Castle Combe lies in a valley and is considered one of the loveliest villages in the Cotswolds. It is one of the most visited and frequently finds favour as a backdrop for period television and cinema dramas.
Its adjacent wooded hill was fortified by Britons, Saxons and Normans and like most other places in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe's prosperity was based on sheep and wool. The village was important enough at one time to be granted the privilege of holding a fair where wool and sheep were traded.
The village is built around the 14th-century Market Cross with the old water pump beside it. A few yards away are the remains of the Butter Cross which was dismantled during the 19th century. St. Andrew's Church is probably 12th century and of particular interest inside is the modified 15th-century clock which used to ring the hours from the tower.
The classic view of the village is from across the bridge by the old weavers' cottages. The small local museum is up the hill away from the village towards the parking area (where tourists to the village are requested to park).
