7 Things to do in Castle Combe: The Cotswolds prettiest village!
Last Updated on May 5, 2024 by Lauren Allen
Looking for the very best things to do in Castle Combe? If so, I’ve got you covered! This post will share a complete rundown of the top things to do in this charming English village.
You’ll discover the top Castle Combe attractions, free things to do and key information to know before your visit. I’ll also cover places to visit near Castle Combe in case you have time to explore further afield (which I highly recommend doing).
The moment I arrived in Castle Combe, I was in awe! This scenic Cotswolds village is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in the whole of England (and that’s saying something).
As someone who gained a whole new appreciation for the UK during the pandemic, I truly believe that The Cotswolds offer one of the most quintessential English getaways. There aren’t many places that offer more English charm than the picture-perfect villages of The Cotswolds.
After spending some time snapping photos and admiring the sights of Castle Combe myself, I can see why it’s one of the most popular places to visit in The Cotswolds. Here’s my complete guide to the best things to see in Castle Combe, England.
Table of Contents
Castle Combe Things To Do
1 | Snap some photos in front of Water Lane
Are you wondering what to do in Castle Combe? Then heading out to take some photos is one of the best activities to pass the time, especially if you’re on the hunt for the best Instagram spots in The Cotswolds.
If you’re after the most popular photo spot in the area, make sure you head to Water Lane. This is where the most iconic photos are taken as they offer an incredibly charming view of The Cotswolds prettiest village.
To capture the best snaps, head out as early as possible. That way, you have the best chance to get people-free photos.
Top tip: Don’t forget to shoot from different angles and locations. From this one photo spot in Castle Combe, you can capture at least 10 incredible photos to share on social media. Allow yourself to get creative!
2 | Grab lunch at the Manor House Hotel
Opening hours: 12pm – 4pm for lunch | 1pm – 4pm for afternoon tea | 6pm – 8.30pm for dinner
Fancy visiting one of the most beautiful hotels in the whole of England? Then head to the Manor House Hotel. As one of the most luxurious hotels in The Cotswolds, it boasts elegance and timeless charm.
For the interior lovers amongst you, this hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms in a variety of styles, meaning you can opt for the one you love the most. From traditional English charm to lavish suites, the Manor House Hotel has thought of everything.
However, you don’t need to book a stay to appreciate this stunning Castle Combe accommodation. They also have a highly-rated Michelin-starred restaurant that non-guests of the hotel are welcome to try.
The Bybrook is open between Wednesday – Sunday for evening meals. The restaurant serves up a seven-course meal that is lovingly produced with locally sourced ingredients. Guests love The Bybrook for its impressive presentation, delicious food and enchanting setting. Although it’s a little pricy at £145 per person, it’s one of the best restaurants in The Cotswolds.
For something a little more relaxed, the Manor House also offers casual dining. This option is available daily in a range of different settings on the hotel’s grounds. Furthermore, you could also opt for Sunday lunch, afternoon tea or private dining.
Once you’re eating, head out to explore. With ivy-covered walls and an impressive exterior, the grounds of this 5-star establishment are super beautiful, making a fantastic backdrop for photos.
3 | Check out the Market Cross
The Cotswolds are bursting with history with each village boasting its own unique story. Castle Combe is no different. Situated in the centre of the village, the Castle Combe Market Cross was constructed in the 14th century.
As one of the top things to see in Castle Combe, this historic monument was recently restored, costing approximately £100,000.
Once used by traders to sell products, the attraction is said to bring thousands of tourists to The Cotswolds each year. Its prime location in the village makes it easy to check out as you explore this well-loved destination in England.
4 | Enjoy a drink at The Castle Inn
Opening hours: 12pm – 2.30pm for lunch | 6pm – 8.30pm for dinner | 12pm – 3pm for Sunday lunch
A stone’s throw away from the Market Cross, you’ll find The Castle Inn. If you’re a little thirsty from exploring the prettiest village in The Cotswolds, this is the perfect spot to grab a drink. They serve a variety of options including wine, beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Inside the pub, you’ll be treated to traditional English allure with old wooden beams and exposed brick walls. With high-quality service, making a quick stop here to rest your feet is well worth doing during your time in the village.
In fact, enjoying the view with a drink in hand is one of the best things to do in Castle Combe.
5 | Visit St Andrews Church
Located in the heart of the village, St Andrews church is one of the top places to visit in Castle Combe. Dating back to the 13th century, it’s steeped in history and charm.
As you enter the church, you can scan a QR code on your smartphone to discover more about the history of the church and Castle Combe as a whole. It’s a great way to delve deeper into the village’s unique historical past.
Lastly, the church is often surrounded by flowers in the summer months which makes for a peaceful wander and a great photo opportunity.
6 | Go for a stroll around the village
Castle Combe is without a doubt one of the prettiest places to visit in England. Once you’re done checking out the local attractions, enjoying great food and delving deep into local history, I highly recommend going on a relaxed stroll. As you wander around the village at a leisurely pace, you’ll fall in love with its peaceful vibe and allure.
7 | Castle Combe Circuit
Opening hours: Open daily from 9am and 5.30pm (except for weekends)
Lastly, if you’re interested in cars, you’ll want to check out Castle Combe Circuit. As one of the best things to do near Castle Combe, this race track offers a number of different experiences for car lovers. This includes passenger rides, driving experiences and car shows.
Although they’re pretty pricey activities, it’s a lot of fun for car enthusiasts wanting to experience something a little different. Visitors seeking an adrenaline rush will be in their element as they enjoy a buzzing atmosphere surrounded by like-minded individuals.
How long is the Castle Combe circuit?
The Castle Combe circuit is approximately 1.85 miles long.
Where is Castle Combe, UK?
Nestled away in the English countryside, Castle Combe is an idyllic village in Wiltshire. This famous Cotswolds village is known for its quintessential English beauty, honey-coloured stone buildings and picturesque landscapes. Located just a few hours away from London, it’s one of the best places to explore in the South of England.
Is Castle Combe worth visiting?
In my opinion, no Cotswolds road trip would be complete without exploring the picture-perfect village of Castle Combe. It’s worth visiting purely to snap some great photos, but you could easily spend a whole day in the area.
How long do you need in Castle Combe?
Some people will require a full day in the village, but it will vary from person to person. For example, if you want to spend some time at the Manor House and explore the village in-depth, consider a full-day trip. However, if you only want to take some snaps for your Instagram feed (c’mon, we all do it), allow just an hour or two.
The best thing to do is consider everything you may want to do in Castle Combe. Next, think about how long it will take to do each activity. Afterwards, add it all up and allow an extra hour or so.
That way, you will get a better understanding of how long you need to visit the village and tick everything off your bucket list. The last thing you want is to feel rushed while exploring one of the most beautiful places in England.
Can you visit Castle Combe on a day trip?
Absolutely! It’s easy to visit Castle Combe in a day from cities such as London, Bath and Bristol. The length takes anywhere between 30 minutes and two (ish) hours. This obviously depends on where you are travelling from and your method of transportation.
Already in The Cotswolds? Great! That makes it easy to spend a day in Castle Combe and you’ll get there from your Cotswolds base in no time at all!
If you are visiting The Cotswolds over the space of a few days, you can also spend some time exploring other villages. For example, Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold and Bibury are all worth visiting.
How to get to Castle Combe Village
There are several ways to get to Castle Combe which will vary depending on where you are travelling from. Your options include:
The nearest airport to Castle Combe, Wiltshire
If you are heading to The Cotswolds on your first stop in England, you may be flying into the area. The closest airport to Castle Combe is in Bristol, located 22.1 miles away from the village. You will need to arrange transport from the airport to your accommodation in The Cotswolds.
The best way to make this journey is to drive. The drive takes 45 – 70 minutes depending on traffic. Whilst you could easily book a taxi, it’s likely more convenient to rent a car. This would allow you to check out more villages in the local area. Trust me, that is something that you will want to do! After exploring much of The Cotswolds myself on a road trip, I fell in love with the area.
Alternatively, you can also travel from Bristol Airport to Castle Combe via public transport. However, you will need to change several times and travel on both buses and trains. As such, this isn’t the most ideal method of transportation.
If you’re looking to save some cash or don’t drive, here is how to get to Castle Combe from Bristol Airport:
- Jump on the A1 Airport Flyer towards Bristol
- After 30 minutes, leave the bus at Bristol Temple Meads train station
- Catch the train from Bristol Temple Meads to Chippenham
- Catch the number 95 bus into the centre of Castle Combe
How to get to Castle Combe by car
If you are travelling to Castle Combe from elsewhere in the UK, travelling by car makes the most sense. By taking this option, you can break up your journey a lot easier. If you wanted to, you could also make stops in some of England’s other must-see locations.
For example, places like Bristol, Bath and Oxford aren’t too far away from The Cotswolds and if you’re already heading in that direction, you could easily make a detour!
Where to park in Castle Combe
Like many of the other Cotswolds hotspots, parking in Castle Combe can get a little difficult. Whilst there is a free car park for visitors, it fills up quickly. This means it’s best to get to Castle Combe early. The later it gets, the busier it gets which could make it tricky when it comes to finding somewhere to park.
Catch the train to Castle Combe
Alternatively, you may want to consider catching the train. If (like me) you’re a solo traveller without a driver’s license, this may be your best option. The closest train station to Castle Combe is Chippenham. From there, getting to the village takes just 20 minutes on the number 95 bus.
However, these services are limited. Depending on the time you arrive, your best bet might be to catch a taxi into Castle Combe from Chippenham train station.
Read more: How to spend 2 days in The Cotswolds on a road trip!
Places to eat in Castle Combe
If the seven-course meal at The Bybrook is out of your budget, don’t worry! There are a number of Castle Combe restaurants to try out instead. Consider any of the following options:
The Castle Inn
Located in the heart of the village, The Castle Inn is an excellent spot to grab a bite to eat in Castle Combe. In fact, many would say it’s one of the best restaurants in The Cotswolds! With a number of awards, guests highly rate the food and service at The Castle Inn.
This traditional English pub serves a variety of dishes including burgers, fish and salads. Using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, chefs whip up delicious meals full of flavour.
Furthermore, they also offer a highly popular Sunday dinner every week. Consider taking advantage of that if you are exploring the village on a Sunday.
Old Stable Tea Rooms
If you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy some lunch, the Old Stable Tea Rooms have you covered! Despite being small, it’s the best spot for tea and cake in the local area. As well as baked goods, they also serve a variety of sandwiches making it a lovely spot to fuel up after a morning of exploration.
In addition to friendly and helpful staff, this cute little tea room boasts lots of English charm. Why not check it out for yourself?
The Little Picnic Shop
Enjoying a picnic lunch in one of The Cotswolds’ most charming villages is definitely one for the England bucket list! If you’re in town on a sunny day, consider grabbing some food from The Little Picnic Shop.
This adorable little business is run by a local lady who offers picnic boxes to take away. Within your box, you get sandwiches, cookies, mini pies, scones and a few other tasty treats. What’s more, she’ll also give you a picnic blanket, hamper and cutlery to use free of charge. You may even get games to play during your picnic.
For a lunch experience like no other in The Cotswolds, The Little Picnic Shop is definitely worth checking out!
Castle Combe Hotels: Where to stay in The Cotswolds prettiest village!
Manor House Hotel
Perhaps the most impressive hotel in The Cotswolds, the Manor House Hotel is simply stunning. Set in an isolated park, there is peace and tranquillity here that can’t be found elsewhere in the area.
Its gorgeous rooms offer a luxury stay in one of England’s most picturesque locations. Furthermore, each room is decorated in a tastefully unique way. This means travellers are welcome to choose a room based on personal taste and style. How wonderful is that?
Personally, The Manor House has jumped straight to the top of my hotel bucket list. That’s a thing, right?!
The Castle Inn
Known for its dreamy location, The Castle Inn is highly rated amongst visitors for cleanliness, great food and fantastic service. With each room decorated in a timeless classic style, it’s one of the best places to stay in The Cotswolds.
If you don’t mind paying a little extra, some rooms even boast lovely views of Castle Combe village. Imagine sipping a cup of tea next to the window as you slowly ease into your day in the English countryside… How blissful does that sound?
Places to visit near Castle Combe in The Cotswolds
Bath, Somerset
Situated half an hour from Castle Combe, Bath is another city worth adding to your South England bucket list. Here you can take a stroll down the Circus, check out Pulteney Bridge and visit the Roman Baths. Alternatively, wander around Prior Park Landscape Garden, treat yourself to a spa day or admire the architecture.
Once you’re done checking out the main sights, head out to some of the best bars in Bath to treat yourself to some cocktails. Opium Bar is one of the most popular with its unique decor, delicious drinks and friendly bartenders. In fact, it was the perfect place to relax after I clocked up over 20,000 steps in one day!
Lacock, Chippenham
Another one of the must-see villages near Castle Combe is Lackock. Located 15 minutes away by car, you can easily visit both villages on the same day.
Whilst in Lacock, film buffs will want to spend some time exploring film locations. Scenes from Harry Potter were filmed in this charming English village making it a must-see for Potter heads. Scenes from Downtown Abbey and Grindelwald were also filmed here.
Alternatively, you can delve into the history of photography. As the home to the first-ever photo, this is a very fitting activity. The Fox Tabolt Museum of Photography houses a number of exhibitions throughout the year. This makes it an ideal stop for budding photographers and creative travellers (such as myself).
Lastly, spend some time wandering around the village. This beautiful Cotswolds gem is (mostly) owned by The National Trust, making it a dream to discover. The buildings in the village were built between the 14th and 18th centuries, which makes them super charming and a dream to photograph!
Bristol
Just 35 minutes away by car, Bristol is a great place to add to your South England itinerary. This unique city is home to Clifton Suspension Bridge. This spot is not only an incredible place to watch the sunset, but it offers fantastic views of the annual international balloon festival which runs each year.
Additionally, you can check out the city’s museum and art gallery or admire street art on Nelson Street. Lastly, consider heading down to the harbour to appreciate your surroundings and grab a quick drink. There are a number of fab bars that offer cocktails with a view.
FAQs about visiting this picturesque English village
Over the years, Castle Combe has been the filming location for a number of different movies. Back in the 1960s, Dr Dolittle was filmed here.
More recently, scenes from The Wolfman and Stardust were also shot within the community. If you enjoy visiting film locations, add Castle Combe to your UK bucket list!
Although there are lots of pretty villages in England, Castle Combe is definitely one of them! With its picture-perfect homes, quintessential charm and ivy-covered buildings, it’s definitely a feast for the eyes.
Castle Combe can certainly get busy in peak tourist season (between the months of June and August). However, if you visit during the shoulder season, there will be much fewer crowds.
Got more questions about exploring Castle Combe? Then join my FREE Facebook group about travelling in England for personalised tips and tricks!
Conclusion of the best things to do in Castle Combe
Simply put, Castle Combe offers a range of things to do to suit all budgets. From taking in the serene atmosphere of the English countryside to enjoying the buzz of Castle Combe Circuit, there’s something for everyone in this stunning village!
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or a jam-packed itinerary full of history, charm and attractions, The Cotswolds have got you covered!
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Castle Combe has helped you plan your ideal visit. If you have any tips to share, feel free to leave them in the comments section below!
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The BEST places to visit in The Cotswolds | Pack and Paint
[…] Read more: Things to do in Castle Combe | The Cotswolds prettiest village! […]
hayleywatkins
Ah, I miss living in England. The Cotswolds is like a storybook. Thanks for sharing!
Lauren Allen
hayleywatkinsThe Cotswolds are definitely like a storybook! Glad you liked the post 🙂
Rachel
I love Castle Combe, I used to live 20 minutes away. It’s so stunning and you photographed it so beautifully
Lauren Allen
RachelWow, I’d love to live so close to Castle Combe! Thank you so much 🙂
Helena
Love Castle Combe, your photos are gorgeous and so many great things to do in such a small village!
Lauren Allen
HelenaMe too! Thank you so much 🙂 yeah, there totally is!
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