I visited England’s prettiest village—but I wouldn’t go back (Image: Getty)
Castle Combe is often described as one of the prettiest villages in England, with honey-coloured cottages, a historic stone bridge and winding streets that look as though they are frozen in time. Tucked away in Wiltshire on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, it has become a popular destination for tourists hoping to experience a quintessential English village.
But while its beauty is undeniable, I found the reality of visiting rather different from the picture-perfect images that make it so famous. Even on what I expected to be a quiet morning, there’s no doubt that this is slowly becoming one of the busiest Cotswolds villages.
It was hard to get a photo without lots of tourists (Image: Sophie Harris)
Visiting the village
Castle Combe is a historic village in Wiltshire, often nicknamed the prettiest village in England. Its reputation dates back decades, with its traditional stone houses, old-fashioned windows, and flower-filled gardens creating the sort of scene that evokes a period drama.
However, that beauty is also the reason so many people visit the village. What should feel like a peaceful wander through a historic location can instead feel like you’re navigating a photography set.
I’ve visited many times over the years, taking short walks through or staying in nearby hotels, and it’s getting busier and busier.
It also made me think about the village’s residents, especially those in the gorgeous cottages overlooking the stone bridge.
Castle Combe’s own visitor guidance asks people to respect residents’ privacy and avoid photographing homes or blocking roads and gateways.
There are some gorgeous hotels near Castle Combe (Image: Getty)
The main sights include the historic Market Cross (Image: Getty)
Parking
Parking is another source of frustration if you’re not nearby. The village’s narrow historic streets aren’t designed for large volumes of traffic, and there is very limited parking in the centre.
Visitors are directed to the designated car park at Dunns Lane; from there, you walk down into the village. Parking directly in the centre isn’t a realistic option for most visitors, and spaces can be limited during the summer months.
Things to do
Castle Combe is undeniably lovely to look at and wander through, but it is also very small. There isn’t a large high street lined with independent shops that you might find in other Cotswold villages.
The main sights include the historic Market Cross, St Andrew’s Church, the stone bridge over the By Brook and the cottages along the village street.
You can take your time admiring the architecture, stopping for something to eat and exploring the nearby footpaths, but you only need a couple of hours to do so.
Is it worth visiting?
Castle Combe is one of those villages that doesn’t really exist anywhere else in England. It is one of those places that lots of people want to see, but it’s not always the most enjoyable.
If you’re travelling through the Cotswolds, a quick pitstop to see the village could be fun, but I wouldn’t make a special trip just to Castle Combe.
