Cotswold tourism impact sparks fears residents are losing access to their own village
A Cotswold destination is so overwhelmed by tourists that residents are losing access to public spaces in their own village, according to a recent survey.
That is one of the findings of a residents’ survey conducted in Bourton-on-the-Water to assess the impact tourism is having on the picturesque village.
Around 4,000 people live in the village, which has been dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds and attracts around 300,000 tourists each year.
But Bourton, much like its Italian namesake, has been grappling with overtourism in recent years and residents say they are fed up of the impact it is having.
These problems prompted villagers to set up Bourton Residents’ Voice last year as a group which aims to find solutions.
Now the findings of a survey, completed by more than 200 residents, reveals overwhelming and deeply concerning evidence that tourism is having a damaging impact on the village and its community.
The report, based on responses from around six per cent of the village’s adult population, presents one of the most comprehensive snapshots of resident experience ever produced in Bourton.
The survey shows that 94.6 per cent of residents believe there are too many visitors while 90.8 per cent report a negative impact on quality of life.
Traffic and parking is not managed effectively in the eyes of 92.6 per cent of those who took part in the survey. And 82 per cent believe the village has lost its sense of community.
Almost half of respondents, 49.5 per cent, say they feel less connected to other residents than they did just a few years ago
Bourton Residents’ Voice said the survey sends a clear and consistent message from across the community.
And the data shows that Bourton is no longer functioning as a balanced village during peak periods they say and that the levels of tourism are “no longer sustainable”.
Residents report losing access to public space, reduced safety, and a growing sense that the village is no longer designed for those who live there.
The group believes the survey provides a clear mandate for action and the survey “replaces anecdote with evidence” and demonstrates that these concerns are not isolated.
The report includes strong support for measures such as better traffic and parking management, greater control over coach access, protection of community space and enhanced enforcement and oversight.
The group does not oppose tourism and they say Bourton has always welcomed visitors. But they see the report as a call for balance and the survey makes clear that the current situation is out of balance.
A spokesperson for Bourton Residents’ Voice said: “This survey shows that what many residents have been experiencing for years is real, widespread, and getting worse.
“Bourton is not just a destination – it is a community. And right now, that community is being pushed aside.
“This is not about stopping tourism. It is about restoring balance and ensuring that the village remains a place where people can live, not just visit.”
Public health, communities and fire cabinet member Paul Hodgkinson (LD, Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach) said Gloucestershire County Council is working to get some of the solutions in place as quickly as possible.
“The results of this survey emphasise the depth of feeling in the village regarding the number of visitors to Bourton.
“The Cotswolds is becoming a real magnet for tourists and whilst that helps the local economy it does present problems for those who live here. We need to listen to people’s concerns and act on them.
“The County Council is leading a new initiative to get to some solutions as quickly as possible in place – in April there’s a workshop of all stakeholders to look at the whole village and its parking and traffic challenges.
“I want to see some real delivery after that to help people deal with the impact of tourism on their day to day lives.”