Castle Combe is a village of the English county of Wiltshire -south-west England- United Kingdom, belonging to the district of North Wiltshire.
The village experienced a period of great splendor in the Middle Ages, as an important industrial center for the production and distribution of wool. The houses of Castle Combe are built according to the typical Cotswolds architecture, with stone walls and roofs with slabs cut from stone. Some houses date back hundreds of years and are all protected as monuments.
Strict building regulation – which includes, for example, the prohibition of using illuminated signs- has made it possible to preserve the atmosphere of old times intact , Castle Combe Ranked as number 2 in the 30 best villages of The Times, it is famous for its beauty, tranquility and buildings.
Castle Combe as a movie set: In recent years, the small town was the location of some films u. a. Doctor Dolittle (first film adaptation in 1967), the first part of the Harry Potter film series, Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone (2001), as well as the fantasy film The Starwalker (2007) were shot in part in Castle Combe. Some scenes from Steven Spielberg’s 2012 Oscar-nominated film Companions were filmed here.
Access : Coordinates: 51.493, -2.229 / To reach by car the roads are exits 17 (Chippenham) and 18 (Bath) on the M4. When leaving the highway there are signs to reach the town without problems. There is free public parking at the top of the hill. Although it is a bit far from the town, it is a pleasant walk under the trees and there is much to see along the way.
By bicycle : By : National Cycle Route 4 , National Cycle Route 254 , National Cycle Route 403.
By train : To get by train from London the best way is the train from London to Chippenham, which is about 5 kilometers away or from Bath, which is 10 kilometers away. From any of these places you can take a taxi or if you prefer the bus, it has to be in Chippenham.
Getting around : The Castle Combe village is small enough to get around on foot.
Highlights :
- The village : The village houses are typical of Cotswold, built in stone with thick walls and natural stone tile roofs. They are hundreds of years old for what they are as historical monuments. The conservation of the houses keeps them standing but without major external changes so that they do not lose their essence.
- St. Andrew’s Church , cozy church, located in the main area of Castle Combe. The tower began in 1434: it was built from money from rich medieval wool merchants, particularly from the will of Sir John Fastolf. At the top you will see a beautiful fan vault reminiscent of Bath Abbey.
- The Market Cross, 1 Market Place, Castle Combe,Open: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm , This historical monument is the centerpiece of the town. It is believed to date from the 14th century, when permission was first granted to hold a weekly market. , The route on foot from the free parking to the market square. medieval market cross in the centre of the village.
- The Dower House / Upper Manor , This house is the first building on the right and highlights the shield of the Scope family above the door. Traditionally it was the home of the village doctor, and he became famous for being Dr. Dolittle’s house in the film shot in the town in 1966.
- The St George , The next house on the right has a stone effigy of a castle in the front and that is why it is also called Castle House. You can see the date 1672 and the initials NE, which refer to Nathanial Elver, who built the house to make a tavern called Sant George. Later he became a tanner and the village bakery.
- Castle Combe Circuit , Castle Combe SN14 7EY, Open : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm , The South West’s premier Motorsport venue with action packed race meetings, car shows and events. From watching a race meeting or participating in a driving experience.
Activities : photo opportunities- photography trips-photography spots / sightseeing / Manor House Golf Club / Explore Castle Combe / Day Trips
Go next : Bath / Chippenham / Lacock village / Langley Burrell village / vilages : Kington Langley – Derry Hill – Kington St Michael- Colerne – Yatton Keynell and Biddestone.
