after playing it when she was younger, and dedicates a portion of her budget to spending on gear, lessons and a club membership. Wichmann also plays padel for extra activity and social time. Wichmann says getting involved in recreational sports has been a big boost to her social life. She's made friends through Meetup, Facebook groups and different sports clubs. "Everyone that I've met here is very healthy, very outdoorsy," Wichmann says. "People just want to live a very active and fulfilled life, and I find that very inspiring." If there's one thing Wichmann misses about the comforts of home in the U.S., "it's how quickly you can get anything that you want delivered to your doorstep," she says. But it's a small adjustment she's happy to make. Ultimately, she sees herself in Portugal for the long-term. "When I moved to Lisbon, Portugal, my plan was to live here at least five years and then decide where I wanted to go after that," Wichmann says. But for now, "I don't see myself moving anywhere else, at least outside of Portugal. I just really like it here." She says her financial goals are modest: She wants to be able to pay her bills and maybe one day buy a house in Portugal with her boyfriend. As for her career, Wichmann sees her job as a means to living a more fulfilling life. "When I was living in Los Angeles, pretty much my life revolved around work," she says. Now, "my life revolves around my life with work scattered in." "I want to show people that there's a way of working that isn't a traditional 9-to-5," she says, "and to inspire people that they can live life to the fullest."
The Hill
21 hours ago
- The Hill
Hundreds of historic tall ships sail into Amsterdam for a maritime festival
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Crowds packed vantage points along a major canal and took to the water themselves Wednesday to watch a flotilla of hundreds of historic ships sail into Amsterdam at the start of a five-day festival celebrating the Dutch capital's maritime history. Ships from all over the world, many with their masts and rigging decorated with flags, sailed from the North Sea coastal town of IJmuiden on an hourslong journey up the North Sea Canal and into Amsterdam's IJ waterway for SAIL 2025, the first edition in a decade. A puff of orange smoke erupted into the sky and ships' horns sounded as the replica three-masted clipper Stad Amsterdam passed through a lock to mark the official start of the event. Each ship is greeted with two cannon shots and its country's national anthem as it enters the harbor. Hugo Peek was one of the thousands of people who sailed in smaller boats together with the tall ships. Along with his grandfather and several other family members, he traveled on a smaller boat that accompanied the tall ship Europa. 'There was almost no water. It's almost all boats, ' the 21-year-old student said. Mahek Singahl was waiting in Amsterdam's central train station, looking onto the harbor with her two small children and several large suitcases. Her family was headed back to Ivory Coast after a holiday in Iceland and had stopped in Amsterdam for a few days. They had no idea what the crowds were for. 'My husband went to look at the boats and left me here,' she said, laughing. 'He loves this stuff.' The event, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, is held every five years. The 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wednesday's parade culminates in an evening fireworks display. The ships will remain in Amsterdam, many open for visitors, through the weekend. The first event was first held in 1975 to celebrate Amsterdam's 700th anniversary and this year's edition coincides with the city's 750th birthday.
