Bourton-on-the-Water Faces Growing Tourism Crisis as Locals Push for Change, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 29, 2025

Bourton-on-the-Water, a beautiful village located in the heart of the Cotswolds, has always been one of the most popular tourist spots in the country for both locals and foreigners. This beautiful village is renowned for its beautiful honey-colored buildings, tea rooms, and the serene river that flows through this village, which is said to be one of the most beautiful places in England. Although this is one of its beautiful aspects, it is currently causing problems for the residents.

Overtourism Takes Its Toll on Bourton-on-the-Water

While Bourton-on-the-Water has long been a haven for travelers seeking the charm of a quintessential English village, the surge in tourism in recent years has created significant problems for local residents. The village, which has a population of around 4,000, now hosts nearly 300,000 visitors annually. The influx of tourists has led to overcrowding, with some locals describing the situation as “unbearable” and “awful.”

Liha Okunniwa, a resident of Bourton for over a decade, shared her frustration, recounting how tourists often trample through her garden, take photos of her home, and invade her privacy by photographing her while eating in her kitchen. Such disturbances have become a common experience for many residents, leading to mounting tension between locals and visitors.

Impact on Local Amenities and Infrastructure

The surge in tourism has also had a noticeable effect on Bourton-on-the-Water’s local amenities. Shops that once catered to the needs of the village’s residents are closing down, with only a handful remaining. This shift has left many locals feeling disconnected from the vibrant community they once enjoyed. Mollie Wise, a former editor of the local newspaper Bourton Browser, reflected on this change, noting how the village has undergone a stark transformation in the past 30 years. The loss of local shops and services, she lamented, has left the village feeling less like a tight-knit community and more like a tourist hotspot.

In response to these issues, residents have come together to voice their concerns. Ben Lunnon-Wood, a member of the Bourton Residents’ Voice group, organized a meeting in November 2025 to discuss the ongoing challenges posed by tourism. Many of the attendees agreed that the situation has become untenable, with some even questioning whether things will improve or continue to worsen in the years ahead.

Tourism’s Environmental and Social Footprint

The environmental impact of overtourism is also a growing concern. The Cotswolds is known for its natural beauty, including its rivers, woodlands, and rolling hills. However, with increased foot traffic comes the risk of damage to these delicate ecosystems. The popularity of Bourton-on-the-Water has raised questions about how sustainable mass tourism is for a village of its size.

Locals have also expressed concerns about the cultural impacts of tourism, feeling that the charm and tranquility of their home are being overshadowed by the relentless presence of visitors. The quaint village scenes that once drew travelers are now becoming overshadowed by congestion and the pressures of accommodating large numbers of tourists.

Local Authorities Respond with Measures to Alleviate Pressure

In response to the concerns of residents, local authorities have introduced several measures to address the strain of overtourism. The county council has implemented additional parking fees between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. in an effort to reduce the number of visitors driving into the village during peak hours. The hope is that by discouraging car use, it will alleviate some of the congestion in the village center and encourage more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking and cycling.

Paul Hodgkinson, the Cabinet member for health, culture, and visitor experience at the county council, acknowledged the challenges posed by tourism in Bourton-on-the-Water. He emphasized the importance of finding a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the quality of life for local residents. Hodgkinson also noted that the council is looking into additional solutions to improve the tourism experience while minimizing its negative impacts.

A Village Struggling to Balance Preservation and Tourism

Bourton-on-the-Water’s beauty is undeniable, and its status as a prime tourist destination is not without merit. However, as more visitors flock to the Cotswolds, it has become clear that the village needs to find ways to manage tourism without compromising the quality of life for its residents. Finding that balance will be crucial to ensuring the village remains a desirable place to visit and live.

Some locals argue that stricter regulations are necessary to curb the effects of overtourism. Measures could include limiting the number of visitors allowed to enter the village each day, or implementing visitor quotas during peak seasons. Others suggest that more sustainable tourism practices should be promoted, such as encouraging visitors to explore other, less-visited areas of the Cotswolds, to help spread out the tourism impact.

Additionally, efforts to better integrate the local community with tourism initiatives could help foster a more harmonious relationship between residents and visitors. Promoting cultural exchange and encouraging tourists to shop locally, visit community-run attractions, and participate in village events could help residents feel more connected to the tourists who frequent their village.

The Future of Tourism in Bourton-on-the-Water

As Bourton-on-the-Water faces challenges of overtourism, long-term strategies will need to be considered by both local authorities and leaders in the tourism industry. By engaging with local residents, tourism experts, and environmental advocates, the village can work toward creating a model for tourism that benefits everyone: a place that future generations can enjoy without losing the quality of life of those who call the village home and without sacrificing the integrity of its natural beauty.