This Bank Holiday weekend promises glorious sunshine, and countless people will be capitalising on the lovely weather by embarking on day trips.

Britain boasts an abundance of stunning destinations right on our doorstep – including the Cotswolds. The region has not only served as a filming location but has also become a social media sensation, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Numerous people relish wandering through the undulating countryside, picturesque stone cottages and market squares. They also descend in large numbers upon the wealth of pubs, independent shops, farm outlets and tearooms.

Yet the postcard-perfect villages aren't always quite so enchanting in reality. That's because numerous locations have been affected by overtourism in recent years.

After weeks of traffic jams, parking disputes and services under strain, locals in Bourton-on-the-Water are pleading tourists not to visit this weekend.

Highlighting just how bad the problems are, a tourist named Chloe recorded footage in Bourton-on-the-Water this month.

The Gloucestershire village has been named the "prettiest" in the Cotswolds, and has characterful waterways and bridges, but it is definitely not as idyllic when it is packed with crowds.

Following her visit, Chloe posted a video to TikTok and said: "What should have felt peaceful was packed and overwhelming. The sheer amount of tourism must keep local businesses thriving – but it was hard not to feel like the charm is being worn down in this quaint, rural village.

"Visit with caution and maybe at 6am in the morning to beat the crowds."

Chloe's video struck a chord with many, amassing over 13,100 likes alongside a flood of comments from frustrated residents struggling to go about their everyday lives.

One pleaded: "Please stop coming here, I'm just trying to get to work." Another sympathised, writing: "My mum lives there and says it's a battle just to get to the shops for some milk. I couldn't do it!"

A third chimed in: "I live here and genuinely don't remember the last time I took my kids down to the river or even for an ice-cream on a nice day because it's just too overwhelming. I've never seen traffic like it. It's taking some people over an hour to get from one end of the village to the other just to get home.

"It's a pretty village, yes, but other residents and I feel something needs to be done with how stupidly busy it gets."

Yet some offered practical guidance for those still keen to make the trip, recommending an off-season visit as the best way to soak up the surroundings without the mayhem.

One commenter said: "I prefer visiting the Cotswolds during autumn and winter because it's much calmer. It's mostly spring and summer that is so busy.

"The Cotswolds can be very quiet when it's colder – and in my opinion the atmosphere is so much better on colder days."

Meanwhile, a second wrote: "We went in March. Had the place to ourselves. We had been before in summer and it was hell, so learnt our lesson!"