The Cotswolds: Castle Combe England
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, please see our Terms & Conditions page.
Sometimes called “the prettiest village in England,” the winding lanes and honey-colored cottages of Castle Combe are a perfect respite from the bustle of London. Nestled in a valley, and surrounded by verdant countryside, no houses have been built in the Cotswolds’ village since the 1600s. Read on to learn about the many things to do in Castle Combes England.
Full of stone walls and bridle paths, Castle Combe in the Cotswolds has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So scenic is the region that it has been featured in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse and the Downton Abbey series. Our travel blog post will help you discover the centuries old churches, pubs, and walking paths of this traditional English village. Learn about hotels, transportation, tours, and things to do in Castle Combe, England.
WHAT ARE THE COTSWOLDS
The Cotswolds’ is a region that runs through five English counties; Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. The area is characterized by caramel-colored stone, rolling hills (the “wolds”), country houses, and breathtaking landscapes. Full of gastro-pubs, old inns, and artisan crafters; the Cotswolds’ villages are a top choice for weekend get-aways from London, Bath, and other UK cities.
A BIT ABOUT CASTLE COMBE ENGLAND
Castle Combe was originally settled by the Romans. Centuries later, the Normans built a fortified castle on a hill overlooking the town. In the 12th century, the village became a woolen industry hub. The Tudor-style buildings that line the main street, the Market Cross, and St. Andrew’s Church were mostly constructed during this period. Between the 12th and 15th centuries, Castle Combe was owned by series of noble families.
Today, Castle Combe is celebrated as one of the prettiest villages in England. Its picturesque lanes are sought after film and television locations. Tourism is a major industry in the town of around 350 residents. Located in the Wiltshire province within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village has several notable landmarks including the Market Cross and the faceless clock of St. Andrew’s (reportedly the oldest working medieval clock in the country).
WHERE IS CASTLE COMBE
By car: From Bath or Bristol plan for a 30 minutes ride; from London a 2.5 hour ride; from Manchester a 3 hour and 20 minute ride. Parking is available in the village for a fee. Click here to investigate car rentals in the UK.
By train: Services from London Paddington, Bath, or Bristol stations run to Chippenham. It is a 5 mile ride from the Chippenham station to Castle Combe by taxi or private transport. Click here to investigate train schedules and routes.
By bus: Castle Combe is serviced by regional buses. Be aware that rural bus service can be sparse, especially on weekends and holidays.
THE COTSWOLDS & CASTLE COMBES TOURS
Due to Castle Combe’s rural location, excursions can be an efficient way to get to the village. A knowledgeable tour guide can provide information about local lore, history, and businesses. In addition, tours booked in smaller vehicles will often take guests on scenic back roads into the very heart of the Cotswolds. Here are a few well-reviewed Cotswolds and Castle Combe tours:
CASTLE COMBE HOTELS
The Cotswolds are known for the charming bed and breakfasts that dot the region. Whether a family-run farmhouse or luxurious guesthouse, you are sure to find a price point that works for you. Castle Combe is no exception, try these idyllic accommodations:
Castle Combe Manor House
The lovely Castle Combe Manor House hotel offers romantic accommodations, Michelin-star food, an 18-hole golf course, and afternoon tea. In addition to its elegant dining room, the hotel has a bar with an extensive gin menu. Choose from a room in the main house or from a row of cottages on the grounds.
Castle Inn
The atmospheric Castle Inn sits in the middle of town. Constructed in the 12th century, the building's original rooms have been updated with all the modern amenities. An onsite dining room serves local game, homemade desserts, and a blackboard full of daily specials.
The White Hart
The White Hart Hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms in the heart of Castle Combe. Onsite is a tavern dating back to the 14th century, a courtyard garden, and a dining room with fire place serving traditional pub food and ale.
THINGS TO DO IN CASTLE COMBE
1. Admire the town’s storybook architecture.
The Cotswold village has a wealth of 12th to 16th century cottages with arched doorways and large chimneys. Strolling through town feels like immersing in an English landscape painting.
2. Visit St. Andrew’s Church.
Visit the 13th century parish church to see its stained-glass windows and a faceless medieval clock that is thought to be the oldest working clock in the UK.
3. See the Market Cross.
In the 14th century, when the village was granted permission to hold a weekly market, the structure was erected in the center of the village. Often local artisans and farmers sell their wares in the area.
4. Have afternoon tea.
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Castle Combe Manor House. This traditional tea service is served 7 days a week.
5. Go on a Walk-About.
The countryside around Castle Combe is characterized by rolling pastures, streams, and stone walls. Go to castle-combe.co.uk for a list of local walks ranging from 1 to 6 miles.
6. Play Golf.
Play a round of 18-holes in the Wiltshire countryside at the Castle Combe Manor House Golf Club. Visitors can reserve tees 7 days a week, scheduling up to 4 weeks in advance. After finishing your round of golf, have lunch at the Full Glass Bar pub.
7. Do an English Pub Crawl.
Wandering the taverns of Castle Combe is a wonderful way to pass the afternoon. Begin at the historic Castle Inn, and then walk to the White Hart.
8. Shop Main Street.
Look for fairs and festivals in the Market Square. Visit the Ivy Covered Gift Shop. Peruse the wares that the locals set out in front of their houses. These “Honesty Stall” tables often sell baked goods, bunches of flowers, homemade crafts, books, and antiques on the honor system.
9. Indulge your Inner Photographer.
Walk the fairy tale village and photograph the Tudor-styles houses with their steeply pitched roofs, cobblestone courtyards, and inner gardens.
10. Castle Combe Circuit.
Race fans will enjoy checking out the Castle Combe Circuit. The 3 km-long racing circuit hosts motor racing (cars and motorcycle) events and driving events throughout the racing season.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CASTLE COMBE
Spring: March, April, & May in the Cotswolds brings mild weather and an eruption of color. Temperatures range from around 44’ F to 60’ F.
Summer: June, July, and August are peak tourist season. The weather is warm ranging from 64’ F to 74’F.
The days are long and all businesses are open.
Autumn: September, October, and November bring the fall foliage and vibrant displays of color. Temperatures range from 51’F to 60’F. The weather is just right for long walks, outdoor festivals, and drinks by the fire.
Winter: December, January, and February feature the year’s coldest and rainiest days. Temperatures hover between 39’F and 46’F. If the weather pattern is right, snow can pile and drift.
While the weather is best in the summer; the warmer months also bring the most visitors and the small Cotswolds villages can seem overwhelmed. We think the best time to visit Castle Combe is in the spring or autumn when the foliage is in bloom and the villages are less crowded.
HOW MUCH TIME TO SPEND IN CASTLE COMBE
Although picturesque, the village of Castle Combe is quite small. You can see the village in a few hours. However, consider using the beautiful hamlet as a base for hiking, e-biking, scenic drives, and exploring other locations in the Cotswolds.
DAY TRIPS THAT PAIR WELL WITH THE COTSWOLDS
Toodles and cheers, Laura and Randy
For more information on UK travel, read our travel blog post on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
Comments