Plan Your Visit
How To Visit The Village
We're proud to share this special place with visitors from around the world. But as Castle Combe grows in popularity, we invite you to help us protect its unique character and beauty by visiting responsibly.
Why Responsible Travel Matters Here
Castle Combe is a tiny living village, not a film set (though you might recognise it from Stardust, War Horse, and others). Only around 60 people live in the village centre. The narrow lanes and peaceful nature of the village are part of its charm — and also what makes it vulnerable to the pressures of over-tourism.
By travelling with care and visiting responsibly, you will have a better experience and will help us preserve the character of Castle Combe for future generations of both residents and visitors.
Visit at Off-Peak Times
The village is very small, and the average length of stay is just over one hour. There are no rows of gift or souvenir shops in the tiny main street!
It is not an all-day destination unless used as an overnight base to visit other local attractions. Consider staying at one of our lovely accommodation options.
During the summer months the village can become inundated with visitors, which spoils their own enjoyment and is a constant problem for residents. Plan your visit on weekdays or during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn). You should certainly seek to avoid Bank Holidays, when the car park is very likely to be full, with no alternatives.
Our favourite time to visit is in the Winter, and visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when the village is quieter, allows you to enjoy the village's serenity — and avoid the midday crowds.
Group Visits
If you are bringing a small or large group trip, avoid peak times if possible, and please make sure you park in the village car park.
Coaches are not permitted to visit the village centre and have their own designated spaces within the car park.
Rethink the Car
Parking is very limited and often fills quickly. If you can, use public transport, bike, or carpool. The nearby town of Chippenham has buses to the village.
Walking or cycling into Castle Combe also offers stunning views along the way. If you do have to travel by car, please make sure you park in the village car park and avoid trying to drive down the narrow lanes into the village. It is virtually impossible to park in the lower village.
Explore Beyond the Main Street
While the centre of Castle Combe is picture-perfect, the surrounding countryside, nearby villages such as Lacock and Biddestone and lesser-known footpaths are just as magical. Enjoy a circular walk, discover hidden streams, and see how the landscape changes with the seasons.
Please note that there is restoration work for the flora and fauna underway at places around the village. This is being enabled by some new fencing, guiding and maintenance of footpaths and the introduction of sheep to control bramble build up. Please keep to signed footpaths and keep dogs on a lead as directed.
Take Only Photos, Leave Only Footprints
Be mindful when capturing photos — respect the privacy of residents, and avoid blocking paths or roads. Please don't enter private gardens or lean on windowsills. Castle Combe is beautiful, even without the perfect Instagram angle.
Drones
We encourage no flying of drones in Castle Combe because the village is a protected conservation area with a peaceful atmosphere, historic buildings, and a strong sense of community. The noise and presence of drones can disturb residents, visitors, and local wildlife.
Join Us in Protecting Castle Combe
Castle Combe is more than a destination – it is a delicate balance of heritage, community, and nature. By travelling gently, you become part of its story, helping to keep it authentic, peaceful, and welcoming.
Please be prepared to take your litter home with you; whilst there are bins and they are emptied daily when busy, they can still become overloaded. Please do not force the litter in, leave it beside or on top of bins nor use the grit bins on the hill as litter bins.