A Visit to Castle Combe: England’s Prettiest Village

I had always heard Castle Combe described as the “prettiest village in England,” and let me tell you, the rumours are absolutely spot on, it is very pretty. The prettiest? Of course that is subjective to the visitor.

Tucked away in the Cotswolds, just a few miles northwest of Chippenham, wandering into this village feels exactly like walking onto a movie set. In fact, it is one—Stephen Spielberg used it for War Horse, among many other period dramas.

As an Oldham lad who spends most of his time up on the northern moors or in the Lakes, coming down to the Cotswolds always feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved piece of the past.

The whole place is a fairy-tale of tiny, traditional weavers’ cottages made of honey-coloured Cotswold stone.

Photographing the Village

You could stroll from one end of Castle Combe to the other in about 15 minutes, but you’ll want to take your time. Every angle and every turn presents a perfect frame.

I had my smartphone working overtime, capturing the incredible character of the ancient front doors and the winding main street. It is virtually impossible to take a bad photograph here.

The Classic Photo Spot: For the ultimate shot, walk all the way down the main street to the ambling Bybrook river.

Stop at the old stone bridge and look back up the village. This is the perfect vantage point to capture the true essence of the place, making for a brilliant memory (and a great shot for your social feeds).

A Dive into Castle Combe’s History

You know I love a good dive into British history and the heritage behind these ancient places. Castle Combe prospered during the 15th century when a Norfolk knight, Sir John Fastolf, was Lord of the Manor.

He made the village the centre of a thriving wool trade, supplying his own troops and those fighting in Henry V’s war in France.

Right in the centre of the village, you’ll find the 14th-century market cross, erected when the privilege to hold a weekly textile market was first granted.

Just steps away is St Andrew’s Church, which houses a fascinating piece of heritage: a faceless clock reputed to be the oldest working clock in England.

Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink

If you want to make a proper trip of it, I highly recommend treating yourself to a stay at the Manor House Hotel.

The magical sweeping driveway sets the tone, and the Michelin-starred Bybrook restaurant is truly out of this world. (They even have a dedicated gin bar!).

You know you’re at a luxury country hotel when they offer you a choice of Hunter or Le Chameau wellies for a walk around their 365 acres of manicured grounds.

My two dogs, Malc (Border Collie) and Pete (German Wirehaired Pointer), were absolutely in their element stretching their legs and exploring the estate with me as my trusty trail buddies.

Down in the village itself, you’ll discover lovely little touches, like homemade cakes and flowers left outside locals’ cottages complete with an honesty box.

For something a bit heartier, pop into the Castle Inn. Finding a spot by their roaring log fire with a pint is the perfect way to cap off a cold day of exploring.

Whether you are a stressed-out city worker needing a quiet escape, a photographer looking for the perfect shot, or a keen rambler looking for a base to access the surrounding Cotswold trails, Castle Combe really is something special.