'Most beautiful' village with 'medieval' stone cottages that tourists love
With summer upon us, many are planning their getaways, yet there's no need to jet off abroad when the UK boasts some truly stunning destinations. Castle Combe in Wiltshire is often lauded as one of the prettiest villages not only in Britain but across the globe, making it an ideal spot for those exploring the Cotswolds.
Visitors to this picturesque village might feel as though they've wandered into a storybook, with its ancient stone cottages and charming, twisty lanes remaining untouched by modernity – a dream for anyone keen on sightseeing. But Castle Combe's allure isn't just architectural; it's also cradled by the natural splendour of the Cotswolds.
Travellers will find themselves amidst enchanting woodlands, undulating hills, and verdant countryside, all contributing to the village's magical vibe.
Described by Country Living as having houses "so pretty they should be on a postcard" due to its "ancient, honey-hued" cottages, Castle Combe has also earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveller's list of "most beautiful villages in the world".
CN Traveller praised the village, saying: "Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village located in the southwest county of Wiltshire. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches."
This idyllic village is the ultimate destination for photography enthusiasts, with the historic village bridge crossing the River Bybrook being a particularly picturesque spot to capture.
History buffs will be drawn to Castle Combe for its plethora of medieval structures, including the stunning St Andrew's church, established in the 13th century, reports the Express.
The church houses the tomb of Sir Walter de Dunstanville, Baron of Castle Combe and a crusader who passed away in 1270. It also boasts a quaint shop renowned for its charming postcards.
Film aficionados will find Castle Combe intriguing as it has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films, from the 1960s Doctor Dolittle to the more recent Stardust in 2007 and Steven Spielberg's War Horse in 2011.
Castle Combe offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking a leisurely holiday, providing opportunities for nature walks, historical exploration, and cosy evenings at the local pub.
For those embarking on a nature walk, the village's famed Little Picnic Shop provides everything needed for a delightful summer picnic.
However, for an authentic English countryside experience, a visit to The Old Rectory Pop-up Tearoom is a must. Here, guests can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea complete with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and a cuppa served in fine china.
The Old Stables offers a more laid-back yet snug setting for a coffee shop in the village, where patrons can indulge in a bacon sarnie or their hot drink of choice.
Castle Combe's residences often feature quaint stalls outside, vending local and homemade delights like jams, bakes, or sweets – ideal for picking up as you wander through the village.
Travel aficionado Jamie, the brains behind Explore with Ed, suggests that those keen on visiting Castle Combe should do so promptly, especially as the village is at its most charming in midsummer.
He commented: "The prettiness of Castle Combe is perhaps at its peak in the height of summer when the honey-coloured cottages are graced with colourful climbing plants and overflowing window baskets."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The historic English country estate which is now a hotel with private spa and grand bedrooms
There is even a spa and swimming pool on-site FANCY THAT The historic English country estate which is now a hotel with private spa and grand bedrooms MIDDLETHORPE Hall is arguably one of the hidden gems in the Yorkshire countryside, but still with a taste of the city not too far away. Here's everything you need to know - from room rates to dining options at the hotel's restaurant. Advertisement 2 Feel like royalty with a stay at Middlethorpe Hall Where is the hotel? Just two miles from York city centre, Middlethorpe Hall is a William III country house set in 20 acres of rolling parkland. It is found just an 11 minute drive from York Train Station, so easily accessible. What is the hotel like? If your mates were landed gentry, this would be their country pile. The 29-bedroom National Trust hotel on York's outskirts has the wow factor plus a warm, homely vibe. Advertisement Think grand wooden staircase, squashy sofas and delightful staff who waved us off with water and biscuits for our trip home. What are the rooms like? No sterile identikit decor here. Expect four posters, quirky antiques and old paintings, but still with the mod cons. If you opt to stay in the main house, you'll be met with a glorious view of the gardens. The range of rooms available includes Courtyard Suites, Courtyard Bedrooms, Cottage and Garden Suites, Main House Bedrooms and Main House Suites. Advertisement Rooms for two available at £289 per night on a bed and breakfast basis with use of the spa. What is there to eat or drink there? Dine in. The afternoon is fit for royalty- inventive open sandwiches, delicate cakes and an apple and black pudding sausage roll. Dinner was three fine courses, including dick with plum and a fig parfait, in the wood-panelled dining room with roaring fire. My companion, who has both gluten and dairy allergies, was also offered plenty of indulgent choices. No wonder it has two AA Rosettes. Advertisement What else is there to do at the hotel? The hotel boasts a miniature spa complex on site, with a pool, sauna, steam room and other spa treatments available, as well as the walled garden to relax in whilst you take in the countryside. You are also well-placed for York's sights and shops, with the racecourse also just a few minutes away. It is a picturesque place to take a walk on a sunny day. The hotel also offers connections to multiple tours in and around York, including The bespoke private walking tours in York and the Downton Abbey film locations in Yorkshire tour. For more information, click here. Advertisement Is the hotel family friendly? Yes, the hotel welcomes families with children aged 6 and over for a stay at the hotel, and aged 8 and over in the spa during specified swimming times. Dogs are also welcome in select rooms. Is the hotel accessible? Yes, Middlethorpe aims to be as inclusive as possible, and where not possible due to extenuating circumstances, they will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
We live in UK's ‘most beautiful village' ruined by tourists filming us through our WINDOWS & flying drones over gardens
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOCALS in a picturesque village say their town is being ruined by tourists who knock on their doors and take snaps of them inside their homes. Castle Combe in Wiltshire has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters such as Stardust and Steven Spielberg's War Horse and is a delightful day trip for sightseers. 5 Castle Combe in Wiltshire has become a hub for tourists from around the world Credit: Alamy 5 Locals have fumed that the chocolate box village has turned into the 'set of Disneyland' Credit: Alamy 5 A picturesque view of cottages with Cotswold stone walls in Castle Combe Credit: Getty Set within the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is routinely named as one of the prettiest villages in the country. Country Living listed the English village as one of the most picturesque places to visit in the country, writing: "This quintessentially English village is known as the 'prettiest village in England'. But residents in Castle Combe in the Cotswolds say their patience is running thin as visitors from around the world continue to disturb their peace. Around 400 people call the chocolate box village home, while 150,000 tourists pack into the idyllic area annually. Speaking to the Express, Hilary Baker, 69, a former police officer and bed and breakfast owner, urged visitors: "Give us a little bit of consideration." She added that drones have even been flown over the village, "filming children", but pointed out that this has been less of an issue recently. Ms Baker said: "That's what caused everybody to go, 'This is now beyond reasonable.' "Because our children are precious, you don't know who's on the other end of the camera. "I'm not casting aspersions, but you just don't know anymore. "It's out there in the ether before you can blink an eye." Our posh village is now ghost town strewn with empty homes Local Hilary, who has lived in the village for nearly four decades, was equally condemning of the behaviour of some visitors. She fumed: "If only they would stop and think, 'How would I feel sat in my garden minding own business with a drone flying 20 feet above my head?' "It could be four or five. I don't think they would cope with it either." "I was walking the dog and talking to one of my neighbours, when I saw this lady looking through my letterbox. "I said, 'Are looking for somebody? Can I help you?' They said, 'I'm just looking.' "I replied, 'People live here.' They said, 'Oh, do they?'" Another problem, the resident noted, is younger people using "suction cups" to attach their phones to his windows in order for them to take a photo of themselves. "They think it's part of the set of Disneyland," one anonymous local seethed. Jean Boucher, 86, a retired teacher, says she does not have much trouble with visitors, as her house is raised above the main street. But she added: "The whole world is full of tourists being a nuisance. "There are more people travelling, I suppose, and people are obsessed with photographing everything now." The Sun Online has reached out to Wiltshire Council for comment. 5 A woman poses for a photo in the village Credit: Alamy
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
We live in UK's ‘most beautiful village' ruined by tourists filming us through our WINDOWS & flying drones over gardens
LOCALS in a picturesque village say their town is being ruined by tourists who knock on their doors and take snaps of them inside their homes. Castle Combe in Wiltshire has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters such as Stardust and Steven Spielberg 's War Horse and is a delightful day trip for sightseers. 5 5 5 Set within the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is routinely named as one of the prettiest villages in the country. Country Living listed the English village as one of the most picturesque places to visit in the country, writing: "This quintessentially English village is known as the 'prettiest village in England '. But residents in Castle Combe in the Cotswolds say their patience is running thin as visitors from around the world continue to disturb their peace. Around 400 people call the chocolate box village home, while 150,000 tourists pack into the idyllic area annually. Speaking to the Express, Hilary Baker, 69, a former police officer and bed and breakfast owner, urged visitors: "Give us a little bit of consideration." She added that drones have even been flown over the village, "filming children", but pointed out that this has been less of an issue recently. Ms Baker said: "That's what caused everybody to go, 'This is now beyond reasonable.' "Because our children are precious, you don't know who's on the other end of the camera. "I'm not casting aspersions, but you just don't know anymore. "It's out there in the ether before you can blink an eye." Our posh village is now ghost town strewn with empty homes Local Hilary, who has lived in the village for nearly four decades, was equally condemning of the behaviour of some visitors. She fumed: "If only they would stop and think, 'How would I feel sat in my garden minding own business with a drone flying 20 feet above my head?' "It could be four or five. I don't think they would cope with it either." "I was walking the dog and talking to one of my neighbours, when I saw this lady looking through my letterbox. "I said, 'Are looking for somebody? Can I help you?' They said, 'I'm just looking.' "I replied, 'People live here.' They said, 'Oh, do they?'" Another problem, the resident noted, is younger people using "suction cups" to attach their phones to his windows in order for them to take a photo of themselves. "They think it's part of the set of Disneyland," one anonymous local seethed. Jean Boucher, 86, a retired teacher, says she does not have much trouble with visitors, as her house is raised above the main street. But she added: "The whole world is full of tourists being a nuisance. "There are more people travelling, I suppose, and people are obsessed with photographing everything now." The Sun Online has reached out to Wiltshire Council for comment. 5 5
