About

Often named the ‘prettiest village in England', Castle Combe is a quintessential Cotswolds village, located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You might feel as if you have been there already, as it has regularly been used as a filming location – the original Doctor Doolittle, War Horse, and others have been filmed there.

The village has a rich history, and all the houses are made from beautiful honey-coloured Cotswold stone, typical for a village in this area. The centerpiece of Castle Combe is the medieval market cross, standing where the three principal streets of the lower village converge.

On the edge of the village is Castle Combe Circuit. Based on the perimeter track of a former Second World War airfield, it offers spectacular motor racing and modern facilities alongside stunning scenery.

 

When to visit

We would recommend visiting Castle Combe on a weekday, during spring or autumn. We would also suggest planning your journey to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon when the village is quieter. Summer, weekends, and Bank Holidays are when the village receives the most visitors, and the car park can fill up early in the day. For the most quiet and serene experience, explore the area during winter. The village and local landscape are beautiful at any time of year!

Be mindful when capturing photos; respect the privacy of residents and do not enter private gardens, and avoid blocking paths or roads.

Support local businesses during your visit to Castle Combe:

• Enjoy a cream tea or stay overnight at the 14th-century Manor House Hotel
• Go to The Castle Inn or White Hart for lunch or dinner, both of which also have rooms available if you wish to stay the night

 

How to get to Castle Combe from Bath

If you wish to travel by public transport from Bath, you can take the train to Chippenham, and then a bus to Castle Combe. Cycling into the village, or walking via local paths, also offers stunning views along the way.

Make sure to leave time to visit nearby villages such as Lacock and Biddestone and take a wander down lesser-known footpaths.