Arlington Row Travel Guide

Arlington Row’s story begins in the late 14th century when it was constructed as a monastic wool storehouse by the monks of Osney Abbey. This strategic location in Bibury, alongside the River Coln and the marshy meadow known as Rack Isle, was integral to the thriving medieval wool industry. Wool yarn was stored here before being sent to nearby Arlington Mill for degreasing, and subsequently hung out to dry on wooden racks across the meadow. In the 17th century, the buildings were transformed into cottages for weavers, reflecting Bibury’s prosperity as a centre for wool production during this era.

The cottages are built from the famous honey-hued Cotswold limestone, featuring two storeys with steep gabled roofs supported by cruck frames and covered in slate. Their uneven, charmingly crooked lines and quaint windows framed by climbing ivy and floral displays create an iconic English village scene. Recognised for their architectural and historic significance, Arlington Row is a Grade I listed site. The Royal Society of Arts first preserved the cottages in 1929, and the National Trust undertook major restoration work in the 1970s to maintain their character for future generations.

Arlington Row has gained international fame, appearing on the inside cover of UK passports and attracting visitors worldwide. The Japanese Emperor Hirohito, during his 1921 European tour as a prince, famously described his stay in Bibury as one of the best times of his life, adding to the row’s mystique. American industrialist Henry Ford was so enchanted by Arlington Row that he attempted to purchase the cottages to relocate them to Michigan, though this plan never materialized. The cottages have also served as film locations, notably in the 2007 fantasy film "Stardust" and "Bridget Jones's Diary," further cementing their place in popular culture.

Set on Awkward Hill, Arlington Row overlooks the tranquil River Coln and the lush Rack Isle meadow, offering a serene, postcard-perfect environment. Visitors can admire the cottages from the roadside or across the meadow, but it is important to respect that these are private homes. The surrounding village of Bibury, often described as one of England’s most beautiful, features other historic buildings, a medieval stone bridge, and the nearby 11th-century St Mary’s Church. The area invites leisurely strolls, photography, and soaking in quintessential Cotswold charm.

Today, Arlington Row remains under the stewardship of the National Trust, which leases the cottages to private tenants, preserving their residential use and historic integrity. One cottage is available as a holiday let, allowing visitors a rare opportunity to experience living in this iconic setting. The National Trust’s ongoing conservation efforts ensure that Arlington Row continues to embody the heritage and pastoral beauty of the Cotswolds, balancing tourism with preservation.

Arlington Row stands as a timeless emblem of England’s rural past, blending centuries of history, architecture, and cultural significance in a single, captivating scene. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its visual charm but also in its rich narrative of medieval industry, artistic inspiration, and global admiration. For visitors, Arlington Row offers a window into the Cotswold way of life and the enduring legacy of England’s wool trade heritage.