If you have been following me on Instagram, you probably know that I had recently visited Bibury- a charming, typically Cotswold, village just a short drive from Cirencester. It has rightly been labelled as ‘The most beautiful village in England’.
Arlington Row, owned by the National Trust, is the nationally notable architectural conservation area that is depicted on the inside cover of all UK passports. Its cottages are referred to as the most photographed and beautiful ones in the country.
The River Coln flows through Bibury, sandwiched between the main village street and an expanse of a boggy water meadow known as Rack Isle. With Arlington Row forming a beautiful backdrop, it makes one of the most picturesque scenes one can find in the Cotswolds.
Other attractions in Bibury include the Bibury Trout Farm which is one of the oldest and most attractive trout farms in the country, covering almost 15 acres, where you can learn about trout and also catch your own meal; and the amazing village church, St. Mary’s- a Grade 1 listed building with a Saxon gravestone set into the exterior, a superb Norman doorway and some fine medieval windows.
Bibury is a popular Cotswolds’ attraction that has visitors on sunny summer afternoons as well as on cold winter days. There are several places to eat and drink in the village.
If you are visiting Bibury, then you have a couple of options to choose from, for self-catering rental and bed & breakfast accommodation. There are holiday cottages within a walking distance of Bibury and Arlington, but if you’re looking for bed & breakfast accommodation, you should definitely give Judith at Cotteswold House a call. This family-run business has a Gold Award rating by English Tourism. You could also stay at the Swan hotel, which is at a prime location in the city. It is set on the banks of the river Coln, and a walk across the stone bridge will take you to the village of Arlington. The Swan brasserie serves modern European cuisine prepared from fresh local produce, and fine wines. Other places to choose from include 33 The Square, Tillows Cottage, Hartwell Farm, Hesters Barn, and Cirencester Hotels amongst others.
During my visit, I stopped for lunch at the Bibury Trout Farm. Their fresh and smoked trout is a well-liked delicacy and is best when barbecued.
Apart from the Trout Farm and the Swan Brasserie, you could also visit The Catherine Wheel Pub for a fine choice of beers and wines.
Now talking about what I wore to Bibury, which most of my Instagram followers seem excited about, my outfit of the day incorporated the very trending boho-chic theme, but with an ethnic twist. Since I was travelling, I wanted to be very comfortable but only without compromising on my style quotient. So I chose to pair a flared indigo kurti with jeans and my go-to sneakers. I also threw on a chunky silver necklace for that fun, bohemian vibe. As most of us know, the colour indigo is the season’s new neutral hue that should totally make its way into your wardrobe right now. It can be mixed with other colours or can just be worn by itself. The kurta I have worn is dual-patterned and flared from below the bust. This gives it a fun, feminine look.
And of course, one can never underestimate the power of an accessory and especially a bohemian statement necklace. A necklace immediately amps up your casual look and that’s exactly what it has done to my simple, travel-friendly outfit as well. And lastly, you can never go wrong with a comfy pair of sneakers. It won’t stop you from enjoying yourself, won’t give your feet blisters and certainly won’t bring kill your look.
