What was once a peaceful escape for countryside lovers has now become a battleground between frustrated locals and waves of eager sightseers.
Across the UK, especially in picturesque spots like the Cotswolds and Lake District, residents say their villages are being swarmed by coachloads of tourists who are turning tranquil retreats into overcrowded tourist traps.
While influencers and day-trippers from cities like London gush over the charming streets and scenic views, the people who actually live there are left to deal with the overflowing bins, gridlocked roads, and lack of personal space.
Selfie-Takers Flood Historic Villages—and Locals Are at Breaking Point
In recent weeks, towns like Bowness-on-Windermere and Bourton-on-the-Water have seen chaotic scenes as tourists pour in.
Coach after coach has arrived, spilling crowds onto narrow pavements and into tiny car parks.
In Bowness, families fought for spots on packed boat tours across Lake Windermere, causing gridlock at the jetty.
Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for its charming stone bridges and flowing streams, has also been slammed by the surge in visitors.
Local residents say the calm has been completely shattered as foot traffic clogs walkways and litter bins overflow.
Bibury Feels the Pressure—Even Signs in Chinese Can’t Stop the Chaos
One of the worst-hit places is Bibury, Gloucestershire—a village so pretty that it was once dubbed “the most beautiful in England” by writer William Morris. But now, some locals say it feels more like Disneyland.
With just 600 residents, Bibury sees up to 20,000 tourists descend on its narrow lanes every weekend.
People pose on doorsteps, lean against private doors for photos, and trample across gardens, forcing locals to post handmade signs—some even written in Chinese—pleading with visitors to respect their property.
Locals Say Enough Is Enough as Coach Bans Loom
To tackle the chaos, Bibury’s parish council is taking action. Councillor Michelle Holt admitted the community simply “can’t cope” with the current volume of visitors.
There are plans in motion to stop coaches from parking near the village centre, with changes coming as soon as the next two months.
The long-term goal? To potentially ban coaches altogether and encourage tourists to visit in more sustainable ways, like cycling, walking, or using public transport.
Council leader Stephen Davies said the goal isn’t to shut out tourists entirely, but to find a balance that keeps everyone safe and happy.
“We understand these proposals might upset coach operators,” he said, “but something has to change.”
Birling Gap: When Tourists Risk Their Lives for a Selfie
It’s not just charming inland villages feeling the squeeze.
Over in East Sussex, the cliffside beauty spot of Birling Gap has also fallen victim to the selfie craze.
Tourists were spotted standing just inches from deadly cliff edges, ignoring safety warnings for the perfect shot.
Families with young children were seen dangerously close to the edge of the chalk cliffs, which are known to crumble with little to no warning.
The National Trust, which manages the area, has now banned coaches in a move to reduce the “tsunami of tourists” threatening the environment.
Residents Applaud Coach Ban at Birling Gap
Local voices, like that of resident Philip Myerson, praised the National Trust’s bold step.
“It hasn’t come a moment too soon,” he said, highlighting how the influx has damaged roads, grasslands, and footpaths.
With around 600,000 visitors a year, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters cliffs are under serious pressure.
East Sussex officials have warned that more bans could follow if tourists continue to ignore safety guidelines and environmental concerns.
Looking Ahead: Will Other Beauty Spots Follow Suit?
The coach ban at Birling Gap may be the first of its kind, but locals in places like Bibury and the Cotswolds are watching closely.
If successful, similar restrictions might soon be implemented across other tourist hotspots struggling to protect their heritage and natural beauty.
The message from residents is clear: visitors are still welcome—but only if they’re willing to respect the people and places that make these destinations so special in the first place.