A picturesque village tucked away in England’s Southwest has been hailed as the « most beautiful » the country has to offer, with its undeniable charm attracting thousands of tourists every year. Yet, those living in the village have to abide by some seemingly « strict » rules.
Nestled within a verdant valley in the Cotswolds lies Castle Combe, an enchanting chocolate box village steeped in history and stunning architecture. Guests can stroll along its cobbled lanes, enjoy bracing winter strolls along the Bybrook River that flows through the village and marvel at its picturesque backdrop with every corner compared to a movie set.
There is a selection of inviting, cosy pubs for a warming meal and delightful cafés for a hot drink, as well as The Manor House Hotel, which offers a luxurious afternoon tea. According to visitor information from The Crown Inn pub located in the village, this charming destination has become hugely popular with people from all over the world, earning itself quite a reputation as thousands of tourists flock to the area.
With a heritage dating back to the 12th century, Castle Combe is deeply rooted in medieval times, overflowing with historical importance and folklore. Aside from its rich and captivating history, Castle Combe serves as a coveted backdrop for film and TV productions, having appeared in War Horse, Doctor Dolittle, Stardust, and The Wolf Man.
Often used as the backdrop for costume dramas and period filming, Castle Combe displays honey-hued dwellings built from local stone – these enduring buildings continue to be among the village’s most distinctive features today. Remarkably, Castle Combe earned particular fame for producing a unique red and white cloth called « Castlecombe », which was highly sought after in the markets of Bristol, Cirencester, London and beyond international borders.
In the 15th century, King Henry VI granted Castle Combe the right to hold weekly markets, and the historic Market Cross monument still stands with pride. As a historical village, it’s no wonder that Castle Combe is protective of its authentic charm.
To such an extent that there’s a strict ban on contemporary features like satellite dishes and exterior cables on the exteriors of its houses, with these rules being vital for preserving the genuine look of this ancient settlement. The local church also features a clock without a face, believed to be among the nation’s oldest working timepieces.
Visitors have long praised the village, as one wrote on TripAdvisor: « Such a beautiful, clean English village. Like stepping back in time. The walk around the manor hotel is a must. The gardens are stunning. »
A second shared: « One of my favourite towns trapped in time. It’s so peaceful and pretty there. Will go back there and spend a few days. We were part of a tour and only had 2 hours to visit. »
« Every corner looks like it’s waiting for a film crew, the place oozes charm without trying too hard, and it delivers exactly what you hope for, » a third penned. However, it’s important to note that it can become overcrowded during peak seasons such as summer, so many travellers advise visiting at quieter times.
Someone revealed on TripAdvisor: « A Bank Holiday Sunday was not the best time to visit. It took us so long to drive through, we were able to see it all without walking. Just as well, since there wasn’t anywhere to park…even the car park outside the village was full to overflowing. »
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