Castle Combe has been called "The prettiest village
in England." Though you could argue that there are many other contenders
for that accolade, this delightfully secluded spot must at least be
worthy of consideration for the title.
The
village is located in a dell, or valley, just a mile off the busy M4
motorway, yet no sound of traffic intrudes in the village. Indeed, there
are more artists than autos in Castle Combe, as the village is a favourite
spot for painters to set up their easels. Castle Combe is located very
close to the racing circuit of the same name, and the approaches to
the village can be difficult to navigate due to traffic headed for the
racecourse.
The setting for the original film version of Doctor Dolittle,
(the one with Rex Harrison as the eccentric doctor, not the Eddie Murphy
remake) Castle Combe maintains an air of timeless calm, in part because
visitors must park at the top of the hill and walk down into the centre
of the village. The walk is moderately steep, and long enough that you
begin to wonder if there is a village at the bottom of the road at all,
but in due course you arrive in Castle Combe itself.
The
village, in some ways, a victim of its own repuration, for visitors
can, on occasion, outnumber the residents, and coach-loads of tourists
descending all at once do not make for a peaceful environment. That
said, Castle Combe is deliciously free of the worst bits of popularity,
and apart from the obligatory shops selling postcards and antiques,
the village is a rewarding place to visit. Do be aware, though, that
it is a village, and thus it does not take long to wander through Castle
Combe, but if you are not in a rush, sit beside the By Brook, take in
a meal at one of the two pubs, or watch the artists at work.
Getting There
M4 Junctions 17 and 18 are the closest. Just follow the signs for the
village and racecourse. There is a regular bus service from Chippenham
(5 miles).
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