Things To Do In Castle Combe: The UK’s Prettiest Village
Are you looking for the best things to do in Castle Combe? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Living just a few hours away, I often visit Castle Combe, an enchanting and traditional village where each visit feels like I’ve stepped out of the modern world.
If you’re looking for a day trip or weekend getaway from London, Castle Combe is an escape that takes you into the heart of the Cotswolds. It’s often referred to as the ‘prettiest village in England,’ and is seemingly untouched by the hands of time.
In this guide, I’ll go through the best things to do, where to eat and how you can get to the stunning village of Castle Combe.
The History Of Castle Combe
Hearing the name Castle Combe might make you picture a grand castle as the village’s centrepiece, and once upon a time, you wouldn’t be wrong.
There was a castle that was built in 1135 up on the hill that overlooks the town, but this got abandoned and was pretty much a wreck beyond repair by the 1400s. Now, all that’s left are some old earthworks.
After the castle fell out of use, Castle Combe pivoted to the cloth industry. The Manor House replaced the castle but down in the valley, and those stone houses you see were built during this busy period.
The village had all the right ingredients for cloth-making – local sheep wool, the Bybrook River, fullers earth, and skilled weavers. Their red and white cloth became famous, not just locally, but in London and even overseas.
The right to hold a weekly market, granted in 1440, made the village’s Market Cross a bustling spot. But by the 16th century, as the By Brook River slowed down, the cloth industry moved on, leaving behind the quaint buildings that give Castle Combe its unique look today.
No new buildings have been added to the village since the 1600s which has practically frozen it in time.
Map Of Castle Combe
The Best Things To Do In Castle Combe
For such a small spot, Castle Combe is packed with things to do, all just a short walk away from each other. You can actually walk the length of the village end to end in under 10 minutes!
There are two cosy pubs, a quaint tea room, a little picnic shop, and even a bar at The Manor House.
If you’re up for more, the surrounding area offers beautiful longer walks through the wooded river valley, perfect for outdoor lovers.
Wander Around The Village
So I guess this one is obvious but take your time wandering along the quaint street that runs through the village. It’s almost hard to believe how old-world it still looks here and the old stone buildings are just beautiful.
Keep an eye out for some houses with these cute little stalls right at their front doors. They’ve got a tempting spread of cakes, jams, and drinks. The cool part? There’s no one there manning the stalls.
Instead, they’ve got these honesty boxes by the letterbox, so you can pay for what you take. It’s a pretty sweet touch and I’ve never seen this anywhere else in England.
See The Market Cross
When you’re exploring Castle Combe, it’s pretty hard to miss the Market Cross as it sits right in the heart of the village.
The Market Cross has a rich history dating back centuries, and it once played a central role in the village’s life. In medieval times, this stone cross was a bustling hub for the local market, particularly renowned for its cloth trade.
While Castle Combe still hosts a market a few times a month, it has now moved to the village hall and you’ll find a selection, of crafts, cakes and jams.
Visit The Picturesque By brook Bridge
At the bottom end of the village, you will find the old packhorse bridge that arches over the By Brook River. This has got to be the most photographed spot and one of the best things to do in Castle Combe and it’s easy to see why!
When you look back towards the sleepy village you will get a picture-perfect view of the stoney street nestled between the surrounding forest. When we visited in winter, this view really reminded me of those little villages on the front of Christmas cards!
It does get very busy here during the day, especially on weekends and I recommend getting here early to beat the crowds and have the spot to yourself!
The row of houses by the bridge on Water Lane is also extremely stunning but please do be respectful of the gate they have put in place and admire from afar. We saw multiple people going under/over it and peering into people’s windows!
Have Afternoon Tea At Manor House
Just a short walk from the main street of Castle Combe, you’ll find the beautiful 14th-century Manor House. Nestled amidst stunning grounds, this honey-stone mansion beautifully showcases the iconic Cotswold charm.
While you’re there, take your time to wander through the picturesque grounds, where you can admire the towering Giant Sequoia and the peaceful River By Brook winding its way past.
You can also treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at the Manor House where you can enjoy a selection of delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a variety of sweet treats.
Visit St Andrews Church
When exploring things to do in Castle Combe, you shouldn’t miss St. Andrew’s Church.
Nestled just off the main street, this beautiful church is adorned with stunning stained glass windows. Dating back to medieval times, it houses one of England’s oldest clocks, believed to have origins in the 1500s.
With its Cotswold stone architecture, St. Andrew’s Church was built in the 13th century and was later remodelled in the 1800s after the original building deteriorated.
Walk The Castle Combe – Ford Loop
If you have some spare time, I highly recommend taking a stroll along the Castle Combe – Ford Loop.
This scenic and relatively easy walk, covering approximately 6 miles (or 4.5 miles if you choose to cut back along The Street from Ford), guides you through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Cotswolds.
The path meanders through tranquil woodlands, over rolling hills, and across open fields, eventually leading you to the picturesque village of Ford.
Places To Eat In Castle Combe
You might be surprised to hear that for such a small village, you’ll have plenty of options for food including pub grub, homemade cakes and a Michelin-star restaurant.
The Old Stables
I missed The Old Stables the first time I visited Castle Combe as it’s tucked just off the side of the main street, but each time I’ve returned it’s my go-to place for a coffee.
This cosy tearoom is so warm and welcoming and has an array of locally made cakes, coffee and light bites to enjoy. In the colder months, they have the log burner lit and in the summer months, they have a lovely outdoor area to sit and soak in the sunshine.
Furry friends are welcome here too which is an added bonus!
The Castle Inn
The Castle Inn, a historic building built in the 12th century, is located just behind the Market Cross and this charming pub is a quintessential part of the village’s heritage.
Inside, you can enjoy traditional gastro dishes and a cosy fireplace, perfect for the colder months. If you prefer outdoor seating, they also have a small patio where you can soak up the village’s atmosphere while enjoying a drink.
The White Hart
Castle Combe boasts not one, but two pubs. The second one, The White Hart, is just across the road from St. Andrew’s Church.
This charming old inn was built in the 14th century and has heaps of history! Here you’ll find a cosy atmosphere, hearty meals, and a taste of classic English inn vibes when you visit.
Manor House
So I’ve already mentioned that the Manor House is one of the best things to do in Castle Combe for afternoon tea. But that’s not all – they’ve got some other tasty offerings too.
If you’re up for a fancy meal, check out their Michelin-starred restaurant, “By Brook” where you can indulge in a seven-course menu. If you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, they also have a regular a la carte dining spot.
Plus, they have The Full Glass Bar where you can kick back, enjoy a cocktail, and take in the awesome countryside views.
The Little Picnic Shop
Whoever came up with the idea of a takeaway picnic is an absolute genius!
These little boxes are packed with goodies, from sandwiches, cakes and other picky bits, perfect for a picnic on a warm summer day. It’s best to pre-order these to avoid disappointment.
Where To Stay In Castle Combe
Just like there are plenty of things to do in Castle Combe, there is also a good selection of places to stay.
The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club is home to 50 rooms either in the main house or in the quaint Mews Cottages just across from the hotel.
The historic hotel is set on 365 acres with a tennis court and golf course.
This historic inn boasts exposed beams and traditional architecture dating back to the 12th century.
The comfy rooms are filled with character and the Castle Inn is located just behind the Market Cross.
This holiday home sleeps up to 6 people and has 3 bedrooms. It’s located just across from the Market Cross and is right next to St Andrew’s Church.
This dog-friendly luxury cottage oozes medieval charm and has 3 bedrooms and an outdoor hot tub for a modern touch.
Like with the other properties, The Old Courthouse is conveniently located in the heart of the village.
Things To Do Near Castle Combe
There are plenty of things to do near Castle Combe and it serves as a great base for exploring the other parts of the Cotswolds.
Lacock Village & Lacock Abbey
The charming village of Lacock dates back to the 13th century and is steeped in history. With its picturesque streets and well-preserved medieval buildings, Lacock offers another glimpse into the past.
You also shouldn’t miss Lacock Abbey made famous for its appearances in the Harry Potter films! Originally founded as a nunnery in the 1200s the abbey has had multiple uses over the years and showcases centuries of architectural beauty.
Bath
Just a short drive away, the beautiful city of Bath is renowned for its thermal Roman baths dating back to the 1st century and its stunning architecture nestled in the valley of the River Avon.
The city is rich in history and you can spend hours exploring its picturesque streets and grand Georgian buildings. It’s also a great place to go for a night out or some shopping.
Avebury
If you thought some of the sights in Castle Combe were old, then wait until you get to Avebury!
This Neolithic site predates many of the world’s most famous landmarks, with its stone circles and henge dating back somewhere between 4,000 – 5,000 years.
As you explore Avebury’s ancient landscape, you’ll encounter some of the largest megaliths in Europe, and unlike Stonehenge, you can walk up to these stones and touch them.
How To Get To Castle Combe
Although it’s tucked away in the countryside, there are a few options on how you can reach Castle Combe.
By Car
Castle Combe is situated just off the M4 motorway which makes it really easy to reach by car. Once you’re off the motorway, you’ll find yourself winding through beautiful country roads that lead directly to the village.
So as you can imagine, there’s no parking on the one street that leads through Castle Combe as this definitely wouldn’t suit the vibe! There is however a car park that’s about a 5 – 10 minute walk from the centre, you can find it here. This does fill up very quickly so I recommend you arrive early where possible!
By Public Transport
If you prefer to travel by public transport, you can take a train to Chippenham and then catch the 95 bus (or a taxi) to Castle Combe.
If you do choose to get the bus, I highly recommend checking the timetable before starting your trip as they only run a few times a day and not at all on a Sunday!
Final Thoughts: Things To Do In Castle Combe: The UK’s Prettiest Village
The quintessential village of Castle Combe oozes countryside charm and has plenty of things for you to see and do.
From wandering the quaint streets, exploring historic landmarks and exploring the surrounding landscapes, Castle Combe will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
With it being easily accessible by car and some public transport, Castle Combe is the perfect place for a day trip from London or a cosy getaway from the hustle and bustle.
