The world’s most beautiful village 2025 has been named – and it’s great news for Brits looking for an autumnal staycation. Nestled in the picturesque heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury is a village that seems to have stepped out of a painting. It’s known for its charming beauty and tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by a classic English rural landscape. This year, the village has topped the list of Forbes’ World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages 2025, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for those seeking a British escape.
Already described by the Victorian poet and designer William Morris as “the most beautiful place in England,” Bibury has long been praised for its beauty. Its cottages, built from local Cotswold stone, sit along the banks of the River Coln, creating a picture-perfect landscape.
The Forbes ranking places Bibury at the forefront of global villages, ahead of runner-ups Hallstatt in Austria and Reine in Norway.
The author of the list, Lewis Nunn, beautifully captures the essence of Bibury, stating that it “unfurls like a watercolour dream—where honey-slicked cottages line Arlington Row; their mossy roofs whispering tales of 14th-century weavers.”
He added: “The River Coln murmurs gently here—weaving through golden buttercups and forget-me-nots, while plump ducks paddle lazily beneath canopies of willow.”
For those seeking romance, Bibury has previously also earned accolades as one of Britain’s most romantic spots, with Country Living highlighting its timeless charm.
The publication noted: “Whether you visit in the summer or the winter, romance abounds within this honey-hued area of the UK and you’d be hard-pressed not to immediately fall in love.”
Despite making for the perfect peaceful retreat, Bibury has plenty to explore, starting with the historic St Mary’s Church.
This Saxon-era church, with its Norman additions, has stood since the 9th century and remains a central piece of the village’s heritage. It is also featured on British Christmas stamps, earning its place in the country’s cultural history.
Another notable attraction is the Bibury Trout Farm, the oldest of its kind in Britain, and a place where visitors can feed the fish, explore the farm’s surroundings, and purchase fresh produce from the local farm shop.
The village also offers a taste of classic English hospitality, with quaint tearooms serving traditional high tea, and inviting pubs where visitors can relax after a day of walking.
The most famous pub is The Swan, a traditional inn that has stood on the banks of the river for several centuries. Travellers can drink and dine in this cosy pub and stay the night in one of the most popular spots in the village.
