‘Prettiest England village’ feels like stepping back in time

Escape to the country and visit this village which will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. The UK has a lot to offer, whether you fancy a weekend getaway or day trip for some adventure.

Now if you’re after for some traditional British charm, then look no further. A village named the “prettiest in England” is just a 1 hour train journey from London and you won’t be disappointed.

Over on TikTok, one account recently shed light on Castle Combe which is located in Wiltshire, within the Cotswolds. The account, with the handle @anthonykatiekay who boasts 14,100 followers, shared: “The prettiest village in England.”

Sharing more details about why you should visit, the page wrote in the caption: “This charming village is often called the ‘prettiest village in England’ and rightfully so. Walking through its historic centre, it feels like you’re walking back in time.

“No new houses have been built in the city centre since the 1600s. If you’re planning a visit, here are some important tips: Try to visit before peak hours, early mornings or dusk to avoid crowds.

“There are several car parks in the area. Do not try to park in the village itself, the town is very small and parking is sparse. If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, save this spot.”

What to do in Castle Combe:

Often called the “prettiest village in England”, this Cotswolds destination is famous for its honey-coloured stone cottages, medieval Market Cross, as well as being at the centre of a number of film locations, like Stardust and War House.

Key activities include strolling down the cobbled streets, checking out the market and even visiting St Andrew’s Church. You can also hike the surrounding woods and take photos at the famous bridge, a popular spot for viewing the village and Bybrook river.

And once you’ve completed all the sightseeing in Castle Combe, it’s time to check out the local pubs like The Castle Inn or The Manor House for a pint or delicious meal.

You can also visit the nearby motor racing circuit which is located at the top of the hill for track days and racing events. There are also “Honesty Box” treats where you can munch on homemade bakes, cakes and pick up flowers for sale at local homes.

How to get to Castle Combe:

If you’re travelling from London, you can take a train from Paddington which takes just over an hour. Alternatively by car, this can take about 2 hours (102 miles).

As for other areas of the UK, for example, Manchester, driving might be the fastest method of getting to Castle Combe, with this taking approximately 3 hours from there.

Coming from Bristol would be extremely easy as this takes just 30 minutes by car, while it’s an hour from Gloucestershire.

Finding parking in Castle Combe could be a little tricky with limited narrow access down certain roads, which means pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles share the roads.

It’s worth noting with Castle Combe’s popularity, it can get very crowded in the summer where you might struggle to get a perfect photo of the village without a horde of people ruining the shot.