Best attractions and places to see around Ampney St. Mary include historical sites and charming rural landscapes in the Cotswolds. This small, peaceful village offers a glimpse into historical English life, characterized by its traditional Cotswold cottages and the notable Church of St Mary. The area is defined by its tranquil setting and proximity to the Ampney Brook, providing a rich historical experience.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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You feel like you've been transported back a few centuries and are reminded of Little Lord Fauntleroy...
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Beautiful, peaceful church with a long and fascinating history, first established in 899 and now a Grade I-listed Anglo-Saxon church built in the 11th century and added to over the centuries.
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Very popular with tourists. In particular those from Japan as apparently Emperor Hirihito once stayed in Bibury as he conducted his European tour.
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"Bibury is a village and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England. It is on the River Coln, a Thames tributary that rises in the same (Cotswold) District. The village centre is 6+1⁄2 miles (10.5 kilometres) northeast of Cirencester. Arlington Row is a nationally notable architectural conservation area depicted on the inside cover of some British passports. It is a major destination for tourists visiting the traditional rural villages, tea houses and many historic buildings of the Cotswold District; it is one of six places in the country featured in Mini-Europe, Brussels. In the Domesday Book (1086), a record of survey done under William the Conqueror, the place is named Becheberie, and it is recorded that the lands and church in Bibury were held by St. Mary's Priory at Worcester, from whom it passed in 1130 to the Abbey of Osney, near Oxford: the Abbey continued to hold it until its dissolution in 1540." Source: Wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibury
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"The Cotswolds is home to some fine churches, and Bibury is no exception. The first church in Bibury was established in 899 and the Grade I listed Anglo-Saxon church which stands today was built in the middle to late 11th century with further work in subsequent centuries. Bibury is best known for Arlington Row and the Bibury Trout Farm, but make sure you wander down the river, past the almshouses, and make your way to the oldest part where you will find the Church. This lovely church, away from the honeypot of Arlington Row, can feel like an oasis of calm where you can take in Norman doorway arches, a 13th century font, Saxon chancel columns, capitals and gravestones, 17th-century table tombs a 15th-century roof and 18th-century wall monuments." Source: Explore Bibury
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Bibury is often titled the most beautiful village in the whole of the UK, and for good reason, Its idyllic beauty and quintessential British charm make it really stand out from the crowd. Perhaps the most iconic feature of this delightful little village is Arlington Row, a row of 17th century cottages which overlook the tranquil River Coln.
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The picturesque Arlington Row cottages in Bibury were built in 1380 as a monastic wool store. This was then converted into a row of weavers' cottages in the 17th century. The cloth produced at Arlington Row was sent to Arlington Mill on the other side of Rack Isle. The cloth was then hung on wooden timber frames on Rack Isle after being degreased at Arlington Mill.
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Ampney St. Mary itself is home to the historic Church of St Mary, also known as The Ivy Church, which features well-preserved medieval wall paintings and a unique Norman tympanum. Nearby, you can explore Chedworth Roman Villa, offering insights into Roman Britain with its mosaics and underfloor heating. Additionally, the iconic Arlington Row, Bibury, and St Mary's Church, Bibury, are also within reach, showcasing 17th-century cottages and an Anglo-Saxon church respectively.
The Church of St Mary is a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It is particularly notable for its medieval wall paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries, depicting scenes like St. Christopher and St. George. Its isolated location, about a mile from the main village, is thought to be a result of the Black Death. Visitors can also admire a carved Norman tympanum and a 14th-century south door.
Yes, the significant Chedworth Roman Villa is a must-see historical site nearby. This National Trust property provides a fascinating glimpse into Roman Britain, featuring well-preserved mosaics and evidence of underfloor heating.
The village takes its name in part from the Ampney Brook, which flows nearby. The churchyard of St Mary's Church features a small stream and a stone bridge leading to a wooded area, with the Ampney Brook beyond, offering a peaceful natural setting.
Yes, there are several walking routes available. For easy hikes, you can find options like the 'Bibury & River Colne loop' or shorter loops around Arlington Row, Bibury. You can explore more options on the Easy hikes around Ampney St. Mary guide page.
The area offers various cycling routes, including gravel biking options. You can find easy routes like the 'Lakefront Café at the Dock – The Lodge at Lake 12 loop from South Cerney' or moderate ones such as the 'Arlington Row, Bibury – Arlington Row, Bibury loop from Quenington'. Discover more on the Gravel biking around Ampney St. Mary guide page.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Arlington Row, Bibury, with its picturesque cottages, and St Mary's Church, Bibury, offer engaging historical and scenic experiences. Chedworth Roman Villa is also considered family-friendly, providing an educational outing into Roman history.
Ampney St. Mary offers a tranquil and historically rich experience year-round. However, for enjoying walks and exploring the Cotswold landscape, spring, summer, and early autumn generally provide the most pleasant weather conditions.
Yes, the village is home to The Red Lion, an 18th-century public house. It offers a unique historical pub experience, being one of the few remaining in the area without a traditional bar counter.
Visitors appreciate the village's peaceful setting and charming Cotswold cottages. The historical significance of the Church of St Mary, with its medieval wall paintings and unique architecture, is a major draw. The overall tranquil ambiance and the glimpse into historical English rural life are highly valued.
Yes, there are various running trails in the vicinity. You can find routes ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Bridleway Across the Field loop from Ampney St. Peter' or the 'Moorhill Corner – Smiths Covert loop from Ampney Crucis'. More options are available on the Running Trails around Ampney St. Mary guide page.
Arlington Row, Bibury, is a nationally notable architectural conservation area. These 17th-century cottages overlooking the River Coln are famously depicted on the inside cover of some British passports and are a major destination for tourists visiting the Cotswolds.


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