Arlington Row: Timeless Charm of Bibury's Historic Weavers' Cottages
Discover Arlington Row, Bibury’s iconic 14th-century weavers’ cottages, a timeless symbol of England’s wool trade heritage and scenic charm.
Arlington Row in Bibury, Gloucestershire, is a picturesque row of Grade I-listed cottages originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store and converted into weavers' homes in the 17th century. Renowned as one of the most photographed scenes in the Cotswolds, this iconic landmark is steeped in history and preserved by the National Trust, offering visitors a glimpse into England’s medieval wool trade heritage amid honey-coloured stone cottages and tranquil riverside views.
A brief summary to 9 Arlington Row
- 9 Arlington Row, Cirencester, Bibury, GL7 5NJ, GB
- +443448002070
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best natural light for photography.
- Respect the privacy of residents by not knocking on doors or peering through windows, as these cottages are private homes.
- Consider renting the holiday let cottage if you want to experience staying in one of these historic homes.
- Explore the nearby Rack Isle meadow where wool was historically dried, offering peaceful riverside views.
- Combine your visit with a stop at Bibury’s St Mary’s Church, an 11th-century Anglo-Saxon heritage site.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Cirencester to Arlington Row takes approximately 15-20 minutes via the A417 and B4425. Limited roadside parking is available near the cottages, but spaces fill quickly during peak times. Parking fees may apply in nearby designated areas.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Cirencester to Bibury with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes. Buses run several times daily but check schedules in advance as frequency varies, especially on weekends and holidays. From the Bibury village stop, Arlington Row is a 10-minute walk.
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Walking
For those staying in Bibury village, Arlington Row is accessible via a gentle 10-15 minute walk over mostly flat terrain. The path is suitable for most visitors but may be slippery in wet weather.
9 Arlington Row location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about 9 Arlington Row
Medieval Origins and Wool Trade Heritage
Arlington Row’s story begins in the late 14th century when the buildings were constructed as a monastic wool store by the monks of Osney Abbey. This facility played a crucial role in Bibury’s flourishing wool industry, serving as a storage site for raw wool before it was processed. In the 17th century, the row was transformed into cottages for skilled weavers who produced woollen cloth, which was then sent to nearby Arlington Mill for degreasing. The cloth was dried on wooden racks across the adjacent marshy meadow known as Rack Isle, a practice that highlights the area’s industrial past.Architectural Beauty and Conservation
The cottages themselves are notable for their distinctive honey-coloured Cotswold limestone, two-storey construction, and charming gabled roofs covered with cruck slate. Their slightly crooked facades, wonky windows, and ivy-draped walls create an enchanting, storybook aesthetic that has captivated visitors for centuries. Recognized as a Grade I listed building, Arlington Row has been carefully preserved through efforts by the Royal Society of Arts in the early 20th century and later restored by the National Trust in the 1970s. The National Trust continues to own and maintain the cottages, leasing them to private tenants, with one available as a holiday let.Global Recognition and Cultural Significance
Arlington Row’s fame extends far beyond the Cotswolds. It was featured on the inside cover of UK passports between 2010 and 2015, symbolizing quintessential English heritage. The row attracted notable admirers such as Emperor Hirohito of Japan, who visited as a prince in 1921 and described his time there as one of the best in his life. American industrialist Henry Ford was so enchanted by Arlington Row that he attempted to purchase the entire row to relocate it to Michigan, though this plan never materialized. The cottages have also served as filming locations for movies like "Stardust" and "Bridget Jones's Diary," further cementing their place in popular culture.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Set alongside the gentle flow of the River Coln and framed by the lush greenery of Rack Isle, Arlington Row offers a tranquil and scenic experience. Visitors can admire the cottages’ floral displays and historic charm while strolling along the riverside. Despite its popularity, Arlington Row remains a residential area, so visitors are encouraged to respect the privacy of its inhabitants. The surrounding village of Bibury complements the visit with additional historic sites such as St Mary’s Church, a Grade I-listed Anglo-Saxon church nearby.Preservation and Legacy
The preservation of Arlington Row reflects a broader commitment to maintaining England’s architectural and cultural heritage. Its survival through centuries of change and its continued use as homes demonstrate the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship and rural life. The site is a living museum of the Cotswolds’ wool trade history and a symbol of the region’s timeless beauty, drawing photographers, history enthusiasts, and travelers from around the world.Notable Anecdotes and Local Lore
Among the many stories surrounding Arlington Row is a 2015 incident where a bright yellow car parked near the cottages was famously accused of 'photobombing' the idyllic scene, making national headlines. Such anecdotes add a modern layer to the row’s long history, blending contemporary life with centuries-old tradition. The cottages’ enduring appeal lies in their ability to evoke a sense of peaceful rural England while remaining vibrant and relevant today.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Arlington Row
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Bridge and footpath to Arlington Row
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Bibury Antiques Fair
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Bibury
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Bibury Village
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Barnsley Park
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hotcotswolds.uk
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The Old Smokery
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The Ox Barn
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MBB BRASSERIE
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The Garden Restaurant
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The Old Boathouse
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The Oak Tree Restaurant
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The Croft Restaurant
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The Rose Tree Restaurant
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The Bell at Sapperton
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
