Cotswolds villages introduce new tourist charges to balance visitor demand
Two of the most popular Cotswolds villages to launch new tourist charges
THE Cotswolds are one of the most popular spots in the country, especially during the summer months.
Yet some beautiful villages are being...
2025-12-09T11:00:48+00:00
travel, health, money, breaking news, finance, travel
Bourton-on-the-Water has updated its parking rules to better support residents and visitors. The changes extend free morning parking and lengthen paid hours in the evening. These adjustments form part of a wider plan to manage tourism across the Cotswolds.
From 2025, drivers will no longer pay for parking at Rissington Road car park until 10am, instead of the previous 8am cut-off. The paid period will also stretch until 8pm, two hours later than before. Council officials say the shift will help locals access shops and services earlier while allowing tourists to stay longer in the village.
Bourton-on-the-Water first introduced a tourism levy in 2021, using parking fees to fund local projects. The village is now aligning its approach with the Cotswold District Council’s new tourism strategy, which runs until 2028. This plan aims to make parking more sustainable and balance the needs of residents with the 35 million annual visitors to the region.
Nearby Stow-on-the-Wold is following a similar path. The village intends to bring in its own tourist toll fee, mirroring Bourton’s model. Both locations hope the measures will ease pressure on infrastructure while raising funds for community improvements.
The updated parking rules take effect as part of a long-term tourism strategy. Residents will gain easier morning access to services, and visitors can explore for longer in the evenings. The changes also set a template for other Cotswold villages looking to manage growing tourist numbers.
