Escape to Castle Combe: Unveiling England's Countryside Charm

Walking & Hiking Trails

Just steps outside the center of Castle Combe, the expansive Cotswold countryside awaits. The nearby meadows, rich with botanically diverse limestone grassland, are filled with vibrant wildflowers and buzzing insects in spring and summer. Explore a variety of trails for all skill levels: a 6.2-mile circular walk starts at Upper Castle Combe, leading you through picturesque landscapes and neighboring villages, with a shorter 4.5-mile option available. For the adventurous, Castle Combe is also on the Macmillan and Palladian Way long-distance trails. Whether you're a walking trail enthusiast, nature lover, bird watcher, or simply wish to stroll the English countryside, Castle Combe offers something for everyone.

Stroll back in time in the village of Castle Combe

Strolling through Castle Combe is like stepping back in time, with no modern buildings interrupting its 17th-century charm. The village showcases stunning medieval and Tudor architecture, transporting visitors to a bygone era. A peaceful stream called the By Brook trickles through the village before joining the River Avon at Bath, a picture-perfect backdrop for the stone bridge and weavers' cottages stretching uphill.as a filming location for famous television shows and movies like Downton Abbey, War Horse, Stardust and even Dr. Dolittle, the village of Castle Combe is a picturesque time capsule unlike any other place.

Afternoon tea at The Old Rectory Tea Room

Traveling as a group? For a true taste of old English charm, pre-book afternoon tea at The Old Rectory Pop-up Tearoom. Enjoy a table full of home-baked cakes, savory nibbles and afternoon tea served with tiny sandwiches, ornate tablecloths and proper China tea sets. This private party venue offers an authentic and delightful teatime experience.

Post up in a proper English pub with Medieval Roots

Castle Combe has two nice pubs for visitors who want to experience a real English tavern: The Castle Inn and The White Hart. Both charming establishments are steeped in history, offering freshly pulled pints, roaring fires and inviting courtyards. The Castle Inn features a fancier menu with options like steak, Cornish crab and battered fish of the day. Enjoy a proper English beer in a pub with medieval roots and soak in the timeless atmosphere.

Golf (or relax) at the Manor House

If you like golf, you should go to Castle Combe and play at the Manor House's 18-hole course. This fancy hotel with ivy covers offers a beautiful golfing experience. The Castle Combe walking trail runs around its greens and is beautifully landscaped. Enjoy a round of golf amid stunning scenery and top-notch amenities.

Visit the Castle Combe Race Circuit

Experience the thrill of Castle Combe Race Circuit, a historic 3km track that began as a WWII airfield. It started as a racing track in 1950. Now, it has car and motorcycle races for clubs, special events like the Autumn Classic vintage races and an annual steam rally. Visitors can even test their own vehicles on track days or enjoy various driving courses!

St Andrew's Church

Visit St Andrew's Church in the middle of the village, which was first built in the 13th century. You can see old things like the tower that had a fan-vaulted roof in the 15th century and a statue of Norman Knight Sir Walter de Dunstanville. Funded by prosperous wool traders and Sir John Fastolf, the church also boasts one of the oldest working faceless clocks in the country.

Badminton Horse Trials / Badminton Estate

Just five miles from Castle Combe, the Badminton Estate offers a delightful excursion for visitors. Known for hosting the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials each May, the estate also opens its beautiful gardens to the public for special events and open days. Explore the historic grounds, enjoy the seasonal flora and partake in various activities throughout the year.​

Day trips

• Bath: Located just 20 miles (32km) from Castle Combe, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its Roman baths and stunning Georgian architecture. Visitors can explore the Roman Baths, soak in the natural thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa and admire the Royal Crescent. For assistance with transportation or car rental arrangements, feel free to contact me for recommendations!

• Salisbury/Stonehenge: A short 35-mile (56km) trip from Castle Combe takes you to Salisbury. You can see the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral with its tall spire and the old Magna Carta document there. Nearby is the famous Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over 1 million people visit it each year because of its old stone circle and interesting visitor center. Contact me for advice on public transport options, arranging a rental car or booking tickets to explore these iconic sites.

• London: Go on a day trip to London, about 100 miles (160km) from Castle Combe, to see famous places like the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, diverse cuisine and iconic landmarks of the capital city. If you want to ask me for specific advice on public transportation, help with renting a car, or get tickets to any attractions, please contact me directly.

• Oxford: Just under 70 miles (112km) from Castle Combe, Oxford beckons with its prestigious university colleges, including Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library. Visitors can wander through the picturesque streets, visit the Ashmolean Museum and take a punt along the River Cherwell. If you need help with transportation logistics, train tickets or car rentals, don't hesitate to reach out!

The Picnic Shop

The Little Picnic Shop in Castle Combe has delicious picnic boxes with sandwiches, cakes, sweets and savories. It's perfect for enjoying a relaxed outdoor meal in the beautiful Cotswold surroundings. Vegan, vegetarian and GF options are all available!

Bybrook Restaurant at the Manor House

The Bybrook Restaurant at the Manor House hotel is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves good food in a beautiful place. Chef Rob Potter runs the restaurant. Seven-course tasting menus use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and are matched with wines by their sommelier. The hotel also has more informal dining in the bar, lounge and terrace, and they do a luxurious afternoon tea!

Castle Inn

This charming inn makes a delightful meal at any time of day.. The menu is just what you want to see in a place like this: a blackboard of daily specials and dishes that are punchy and full of flavor. The traditional English dishes are always good, and the desserts are also good. There are vegan, vegetarian and GF options. The building dates from the 12C and boasts many original features!

Old Stables Coffee Shop

This coffee shop in the middle of the village is a great place to relax by the wood-burning stove with coffee and cake. It has bright bunting and local art. Known for homemade scones and sausage rolls, it warmly welcomes dogs, walkers and even horses, offering breakfast, lunch, takeaway and afternoon tea. Vegan, GF and vegetarian options available.

White Hart

Just opposite the Market Cross in the center of Castle Combe, the White Hart is the oldest pub in the village. It's more of a traditional-style pub, with beers from the Wadworth Brewery in nearby Devizes, hearty pub grub and a courtyard garden for summer.

Cotswold Pub

The Cotswold Pub is a more casual dining option at the Castle Inn. It sells local beers and has a variety of good pub dishes on the menu, like pork belly with bubble and squeak or lager-battered fish and chips (and their Scotch eggs are great). You can eat by the fire or on the terrace or patio.

The Salutation Inn

A cozy and traditional Cotswolds pub with beams and stone fireplace in the bar and a timbered barn-style restaurant. The Salutation Inn is a charming pub near Castle Combe. It serves traditional English food, local and seasonal ingredients, and has options for all types of diets and allergies.

The Old House at Home

The Old House at Home is a great old country pub in Burton, just two miles from Castle Combe. It serves lunch and dinner. With a soulful and unpretentious vibe, the award-winning, family-run restaurant has a cozy dining room with a roaring open fire and down-to-earth staff.