A Visitor's Guide To Castle Combe In Wiltshire

Situated in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Castle Combe is often hailed as the ‘prettiest village in England’.

Castle Combe hasn’t seen any new houses built since the 1600s, so the village really is a perfectly preserved slice of medieval history and architecture, with its beautiful Cotswold stone buildings. It has been used as a film location on multiple occasions, with its most famous appearances including Stardust, The Wolf Man and the original Dr Doolittle film.

A Must-See Attraction Just 20 Minutes (10 Miles) Drive From The Quarrymans Arms

With its own history dating back over 250 years, The Quarrymans Arms is located just a few miles away from Castle Combe, making it the ideal place for a delicious meal, thirst-quenching drink or comfortable room for the night.

A Brief History Of Castle Combe

The village takes its name from a castle built on the hill to the north of the village in the 12th century, of which little now remains except earthworks.

During the Middle Ages, the village, along with much of the Cotswolds, enjoyed prosperity due to the growth of a thriving wool industry. Numerous weavers’ cottages were erected from local stone, and these ancient honey-hued buildings remain one of the village’s standout features today.

The village was known in particular for manufacturing a red and white cloth known as ‘Castlecombe’, which was renowned in the markets of Bristol and Cirencester, as well as in London and abroad. In 1440, King Henry VI granted Castle Combe the right to hold a weekly market, with the unmistakable Market Cross monument still standing proudly today.

What To See At Castle Combe

Head straight to the heart of the village to find the medieval Market Cross monument, the old village water pump and a set of small stone steps which were used by horse riders to mount and dismount from. From there, head to the pretty church of St Andrew, where you will find the faceless Castle Combe Clock – allegedly the oldest English medieval clock still in use.

Next, stroll down the hill through the village, admiring each of the fairy-tale cottages that line the street, before stopping at the river bridge to snap a picture from the village’s classic photography spot. It is here you will find the weavers’ cottages, babbling brook and wraparound woodland, all coming together for that postcard-perfect view.

Once you’ve explored the beautiful village close-up, venture out to the surrounding hills to view it from afar. The woodland footpath can be found at the top of The Street, which will take you on a gloriously muddy, 5 mile loop.

Castle Combe On The Big Screen

One of the most fascinating things about Castle Combe is its strict ban on modern attachments such as TV dishes and external wires to the exterior of its houses – restrictions that have been instrumental in helping the historic village to maintain its authentic appearance.

As a result, the village has become a popular location for film crews, with productions including the 1967 filmed musical Doctor Dolittle, Stardust and The Wolf Man all being shot in the village.

Most famously, Castle Combe was a key filming location for Stephen Spielberg’s War Horse. To recreate a 1914 setting, the village’s tarmac through-road was closed and covered with a temporary muddy surface, its modern street lamps, signage and post boxes were either covered or removed altogether and its white window frames were repainted with more muted colours. It took a full week to return the village back to its former state once filming had finished.

Castle Combe Race Circuit

The Castle Combe race circuit is possibly one of the biggest draws to the area. Just shy of 3km in length, the track runs around the perimeter of an old World War II airfield.

It was built shortly after Silverstone, making it one of the longest-running race circuits in the country. In its heyday, it attracted star names such as Stirling Moss and John Surtees.

Due to its location and complaints about the noise, there are no longer any major racing events held here, but visitors can still see club level car and motorbike races, or give the circuit a spin themselves!

Directions To The Quarrymans Arms From Castle Combe

Located in Box Hill, The Quarrymans Arms is just a short drive from Castle Combe, making it the perfect place to drink, dine or stay.

To reach The Quarrymans Arms from Castle Combe car park (on Dunns Lane), exit the car park and turn left onto Dunns Lane until you reach the B4039, where you’ll turn right. Continue on the B4039 until you reach The Bell Inn pub, where you’ll turn right onto Biddestone Lane.

Continue along Biddestone Lane (which merges into Yatton Road, then Cuttle Lane, then The Green). Continue on The Green before turning right onto the A4 Bath Road. At the first roundabout you must take the 2nd exit to stay on the A4 Bath Road, then at the second roundabout you must take the 1st exit to remain on the A4 Bath Road.

When you reach the third and final roundabout, you must take the 2nd exit to remain on the A4 Bath Road for a further 2 miles, before turning left onto Hedgesparrow Lane. Proceed on Hedgesparrow Lane and turn right onto Beech Road, before quickly turning left onto Barnetts Hill, where you’ll see The Quarrymans Arms on your right.