12+ Things to Do in Castle Combe (England’s Prettiest Village)
Often described as England’s prettiest village, Castle Combe is one of the most popular stops on any Cotswolds itinerary.
Honey-coloured cottages with crooked roofs line the charming winding lanes and the gentle Bybrook river flows through the village. The effect is of a fairytale village, which has barely changed for centuries. There are no electrical cables, street lights or TV aerials to spoil the view, making it one of the most photographed spots in the UK.
We live just a short drive from Castle Combe and visit regularly. The first thing you need to know is that Castle Combe is tiny. You could literally see it in 10 minutes, but that would be missing its charm.
Although the village itself could be seen in under an hour, if you linger a little longer, you’ll find Castle Combe seeps into your soul. Stop for lunch in a cosy pub, enjoy afternoon tea at the luxurious Manor House Hotel or take a walk in the surrounding Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This guide covers the best things to do in Castle Combe, plus tips on how to get there, where to stay, and nearby attractions you won’t want to miss. We’ve included a mini-guide to the best things to do with kids in Castle Combe, as in our experience they don’t usually want to admire pretty cottages.
While you’re in the area, our complete Cotswolds guide and guide to visiting Oxford, both of which are jam packed with all the best things to do in the area.
You’ll find lots of excellent options for day trips and longer visits in our local guide to the best things to do in the Cotswolds and a great 2-day North Cotswolds Itinerary.
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What to Do in Castle Combe
1. Admire the Cottages on Water Lane & West Street
As you wander around the village, the main attractions are the honey stone cottages. Each cottage is unique in character, and looking up ‘The Street’ from the weavers’ cottages on Water Lane (remnants of the once prosperous local wool industry) you’ll love admiring the vine covered fronts of the houses and haphazardly arranged roof tiles stretching up towards the market cross.
Near the market cross, through an iron gate you will find West Street. A quintessentially English street of romantic Grade II listed cottages, with tiny dormer windows and small but perfectly formed cottage gardens.
Tip: The most iconic Castle Combe photo is looking up “The Street” from the bridge — but West Street or the Market Cross often give you equally beautiful shots without the crowds.
2. Visit St. Andrew’s Church
St Andrew’s church dates from the 13th Century, although there is evidence of pagan and Roman activity in the area from long before this time.
The church itself is a remnant of the woollen trade, when rich local lords and merchants donated vast sums of money to the church. Inside the church is well worth a visit. You’ll find an impressive vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and a rare, faceless medieval clock.
Insider tip: Entry is free, but donations help with ongoing restoration.
3. Relax by the bridge over the Bybrook (and watch tourists posing on the bridge!)
The view from the little bridge over the Bybrook river is one of the most photographed in the Cotswolds and a must-see Castle Combe attraction.
If you want a photograph without lots of other tourists, you’ll need to arrive very early or have a lot of patience.
Insider note: Cars do occasionally use this lane — if you’re taking photos, keep an eye out! For a more peaceful moment, sit on the bench nearby and watch red kites circling overhead, or fish splashing in the river.
4. See the historic Market Cross
One of the most iconic Castle Combe attractions can be found as you enter the village: the medieval market cross. The market cross was built when the village was given the rights to hold a weekly market in the 14th century, and remains a picturesque meeting point in the centre of the village. Traders would have traded sheep and wool from this point when the wool trade was prosperous. From here you can wander through an iron gate to pretty West Street and on to admire The Manor Hotel.
Local tip: The Market Cross is busiest late morning when tour buses arrive. Visit before 10am or after 4pm for quieter photos.
5. Enjoy a Picnic from The Little Picnic Shop or have tea with the fairies
If you plan to stay for lunch and fancy elevating your picnic beyond a soggy sandwich, pre-order a picnic box from The Little Picnic shop. Collect your picnic from a door hatch on The Street. Afternoon tea picnics cost around £20 per person. For extra style, you can even hire a wicker hamper to transport your treats.
Tip: Picnics must be pre-ordered. If you’re visiting with kids, ask about the Fairy Picnic, which comes with a gift and directions to a hidden fairy hollow in the nearby beech woods.
6. Walk the 5km Loop to Long Dean
For an easy walk in the area, we love this 3 mile circular walk to Long Dean Mill cottages from Castle Combe. The walk passes a fairy log door, and takes you up into the surrounding woods which feel a world away from the village on busy days.
This is a really lovely woodland walk through woods filled with birdsong. This is one of our kids favourite walks: they love finding the fairy door and peeking inside.
Insider note: The woodland path can get muddy after rain, so bring sturdy shoes. In autumn, this walk is especially magical with golden leaves overhead.
7. Indulge in Afternoon Tea at the opulent Manor House Hotel
Treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea at The Manor House Hotel. This is a great way of experiencing this simply stunning Cotswolds Hotel. Enjoy three tiers of delicious treats in your choice of the Michelin starred Bybrook restaurant, outdoor terrace or one the comfortable lounges.
Tea is available from 1pm until 4pm. Around £42 per person, book in advance as this is very popular.
While you’re there, take a stroll around the lovely Italian gardens and make sure to stop for pictures on the staircase between the gardens and the manor.
Tip: Afternoon tea books up weeks in advance, especially on weekends. If you can’t get a table, stroll through the gardens — they’re worth the visit alone.
8. Enjoy Coffee & Sweet Treats at The Old Stables
For a more affordable treat, we love The Old Stables Coffee Shop which is located in a small yard half way along The Street, between the bridge and the market cross.
Relax with a locally renowned Rave coffee and excellent, buttery layered pastries. At lunchtime homemade soup or baguettes are on the menu.
If the weather is nice, you can sit out in the yard, or cosy up inside by the log burner in the winter months.
Insider note: Don’t miss the traditional red phone box outside.
9. Stop for a drink at a cosy, medieval Pub
Stop at the Castle Inn, next to the market cross, to relax and enjoy the ambience of this rustic medieval pub right in the heart of the village. It’s a great place to stop after a day of exploring and watch the world go by.
Alternatively, try The White Hart on the opposite side of the street for an equally historic drinking establishment.
Tip: The Castle Inn has a beautiful outdoor terrace in summer, while The White Hart is cosier in winter with its roaring fire.
10. Visit Castle Combe Racing Circuit
If you enjoy motor racing, check out Castle Combe race track which has been hosting high speed action-packed races since the 1960s. They also offer track days for those who want to try it out for themselves.
Insider note: Check the events calendar before your visit.
11. Take the Circular Walk to Ford
For a longer hike, try the 6 mile circular route to the hamlet of Ford, where you can stop for a drink at The White Hart pub (they also have accommodation) before continuing back along the forest path through the valley to By Brook stone bridge and on to Castle Combe for a well earned rest.
Pro tip: The White Hart in Ford serves hearty pub meals — it’s a perfect halfway stop before heading back through the woods to Castle Combe. Walking boots are recommended, particularly in winter when it can be very muddy.
12. Spot Film Locations (War Horse, Stardust, Doctor Dolittle)
Castle Combe has been a backdrop for several Hollywood films, taking advantage of the quaint appearance in this village where time seems to stand still. Spot film locations from the village of ‘Wall’ in the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s ‘Stardust’. You’ll also recognise scenes from ‘Wolfman’, ‘Dr Dolittle’ and in the 2011 film ‘War horse’.
Map of Castle Combe
Castle Combe with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities
The appeal of pretty cottages isn’t always as obvious to children. After years of visiting, here’s how we keep our kids interested.
- A fairy door walk and picnic (check out the location of the hollow log on the Long Dean walk linked above).
- Combining Castle Combe with a visit to Lacock, another wonderful town with and abbey and abbey grounds, historic bakery, church and a great play area for kids. Lacock is much bigger than Castle Combe and a good option if you are staying for longer than a day. It also has plenty of options for eating and drinking, from the bakery to traditional pubs and an ice cream kiosk.
- Hot chocolate and sweet treats at The Old Stables Cafe.
- Paddling in the By Brook river
When Is the Best Time to Visit Castle Combe?
Castle Combe has something different to offer in every season, there isn’t a perfect time to visit, in fact a day trip to Castle Combe is lovely at any time of the year.
- In spring cherry blossoms arrive in The Manor Grounds and the woodlands burst into life. Spot lambs and baby goats in the nearby fields. This is a lovely time for walks before retreating to a cosy pub or cafe for the evening.
- In autumn the woodlands surrounding the village come alive with vibrant colours and the light lends a magical air to the village. The red leaves of climbing plants against the honey-coloured brickwork is particularly striking making it the perfect time for a day out in Castle Combe.
- A frosty winter’s day adds a bit of extra sparkle to this already very lovely village. Winter is a great time for blustery walks before getting cosy inside next to an open fire or log burner. You’re also much more likely to have the village to yourself, and parking is a breeze.
- Summer is very busy, with a constant flow of tour groups passing through. Parking can be difficult, despite the large car park. If you do visit Castle Combe in summer, make sure to head out into the surrounding countryside where you’ll find some peace and a slower pace, away from the tour groups who stop for 15 minutes for a quick photo before moving on. There are plenty of attractions in Castle Combe for a summers day, just make sure to time your visit carefully.
Things to Do Near Castle Combe
- Lacock – Abbey, historic village, good food and accommodation options, children’s play areas and plenty of walking opportunities. 15 minute drive from Castle Combe.
- Dyrham Park – A National Trust deer park and manor house outside Bath with extensive grounds, cafe and children’s play areas. 20 minute drive from Castle Combe.
- Bath – Just 20 minutes away, find Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, excellent shopping and dining in this grand city (once home to Jane Austen). We recommend taking the train from Chippenham rather than driving (parking in Bath is exceptionally limited and best avoided).
Where to Stay in Castle Combe: Mid budget and Luxury options
Staying in Castle Combe means you can experience the village after the crowds have departed. It feels like a completely different place in the evenings and early mornings and is well worth a night.
Luxury
The Manor House Hotel – Fine dining at a Michelin starred restaurant, a golf course and manicured gardens with sweeping vistas are the order of the day at this bucket list worthy hotel.
Traditional pubs
The Castle Inn is operated by the same owners as the Manor house. This 12th Century Inn is right in the heart of the village and the perfect place to people watch.
The White Hart in Ford is just 3 miles from Castle Combe is a great option for a traditional pub, with luxurious rooms but without the crowds you’ll find in Castle Combe. Perfect for escaping to the Cotswold countryside in peace.
Self-catering Cottages:
Fox Den Cottage is beautiful cottage on the edge of the village, which sleeps up to six people. With wooden beams and roses growing around the front door, this is the quintessential English cottage.
Castleigh Cottage is another gorgeous option on pretty West Street, with a courtyard garden and beautifully decorated rooms. We love the wooden beams, low ceilings and very cool dining room.
Unique Stays
Delkin Shepherds Huts are within walking distance of Castle Combe and offer beautifully designed Shephers hut sleeping up to 4 people. This countryside escape offers a hot tub to hire, BBQs, games and firepits.
Budget Options
Try nearby Chippenham, a market town which has plenty of affordable options and easy access by bus or car to Castle Combe. Chippenham is perfectly places between Castle Combe and Bath.
Insider Tips for your visit to Castle Combe
There are actually two parts to castle Combe. The most popular part is Lower Castle Combe, but Upper Castle Combe can be found at the top of the hill and is much quieter.
Visit in the shoulder seasons, on weekdays or in winter for the best chance of enjoying the village without crowds of other tourists.
Bring cash for the occasional “Honesty stalls” which local residents often have on their doorsteps. You pop your payment through the letterbox.
Parking is only 80p on Sundays in Dunn’s lane carpark.
Best Photo Locations in Castle Combe
- The most photographed location in Castle Combe is the bridge by Water Lane, looking up The Street. Be prepared to wait, it gets busy here.
- The stone steps leading down to the Manor Hotel
- West Street cottages, enter through the metal gate near to the Castle Inn and market cross
- The traditional red phone box near the Old Stables Cafe.
- If you head out of the village, past the public toilets, you will find a small stone bridge which is also a great photo spot.
- Cross over the stone bridge mentioned above, then take the footpath up the valley, you will be rewarded with lovely views of the church and village through the trees.
How to Get to Castle Combe (By Car, Parking & Public Transport)
Driving to and Parking in Castle Combe
Castle Combe is easy to get to, located just 15 minutes from Junction 17 of the M4 motorway.
Parking: There is a large car park on Dunns Lane, from which there is a short but steep (downhill) walk into the village. Parking costs from 40p for an hour to £5.60 for a full day.
During school holidays and summer weekends, arrive early to avoid the crowds and tour groups. Weekdays and early mornings are much quieter and a better time to visit if you are able to.
There are a very limited number of parking spaces available on the upper section of ‘The Street’. Do not park on the other sections of the road, denoted by double yellow lines and monitored by security cameras.
How to get to Castle combe using Public Transport
- From Chippenham take the 95 or 95A bus to Castle Combe (about 20 minutes journey and somewhat infrequent so please plan ahead) or book a taxi.
- From Bath or Bristol, first take the train to Chippenham, then continue by bus or taxi.
FAQs About Castle Combe
Is Castle Combe worth visiting?
Yes! It is tiny, but is still one of the prettiest and most historic spots in the Cotswolds.
How long do you need in Castle Combe?
It depends. If you just want to see the village, an hour is enough. If you stop for a walk, afternoon tea or lunch you’ll need about half a day or more.
Can you drive through Castle Combe?
Vehicles do enter the village, however this is only for access to private properties and accommodation. Park outside at Dunn’s Lane carpark and walk into the village.
What is Castle Combe famous for?
Castle Combe is famous as the ‘prettiest village’ in England. It also has several film locations, and is a quintessential Cotswolds town.
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