The pretty Cotswolds village of Castle Combe, Wiltshire is your quintessential English country village. Complete with thatched roofs, adorable cottages, and a reputation as the prettiest village in England, it is brimming with charm. And if you want to experience the beauty for yourself, here are the top things to do in Castle Combe.
In this guide, I’ll share what to do in Castle Combe on your visit, where to stay, and what to do near Castle Combe if you want to extend your time in the area.
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About Castle Combe, England
Castle Combe is a beautiful Cotswolds village with a tiny population of fewer than 350 people. But this small village has a lot to offer and attracts a lot of visitors!
Many tourists flock to Castle Combe to admire the historic buildings, the newest of which was built in the 1600s. In fact, Castle Combe has an incredible 107 listed buildings. And a stroll through the village is truly like taking a step back in time.
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds, you don’t want to miss Castle Combe off your itinerary. Keep reading for a full guide to things to do in Castle Combe, where to stay, and perfect day trip inspiration!
Where is Castle Combe?
The village is located towards the south of the Cotswolds. The closest surrounding towns and villages include Chippenham (6 miles), Bath (13 miles), and Bristol (20 miles). Castle Combe is just over 100 miles west of London.
Why visit the Cotswolds?
The Cotswold is recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) with some of the most beautiful countryside and charming villages in England. It is an area renowned for its golden coloured stone that has built its iconic villages. At 787 square miles, it is the third-largest protected landscape in England.
The Cotswolds is the perfect destination for a relaxing escape. It is ideal for walkers who want to explore the picturesque landscapes, or for visitors who just want to hop from one adorable village to the next. A Cotswolds road trip is the best way to visit the towns and villages in the area, although many of the most popular locations are accessible via public transport.
Why is it called Castle Combe?
In the 1100s a Norman Castle was built on Castle Hill by Baron Reginald de Dunstanville. The castle was built during the English Civil War and became known as “Castell of Cumbe”, hence the origin of the name.
So, is there a castle at Castle Combe?
Unfortunately, the castle of Castle Combe no longer remains today. The original site is about half a mile from the Manor House. It sat on a vantage point overlooking the Bybrook valley. There are still traces of the castle earthwork on the site, but it is not accessible to the public.
What is Castle Combe famous for?
Castle Combe is best known for two things. Motor enthusiasts are likely familiar with the Castle Combe Circuit, which is well known for its race events and track days.
Castle Combe is also known for being frequently described as the prettiest village in England. And when you stroll around the village, it is hard to refute this claim!
What was filmed at Castle Combe?
Castle Combe is a popular location for movie and TV filming, namely because there are no streetlights, telegraph poles, or TV aerials in the village. The lack of modern comforts means that it is an ideal filming location for stories of bygone eras and is a blank slate for directors.
‘Dr Dolittle’ starring Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley was filmed in Castle Combe in 1967. More recently films such as ‘Stardust’ (2008), ‘The Wolfman’ (2009), and the 2010 Steven Spielberg adaptation of ‘War Horse’ were filmed here. TV programmes such as ‘Poirot’ and ‘Robin of Sherwood’ have also been filmed in the village.
Things to do in Castle Combe
If you’re looking for things to do in Castle Combe, you’re not going to be overwhelmed with choice. However, the village is a must-see stop when you’re in the Cotswolds simply because of its beauty.
If you are visiting just to take a stroll through the village, you will only need about an hour in Castle Combe. However, if you really want to soak up the village and the surrounding countryside, you would need at least two hours but could easily fill half a day. If you tie in a visit to Castle Combe Circuit, you will want to dedicate a full day to visiting Castle Combe.
Castle Combe Village
If you only do one thing on your visit to Castle Combe, make sure it is to take a walk through the village. This picturesque village is small but charming. You can take a stroll from the car park and straight through the village in approximately 30 minutes.
On your walk, keep an eye out for the historic market cross. From the market cross, take a walk down the hill and over the bridge. This is the perfect place to capture that iconic Castle Combe photos.
Castle Combe Afternoon Tea
Castle Combe is the ideal place to stop and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. There are several quaint cafes dotted throughout the village including The Old Stables. However, for a truly unique experience, you should definitely check out The Little Picnic Shop on Main Street.
The Little Picnic Shop offers a really unique afternoon tea experience. Your afternoon tea will be parcelled up in a box ready for you to take away and enjoy on a picnic in the beautiful Cotswold surroundings. You can hire a picnic basket and blanket if you would like to do so. Picnic orders must be booked in advance.
From our experience, The Little Picnic Shop afternoon tea boxes are lovingly handmade and generously filled! They’re ideal to enjoy from a peaceful spot along the river.
Castle Combe Walk
Castle Combe is surrounded by beautiful countryside. To make the most of your visit, you can take a circular walk through the surrounding woodland and country lanes before you arrive back at the village.
If you order afternoon tea from The Little Picnic Shop, your order includes instructions for a beautiful walk that will take you approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on how much time you spend taking photos!
Castle Combe Circuit
Castle Combe Circuit is one of the best-known attractions in Castle Combe. If you are a car enthusiast, you can check out their events calendar and tie in a visit to the track on your trip. They also offer unique driving experiences for a truly memorable visit!
Castle Combe Pubs
In true English style, this tiny village has plenty of pubs! You can enjoy a local pint or authentic pub meal in these traditional village pub settings. The White Hart and The Castle Inn are located in the centre of the village and are well known for their warm welcome and cozy setting.
Castle Combe Hotels
Castle Combe is the ideal place to enjoy a quiet and relaxing weekend. If you want to extend your stay in Castle Combe, here are some great hotels for your stay.
Castle Combe Manor House
Revel in luxury at the Castle Combe Manor House Hotel! This stunning 14th-century building is set in 365 acres of secluded parkland. Rooms at the hotel are spread between the main building and a quaint set of cottages. With no two rooms the same, every visit is a one-of-a-kind stay.
With this 5 star stay, you can enjoy a round of golf on the hotel course, modern amenities including a gym, plus Michelin starred dining. If you want an unforgettable stay in these stunning historic surroundings, The Manor House Hotel is for you!
Location: Park Lane, SN14 7HX
The Castle Inn
If you like homely accommodation with all of your home comforts, The Castle Inn is a great choice! It has 12 comfortable en-suite bedrooms and a really welcoming feel.
The Castle Inn has a cozy bar with an open fire and warm atmosphere. They specialise in serving local beers and great food including classic Sunday roasts and traditional cream teas. Located right at the heart of Castle Combe village, The Castle Inn is the perfect location for a comfortable home base for a weekend full of exploring.
Location: West Street, SN14 7HN
How to get to Castle Combe
Getting to Castle Combe from the surrounding towns and cities in the South West is surprisingly easy. Although Castle Come doesn’t have its own train station, the village is still easily accessible via either car or public transport.
Castle Combe Parking
To keep cars out of the centre of the village, Castle Combe has a free car park just a short walk away. You can access the car park at Dunns Lane, SN14 7HU. The car park does fill quickly so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Chippenham to Castle Combe
If you are travelling to Castle Combe via public transport, your journey is likely to take you through Chippenham. This pretty market town is just a short distance from Castle Combe and has good public transport links.
From Chippenham, you can catch either the 35 or 35A bus towards Littleton Drew which will pass through Castle Combe. Alternatively, Castle Combe is just 15 minutes away via car, so you may opt to catch a taxi.
Bath to Castle Combe
Castle Combe is located only 15 miles north of Bath. Because of the close proximity, Castle Combe makes a great day trip from Bath.
You can get from Bath to Castle Combe by car on a scenic 30 minute drive through the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Alternatively, you can catch a train from Bath Spa to Chippenham, then get a bus or taxi from there.
Bristol to Castle Combe
Bristol is another major city close to the Cotswolds and Castle Combe. You get from Bristol to Castle Combe via the M4 in approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can get a train to Chippenham which takes just over an hour, then get the bus from there as mentioned above.
London to Castle Combe
If you are visiting London and want to take a day trip to the Cotwolds, you can reach Castle Combe by car via the M4 in approximately 2hr20. Alternatively, you can get the train from Paddington Station and reach Chippenham in just over an hour, then catch the bus from there.
Things to do near Castle Combe
If you are planning to visit Castle Combe as part of a longer stay in the region, here are some great things to do near Castle Combe to add to your itinerary.
Bath
The historic city of Bath is just a short drive from Castle Combe. Bath is recognised as a World Heritage Site and is renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture. It is the ideal place to spend a day strolling the streets and admiring the impressive buildings.
There are a number of pay and display car parks throughout Bath, including Avon Street Car Park (BA1 1UF), Charlotte Street Car Park (BA1 2NE), and Manvers Street Car Park (BA1 1JQ) to name a few.
Malmesbury
The pretty market town of Malmesbury, Wiltshire is your quintessential English country town. Complete with a historic market cross, grand Abbey, and sprawling gardens, it is well worth a visit to admire Malmesbury’s charm.
Be sure to lose yourself in the breathtaking Malmesbury Abbey Gardens on your visit. It is a spectacular sight that you won’t want to miss! Pay and display parking is available at Malmesbury Long Stay Car Park (SN16 9JT).
Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park, owned by the National Trust, is a 20-minute drive west of Castle Combe. This baroque country house is set in an ancient deer park. It is a beautiful place to wander the grounds and admire the house exterior. The interior is currently undergoing extensive restoration work.
Parking is available onsite. There is an entry fee of £8 per adult, £4 per child, or £20 per family. National Trust members can visit for free – get your National Trust membership here.
Pre-booking is currently required. Find out more here.
Location: Dyrham, Bath, Chippenham SN14 8HY.
Is Castle Combe worth visiting?
Personally, I think the south Cotswolds are often overlooked, as many of the well-known Cotswolds towns and villages are located to the north of the region. However, anyone missing Castle Combe and the surrounding area off their Cotswold itinerary is missing a trick!
Castle Combe is a truly charming village that is surrounded by beautiful countryside and wonderful attractions. While you’re unlikely to want to spend your whole vacation in Castle Combe, it is a great place to call home while you visit the surrounding cities such as Bath and Bristol, before quietly retreating to this idyllic escape.
If you’re visiting the southwest I strongly recommend slotting Castle Combe into your itinerary. After all, how else can you judge if it really is the prettiest village in England without seeing it for yourself?
Before you go
So if you are visiting Castle Combe, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it using the pin below so you can visit these top sights on your trip!
Have you visited Castle Combe? I’d love to hear about your visit! Let’s connect on Instagram and send me a DM and tell me if you think it really is the prettiest village in England!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
Castle Combe looks so beautiful and like a perfect place to visit, thanks a lot for the guide! I love historic towns and the fact that they don’t have street lights and poles must heighten the immersion into the past. The present day delights look wonderful too! We’d want to stay long enough for both tea and an evening in the pubs, I’m glad you included lodging options! I’m pinning as something to add to a trip to Bath.
Castle Combe is a wonderful day trip from Bath! I definitely recommend including it in your itinerary when you’re in the area. I imagine Castle Combe is a magical place to stay as it must be so quiet and peaceful once the tourists have left for the day! Afternoon tea at lunch and pub grub in the evening sounds like the perfect way to enjoy Castle Combe!
What an adorable village! I love that there are no powerlines, telephone or light posts, etc. Really makes it easy to capture great photos like yours.
It’s such a cute place, isn’t it? I love that there are no modern additions to take away from the beauty of the place. It definitely makes it an easy place to photograph!
I’ve stopped in Castle Combe on the way to visiting grandparents, but I haven’t spent much time there…I LOVE the look of the walk, and that afternoon tea! It would be even nicer to have it in the tea shop, but I love that they created picnic boxes while covid-19 is still a bit too mad.
Ooh what a lovely place to stop while visiting family! Castle Combe is such a pretty Cotswolds village! I loved the afternoon tea picnic idea. We don’t often have picnics so eating outside was quite a novelty – especially when the weather was so beautiful!
The Cotswolds village of Castle Combe, Wiltshire is so charming! I would love to take a day trip here and wander through the village and the countryside. So pretty and quaint!
Castle COmbe is such a pretty place! It’s not too far from Bath so is a great day trip if you ever find yourself in the area! It’s such a beautiful part of England!
Castle Combe looks like a beautiful village to visit! I have heard of it before, but hadn’t really seen any photos or done any reading about it – so thank you for sharing!
Castle Combe is such a beautiful place. Like you, I’d only really heard of it in passing and spotted it on the map when we were in the area so thought we’d pay it a visit – I’m so glad we did! It’s such a charming village!
Hi Hannah,
Reading this post kind of transported me to the scenic Castle Comb village. I would definitely love to try out one of those goodies with the afternoon tea and stroll over the beautiful bridges! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Castle Combe is definitely an enchanting place to take a stroll, I’m glad you felt like you got to experience a little bit of its magic! The afternoon tea picnic is delicious, I strongly recommend it! Thanks for reading!
Castle Combe sure does look like a charming village. As a Canadian with few really old buildings I always smile when I read that the newest buildings were built in the 1600s. So much history to explore. If only the walls could talk! Even without a castle it looks like a lovely spot to explore.
Haha it is mind-boggling to know that the newest buildings are over 400 years old, isn’t it? I love all of the history you get in England! It is a beautiful village to explore, I hope you get an opportunity to experience it in person!
This looks absolutely lovely. Thanks for sharing this beautiful location.
It is a stunning place to explore. Thanks for reading!
I have to be honest… At first I wondered why one would visit a place called Castle Combe but didn’t have a castle. But the photos of this adorable English village made it clear! I’d absolutely love to wander this charming town. Also, that stone in the village square reminds me of the Sword in the Stone!
Haha the name is misleading, isn’t it? It’s a shame the castle no longer remains! It’s such a charming place – I could have spent hours just strolling the streets exploring! I hope you get an opportunity to visit in person!
Hi Hannah – such a pretty place to explore. I love all the rock cobblestone buildings. The food looks delicious too! Can’t wait to visit the UK again.
Castle Combe is such a lovely place, definitely one worth exploring when you’re in the UK. I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!
What an adorable little village. It sounds like the perfect stop. These little English towns look so beautiful; thanks for telling me about another one I need to add to my list 🙂
I love quaint little English villages! Castle Combe is definitely one you don’t want to miss! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I’d love to visit the Cotswolds! They look like a lovely place to visit. Castle Combe sounds like a fun way to enjoy the area!
The Cotswolds are one of my favourite areas to explore in England! It’s great to spend a break driving through the pretty villages and admiring them! Castle COmbe is definitely one not to be missed!
It looks so beautiful! I love the architecture & your photography is beautiful! Great work!
Thanks so much Alice! It is a stunning area with beautiful buildings – it’s a dream for photographers!
I need to visit this part of England! Looks beautiful
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I hope you have an opportunity to explore it soon!
I adore Wiltshire but definitely have not explored enough of it! Castle Combe looks amazingly quaint and pretty. A quintessential English village. So photogenic! One for the list.
This was my first visit to Wiltshire and I’d love to see more of the area – let me know if you have any recommendations! Castle Combe is definitely one not to be missed, it is such a charming place!
This looks like a fairy tale town, very enchanting!
It is such a quaint and charming place! It’s well worth exploring – you feel like you’re stepping back in time!
I love the idea of the Little Picnic Shop! When I go here I’m definitely doing that!
It is a brilliant idea, isn’t it? Plus, the food was absolutely delicious! It is a great way to enjoy exploring Castle Combe while tucking into some great food!
I absolutely love that there are no street lights or modern things hanging out on the streets – as a photographer, those things always drive me INSANE. As many times as I’ve been o the UK, I’ve only ever made it to Bath on the edge of the Cotswolds, but I definitely plan to go back. Just another reason I always love seeing your images and posts!
Ah I know what you mean! You don’t realise how annoying streetlights are until you try to take photos! It’s definitely nice to photograph Castle Combe without those things getting in the way! Bath is a lovely city, we were visiting Bath on this trip and stayed just 20 minutes away at the edge of the Cotswolds. It’s surprising hoe close together everything was! If you’re back in Bath at some point I’d definitely recommend a Cotswolds day trip!
I love Castle Combe and the Cotswolds. It’s such a stunning area, and have so many amazing villages and towns to visit. I could easily spend a week or two exploring them. I agree sometimes the south part is a bit overlooked…I’m yet to explore that part a bit more too.
The Cotswolds is such a charming place, isn’t it? Castle Combe is especially beautiful, I can see why people consider it the prettiest village in England! I’d like to explore more of the South Cotswolds too, this was our first visit and there was definitely a lot more we didn’t get an opportunity to see!
I want to visit this part of the UK so so badly! It looks amazing!
Ah, the Cotswolds is such a beautiful area and well worth a trip! I hope you get to visit soon!
Castle comb looks stunning with its old world charm, no wonder why so many movies are shot here. The Castle combe manor house looks like a great place to stay, would love to visit here.
Castle Combe is such a magical place! It’s really charming just to stroll around and soak it all up! The Manor House is beautiful, it’s the perfect place for a Cotswolds escape!
Thank you for profiling such a quaint village. I love the fact the Little Picnic Shop prepares a picnic box for patrons to enjoy out in the countryside. What a great idea.
Castle Combe is stunning, isn’t it? I love that it is untouched by modern technology such as streetlights and TV aerials! The Little Picnic Shop is such a genius idea! And the food was delicious!
The village indeed looks so pretty. There is such an old age charm about it.
It is such a charming place and is well worth a visit!
This is a great guide! I cannot wait to visit the Costwolds. I’m very happy you’ve mentioned Castle Combe. I love discovering less popular but beautiful places. I am saving your guide for the future.
The Cotswolds is one of my favourite UK breaks! The whole area is so beautiful! I love hopping from one little village to the next! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon!
I miss living in the Cotswolds and being near beautiful places like this. Castle Combe is one of my favourites and I love your photos!
Ah! Living in the Cotswolds must have been beautiful! It’s such a lovely area! Castle Combe stole a little bit of my heart! Thanks for reading!
Oh wow it looks so magical! I can’t believe I still haven’t been here yet, despite having lived in the UK for over seven years. Definitely need to change that soon 😉 Thanks for the tips!
Castle Combe is a beautiful spot! I could spend my life exploring the Cotswolds…they’re so pretty! I hope you get a chance to visit!
I love that there are no modern buildings here, it always takes away from the historic beauty of a place. I’ll definitely go to Castle Combe when I head down south!
It’s so pretty to see a place free from modern sights, isn’t it! In most places, we’ll walk down the street without even noticing the TV aerials or streetlights. You only notice how much they alter the feel of the place when you go somewhere without them! Castle Combe is such a beautiful place, I definitely recommend paying a visit!
Castle Combe looks absolutely adorable! I can already see myself wandering through this gorgeous village and then enjoy a cold beer in one of the pubs. 🙂
Entering Castle Combe is just like stepping back in time! A wader through the village followed by a drink at the pub sounds like the best way to enjoy it!
I love the Little Picnic Shop! This looks so cute!
Me too! It’s such a great idea, isn’t it? And the food was delicious!
Thanks for sharing this! I have never visited but I would definitely like to!
It is a beautiful place, I hope you get an opportunity to see it for yourself! Thanks for reading!
Absolutely love castle Combe..and just the Cotswolds in general to be honest!
I agree! It is such a beautiful part of the country! It leaves me swooning every time I visit!