Castle Combe, a village in the Cotswolds frequently voted the prettiest in the UK, lived up to its reputation as a film-set-perfect destination — but the sheer number of visitors nearly ruined the experience. Sophie Harris, Senior Audience Writer for Spare Time, visited the village, located about 12 miles from Bath and 20 miles from Bristol, and found that while its beauty is undeniable, the crowds made it difficult to enjoy.
First Impressions and Overwhelming Crowds
Upon arriving, Harris parked some distance away due to limited and tightly controlled parking. The village, with its narrow streets, stone bridge over the River Bybrook, and rows of traditional Cotswold cottages, was indeed stunning. However, the experience was not pleasant. "It was very busy, far more than I expected," she said. Tour groups, photographers, and day-trippers were everywhere, all vying for the same angles and views. "Of course, I was doing what everyone else was doing, but I just hadn't expected it to be quite that busy."
The Impact of Overtourism
Because Castle Combe is so small, even a modest crowd can make it feel overcrowded. The contrast between the village's peaceful appearance and the throng of visitors trying to capture the perfect shot was striking. Harris noted that there isn't a huge amount to do there; it's more a place to look at, walk through, and enjoy its beauty. Once you've wandered the main street, crossed the bridge, and taken in the view, you've essentially seen most of it.
A Quieter Return
Determined to have a better experience, Harris returned early the following morning. "With far fewer people around, I was able to enjoy it properly and get some really nice photos of the village," she said. The early-morning visit made all the difference, allowing her to appreciate the village's charm without the crush of tourists. Castle Combe is absolutely beautiful, arguably as close as you can get to a perfect English village, and that's what makes it so popular with tourists. However, the overwhelming crowds during peak times are a significant deterrent.
