There’s something quintessentially English about driving through a charming village on a crisp autumn afternoon — a scene straight from a vintage postcard. But my recent trip to Castle Combe, often hailed as the prettiest village in England, revealed a more complex reality.
Nestled in Wiltshire with just 356 residents according to the 2021 census, Castle Combe’s timeless beauty attracts visitors from far and wide. Its allure is rooted not only in its location within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but also in its extraordinary preservation — no new homes have been built here since the 1600s. This has made the village a favorite backdrop for period dramas like Dr Dolittle (1967), War Horse (2011), and Downton Abbey.
However, the label of “prettiest village” isn’t without its downsides. The small community often finds itself overwhelmed with tourists, especially during peak times. Residents have reportedly had enough, posting signs pleading with visitors to stop flying drones near homes, car parks, and the old church. Councillor Richard Clewer acknowledged the dilemma last summer, noting that while Castle Combe is a crown jewel of Wiltshire, it can become quickly overwhelmed on busy weekends.
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TripAdvisor reviews echo this tension. One recent visitor praised the village’s beauty but warned of “far too many visitors for its size.” So what would my visit reveal?
Arriving on a crisp mid-September Friday afternoon—a quieter time after schools resumed and the summer rush had faded—I found the village peaceful and largely free of crowds. The streets were mostly filled with locals, and only a handful of visitors smiled as they strolled alongside the historic Bybrook River.
I enjoyed a rejuvenating walk through the village’s winding lanes, encountering a few colorful characters along the way: an amiable American woman dressed as an elf, and a couple posing by a rusty old Land Rover, one of them clad in a wedding gown. Nearby, a wedding celebration lent to the village’s enchanting atmosphere.
Beyond the ancient church, the party was in full swing, with guests mingling in and out of cozy cottages, blending tradition with joyous celebration.
Castle Combe embodies a kind of British soft power—a picturesque glimpse into a bygone era, much like the enduring charm of the Royal Family. It showcases rural England at its finest: a serene, historic gem nestled deep in the countryside, captivating those who appreciate its quiet beauty and storied past.