Our most recommended things to do in Castle Combe

From Bristol: Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Day Tour

1. From Bristol: Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Day Tour

A day full of wonder awaits us today. Departing Bristol, your first stop for the day is the prehistoric monument Stonehenge. Many legends surround these incredible standing stones that weigh about 25 tons each and have attracted people from all over the world for years. Perhaps you believe they were created by Merlin, who magically transported them from Ireland. Maybe you believe Stonehenge is a landing site for alien spacecraft. They might remind you of the ruins of a Roman temple. You can't deny their magnificence, no matter what you believe. Avebury is your next stop. Enjoy your free time here: grab some lunch, wander around the area, and, of course, see the three stone circles. Avebury henge boasts the largest stone circle in Britain, so big it fits the entire quaint English village inside. So you can grab a pint and bite to eat while surrounded by a stone circle. Pretty magical, right? Your journey continues to the quaint village of Lacock. You have free time here, you might be interested in visiting the Abbey. Harry Potter fans will obsess over seeing the Lacock Abbey Cloisters, used as Hogwarts corridors in the movies. Visitors can also explore the medieval rooms and cloister court, before taking a look at the Fox Talbot Museum which explores the history of photography. Castle Combe is our last stop, often called one of the prettiest villages in England. Fans of movies like War Horse and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust may just recognize this spot, so get your camera ready. From here, it’s only a short drive back to Bristol.

From London: Wales 5-Day Group Tour

2. From London: Wales 5-Day Group Tour

Day 1: Leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds through England’s prettiest historic villages. Get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales. Travel through the Welsh Marches marked out by the ancient Offa’s Dyke. Head into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and beautiful Elan Valley. Finally, head to the beautiful seaside town and cultural center of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights. Day 2: Travel to the mountainous region of Snowdonia National Park. Visit the mountain village of Beddgelert to see the famous grave of Gelert, the legendary dog, or explore the nearby copper mine. Next, head to the town of Machynlleth to see the ancient clock tower and the quaint houses, and go antique hunting. Move on to Porthmadog and over the Cob causeway before reaching the impenetrable medieval Harlech Castle. After a fulfilling day, return to Aberystwyth in the late afternoon. Day 3: Travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay through Aberaeron to New Quay. Explore the picturesque harbor and get the chance to spot dolphins and whales. Head into the foreboding Black Mountains to explore a bedrock cave under a castle, before you visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas wrote the famous play Under Milk Wood. Move on to Tenby, a charming seaside town and your base for two nights. Day 4: See some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Travel to the tiny cathedral city of St Davids for lunch and exploration, and stop in the county town of Pembroke to enter the thick medieval walls of the castle. From here, return to Tenby for a relaxed evening. Day 5: Leaving Tenby in the morning, begin your return journey to London. Head past the industrial cities of South Wales to the outskirts of Cardiff, and visit the outdoor National History Museum. Take the Severn Bridge back into England, and take a break at Castle Combe, a Cotswold village perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th-century ironstone cottages.

From Bath: Cotswolds Private Day Tour with Pickup

3. From Bath: Cotswolds Private Day Tour with Pickup

The day begins in Castle Combe, which is surely one of the most photographed villages in all of England. Little has changed here since the 15th century - no street lights or TV aerials. This mediaeval gem is famous for its picturesque cottages and babbling brook. Nestled in a wooded Cotswold valley, Castle Combe has been a favourite Hollywood filming location over the years for movies including War Horse, Stardust and Doctor Dolittle. Thereafter, your journey continues towards the ancient market town of Burford, This idyllic town is one of the very oldest in all of England and has evolved over 900 years. It is famous for its picturesque and thriving High Street containing several medieval inns as well as cafes and stores. Burford developed in conjunction with Cotswolds wool weaving, stonemasonry, milling and brewing industries over the centuries. Pop in to see the historic St. John the Baptist Norman church and enjoy a traditional pub lunch in or near the town. The tour continues through the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty towards the idyllic twin villages of Upper & Lower Slaughter. Lower Slaughter was named the prettiest village in England in 2021 and it’s easy to see why. A location trapped in time, where wonderful photo opportunities await you amongst flower-draped cottages, romantic footbridges, and an idyllic water mill nestling on the banks of the River Eye. Maybe wander between Lower and Upper Slaughter (weather dependent). This tranquil corner of the Cotswolds countryside is like walking through a painting. Your final stop of Tetbury is the home town of The King and Queen Camilla and neighbours their Highgrove Estate. Discover more about its fascinating history as a market town, famous in the past for the local wool and yarn industry. Walk down the Chipping Steps, an old entrance to the town and admire the picturesque weaver’s cottages. The centre of Tetbury is a conservation area and many buildings are hundreds of years old. Why not pop in to buy a souvenir from His Majesty's Highgrove Shop. You will either be dropped off at your accommodation or in the centre of Bath. This will definitely be a day to remember.

From Bath: Private Tour to Serene Cotswolds with Pickup

4. From Bath: Private Tour to Serene Cotswolds with Pickup

The day begins in Castle Combe, which is surely one of the most photographed villages in all of England. Little has changed here since the 15th century - no street lights or TV aerials. This mediaeval gem is famous for its picturesque cottages and babbling brook. Nestled in a wooded Cotswold valley, Castle Combe has been a favourite Hollywood filming location over the years for movies including War Horse, Stardust and Doctor Dolittle. The tour continues further into the heart of Wiltshire and onto the conservation village of Lacock, which dates back to the 13th century and where cars are the only sign of modern-day life. Little wonder that it has also been used as a filming location for Downton Abbey, Harry Potter and several BBC productions including Pride and Prejudice. Nearby Corsham is a quintessential English market town, which boasts many beautiful and historic buildings. It is also acknowledged as one of the most desirable places to live in all of South West of England. The High Street has become a recognisable filming location for both the big and the small screen. Admire the exotic resident peacocks as they strut along the cobbled streets. Corsham also boasts wonderful independent shops and you will savour a traditional pub lunch in the historic Methuen Arms. Thereafter, your journey continues to Bradford-on-Avon. Situated on the banks of the River Avon, this special place lies at the southern edge of the Cotswolds and it has been a magnet for people since the Iron Age. Bradford-on-Avon was also famous for the wool and weaving industry that spanned six centuries: pretty medieval weavers' cottages perched on the hillside are dwarfed by the Victorian great mills that still leave a lasting architectural impression. The Saxons (6th - 11th C.) drove their carts across the ‘broad ford’, which gave the town its name. You will follow in their footsteps as you walk towards the impressive Tithe Barn, one of the largest medieval barns in England. Then marvel at the engineering prowess of the Victorians as you wander back into town alongside the historic canal, which boasts several impressive locks. Journey back to the delightful Georgian City of Bath at the end of this memorable day, where you will either be dropped off at your accommodation or in the centre of town. **PLEASE NOTE that children aged 12 years or under are not permitted on this tour due to UK child seat law restrictions. Your driver-guide is neither insured nor licensed below this threshold.

'Hidden Cotswolds & Dark Age England' tour for 2-8 from Bath

5. 'Hidden Cotswolds & Dark Age England' tour for 2-8 from Bath

Discover the very best of the Cotswolds on an intimate journey of discovery that shares some of the most iconic parts of the Cotswolds (such as Castle Combe), as well as several extraordinary locations that are well off the tourist trail. Uncover the story of one of the greatest towns in England's history over morning refreshments at an 800-year-old inn as you learn the tale of the ancient, great Abbey next door and the great Saint, and great King, who were buried there and whose tombs were visited by pilgrims for centuries to come! Get off the main roads to journey deep into the 'hidden' Cotswolds, enjoying breath-taking view after breath-taking view, and passing ancient cottages and settlements before stopping for lunch at a stunning country inn. Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic village of Castle Combe - said to be the prettiest village in England (and a filming location for Dr. Doolittle, Stardust, War Horse and more) and uncover some of the secrets that most visitors miss. Finally, take a stroll in a grand English country estate, before admiring the shops of another Cotswolds town untouched by mass tourism before stopping for refreshments (if time) and travelling the short distance back to Bath.

From London: 3-Day Tour to Stonehenge, Bath, & Oxford

6. From London: 3-Day Tour to Stonehenge, Bath, & Oxford

Let’s have a road trip to the British countryside together! It’s all safe and private. You will be picked up from London, early in the morning. After no more than 2 hours of riding in my Tesla, we'll be in the middle of the countryside. Day 1: We'll start by exploring the enigmatic wonders of Stonehenge and then we'll venture to Bath, an impressive Roman town, rich in history and culture. Heading north, will be visiting Castle Combe, known as the prettiest village in England. At the end, you'll be warmly welcomed to your new Airbnb to relax and prepare for another day in the Cotswolds. Day 2: Our first destination of the day is Bibury, a charming old English village, where we'll spend some time discovering its quaint cottages. Next, we'll explore Bourton-on-the-Water, a larger and beloved village located alongside the river Windrush. Our final village on this memorable journey is Burford, where you'll have the opportunity to relish breathtaking village views and have a quick shopping session. Day 3: On the last day of our journey, Oxford awaits our exploration. We'll have the opportunity to see the University of Oxford, wander alongside River Thames, visit Oxford Castle, and bask in the splendor of Christ Church one of Oxford's most renowned college in Oxford. As the day comes to a close, I'll drop you off at your desired location in Greater London.

Other Sightseeing Options in Castle Combe

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What people are saying about Castle Combe

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 60 reviews

Booking Galahad Tours was the best decision we made on our trip- in fact, if we had more time, I would have booked Matt for a few more excursions! He was polite, friendly, and sooooo knowledgeable. The pace was perfect for our group (which included an 11-year-old boy) and we had a beautiful, leisurely day while fitting in everything we wanted to see. Highly recommend, and hope to come back and do it all over again. Thank you Matt!

Our guide Matthias picked us up at our hotel in Bath and spent hours guiding us through the Cotswolds. He was easygoing, knowledgeable of both the history and the geography, and patient as we wandered through the villages. There were other large tour groups in some of the villages and we were so glad we’d chosen a private tour guide. We’ll worth it. Highly recommend.

We really enjoyed our day in the Cotswolds with Matt of Galahad Tours. He picked us up on time and was a very knowledgeable about the area. Super friendly and ready to make adjustments for our interests.

Great tour despite the bleak Welsh weather! Christo ,our driver come guide, was full of stories and anecdotes and made the trip even better! Really enjoyed ourselves on this tour!!

Matt was a very gracious & informative guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our day in the Cotswolds with him.