Things to Do in Castle Combe England
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Castle Combe is one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages. Quintessentially English, the village is full of Tudor-style cottages and inns built from honey-colored stone. Charming, relaxing, and picture-perfect; a trip to the hamlet is a great introduction to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Read our travel blog post to learn about the best things to do in Castle Combe England.
Castle Combe is a part of the Cotswolds – a five county region designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southwest England. Although located only about 15 miles from Bath, the village seems lost in time. So much so, that its ancient lanes have been featured in a number of period films including War Horse, Stardust, Dr. Dolittle, and Downton Abbey.
The quaint streets and pastoral landscapes of Castle Combe make it an ideal setting for a Cotswolds getaway. For more information on traveling to Castle Combe, read our article, “The Cotswolds: Castle Combe England.”
THE COTSWOLDS & CASTLE COMBE TOURS
Located in rural Wiltshire County, many visitors choose to explore Castle Combe on a tour. Tours can be booked in large or small groups (large groups are typically less expensive; small groups are able to able to drive on the scenic “back roads” of the Cotswolds region).
See the list below to view some of the more popular tours to Castle Combe and other Costwolds villages.
CASTLE COMBE HOTELS
While day trips are great, an overnight stay in the region allows you to soak up the local culture. The Cotswolds villages are home to many charming bed and breakfasts; including the three inns listed below.
Castle Combe Manor House
This beautiful country inn offers luxurious accommodations. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, 18-hole golf course, and afternoon tea. In addition, Castle Combe Manor House has an elegant bar, gardens, and walking paths. Book a hotel room or a cottage.
Castle Inn
Overlooking Market Square, the Castle Inn is a 12th century building that has been updated to include many modern amenities. The menu in the main dining room serves local game, seasonal vegetables, homemade desserts, and other regional favorites.
The White Hart
The White Hart Inn is located in the heart of Castle Combe. Built in the 14th century, the hotel offers guests rooms, a courtyard garden, and a tavern with fire place.
Most people will arrive in Castle Combe by car. For a fee, there is public parking at the Dunns Lane Car Park (Upper Castle Combe, Chippenham SN14 7HH, United Kingdom). Click here to find information on car rentals in the UK. Or, click here for information on train travel to Chippenham (5 miles away).
THINGS TO DO IN CASTLE COMBE
EXPLORE THE STORYBOOK VILLAGE
Sometimes called the prettiest of the Cotswolds villages, strolling the medieval lanes of Castle Combe is a must-do activity. The town’s main street is lined with houses and cottages made from honey-colored local limestone, called Cotswolds stone. This conservation area has over 100 buildings that are historical landmarks.
Begin at the Market Square monument and slowly make your way to the picturesque bridge that spans Bybrook River. Lined with Tudor-style houses and mill buildings from the town’s time as a weaving hub, no homes have been erected in this area since the 1600s.
SNAP A PHOTO OF THE MARKET CROSS
The Castle Combe Market Square monument is thought to have been erected in the 14th century. At that time, the village was a woolen hub that was granted permission to hold a weekly market.
The monument consists of a cross that sits on a stone pedestal under a wooden canopy that is decorated with roses and shields. Today, the cross serves a gathering place in town. Often, on holidays and weekends, tables will be set up around the monument with wares for sale.
STOP BY ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH
Founded in 13th century, St. Andrew’s Church holds the history of Castle Combe in its walls. Ruled by noblemen (Castle Combe was a barony) throughout the medieval period, evidence of the town’s ruling families can be found in the tombs, cemetery, monuments, and stained-glass windows of the church and churchyard.
Funded by the town’s affluent wool merchants the church’s tower was built during the 14th century. At the base of the tower, notice the faceless clock on display. The clock is thought to be one of the oldest working clocks in the country.
ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA
What is more British than afternoon tea? Visit the Castle Combe Manor House to enjoy the ritual (open 7 days a week, advance booking recommended). The menu includes tea and homemade nibbles. The service takes place in the Bybrook dining room or on the hotel’s terrace. If you are traveling with a group, The Old Rectory Pop-Up Tearoom is also an option.
STRETCH YOUR LEGS WITH A WALK-ABOUT
The Cotswolds villages are crisscrossed with historic stone walls and miles of footpaths. There is no better way to take in the rolling hills and meadows of wildflowers than on foot. The website castle-combe.co.uk offers a list of local walking routes that range from 1-6 miles.
We suggest trying the 3.6 mile Castle Combe and Nettleton Mill Circular loop which begins and ends in town. The trail passes by rushing streams, lush woodlands, and the historic Nettleton Mill. The trek is estimated to take about 1.5 hours to complete.
DINE AT A MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANT
The Bybrook is a Michelin starred restaurant at the Castle Combe Manor House hotel. The dining room is named after the stream that runs through the village. This well-known restaurant serves traditional British and modern European cuisine. Dine in an elegant dining room with garden views.
INDULGE IN A PUB CRAWL
Begin your pub crawl at the rustic Castle Inn. Built in the 12th century, this historic inn has a traditional pub that features exposed beams, stone walls, and a fireplace. The menu features ales, local cheeses, game, steak, and fish. After a pint or two, walk down the street to The White Hart pub. Order another pint and drink it on the outdoor patio.
SHOP FOR LOCAL WARES
Castle Combes has a few traditional stores to peruse. And, on certain dates, visitors will happen upon fairs in the Market Square. On others days, locals will set “honesty stalls” in front of their houses. These tables are loaded with pastries, wild flowers, home-made crafts, and books. Payment is on the honor system.
If you want a snack, check out The Old Stables (coffee and sandwiches) or The Little Picnic Shop (sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages).
PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF
Enjoy the Wiltshire countryside with a round of golf at the Castle Combe Manor House Golf Club. The 18-hole par 72 golf course is known for its beautiful, but challenging tree-lined fairways, rippling landscape, and spectacular views. Open to the public 7 days a week, tee time and buggy reservations are taken up to 4 weeks in advance.
INDULGE YOUR INNER PHOTOGRAPHER
Castle Combe England is a photographer’s dream. If you live to snap photos, plan to spend a few hours here. The village’s medieval architecture and idyllic natural landscapes make for postcard-worth prints. Noteworthy photo stops include Market Square, the Castle Inn, St. Andrew’s Church, and the Bybrook bridge. Instagram heaven!
WATCH MOTOR RACING
Fans of motorsports will be thrilled to find the Castle Combe Circuit on the outskirts of town. The 3-km long racing circuit is home to a full calendar of motorsport events. Once an airfield during World War II, today the property holds car and motorcycle races, club events, and sponsors a racing school.
Until next time, Laura and Randy
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