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WHAT makes a great English village? Stone cottages, dramatic landscapes and trustworthy locals?
Castle Combe in Wiltshire ticks all those boxes, which is why it has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters like Stardust and Steven Spielberg‘s War Horse.
AlamyCastle Combe in Wiltshire has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters like Stardust and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse[/caption]
AlamyNo new homes have been built in the Cotswolds village since the 1600s[/caption]
Set within the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is routinely named as one of the prettiest villages in the country.
Country Living listed the English village as one of the most picturesque places to visit in the country, writing: “This quintessentially English village is known as the ‘prettiest village in England‘ – and we can see why.
“It’s a Wiltshire gem worth exploring.”
It’s easy to see why it is revered as one of the prettiest villages in the country thanks to the babbling Bybrook River that runs through its centre.
Arguably, the Cotswolds village has kept its charm because no new houses have been built since the 1600s.
The village is instead home to honey-colored limestone cottages that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale.
Castle Combe is also known for its honesty stalls, which The Travel describes as “a reflection of the old times”.
At the honesty stalls, locals sell various items from their own front doors, with customers simply asked to post money through their letter boxes.
Its stand-out attraction is perhaps the Castle Combe circuit – a racing track where people can bring their cars and motorbikes to live out their dreams of being a racing driver.
A description on the site’s website states: “If your car’s got 4 wheels, is to MOT standard and meets our noise restrictions you’ll be made very welcome at one of our Car Track Days.”
Bike track days are also an option for motorcyclists.
It also has a Michelin Guide-approved pub called the Castle Inn, which is located in the market square.
The cosy pub serves seasonal food – think homemade comfort food at its finest, with the Castle Inn named a Top 50 Gastropub in the UK.
Other places to grab a bite to eat in Castle Combe include The White Hart and The Old Stables.
GettyThe village is instead home to honey-colored limestone cottages that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale[/caption]
GettyHollywood blockbusters like Steven Spielberg’s War Horse (pictured) have been filmed in the village[/caption]
While stays in the village can be booked for as little as £32.50 per person per night, the Manor House offers an idyllic break in the Cotswolds.
The 14th century building has Italian gardens and an onsite golf course.
Its 50 unique rooms are filled with character from brightly-patterned furnishings to opulent wooden beds.
Stays are a little on the pricier end, with Sun Online Travel finding rooms from £250 per night.
However, caravan pitches near to the village can be found from £30 per night.
Castle Combe is a 30-minute drive from Bristol.
Sun Travel's favourite UK towns and villages
Here are the UK villages that The Sun’s travel team like to visit the most.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire – Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter
For the last few years, my annual trip to Harrogate has been an immovable fixture in my calendar.
The Victorian spa town is the perfect place for a little bit of R&R thanks to its history of spa tourism, which is very much alive.
Head to The Harrogate Spa at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel if you’d like a pamper, which is a personal favourite of mine.
Lavenham, Suffolk – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
One of my favourite villages I’ve ever visited in England is Lavenham, which is beautiful in autumn.
Said to be the best preserved medieval village in the UK, it is known for two buildings – the 600-year-old Crooked House and the De Vere House, which featured in the Harry Potter films.
Warm up at The Swan Hotel, which has its cosy Weavers Spa onsite.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Perched atop a craggy cliff, overlooking a dinky shore, Robin Hood’s Bay seems like something from a fiction tale or a North Yorkshire postcard.
In summer, you’ll find dogs sprinting along the sands, while owners tuck into fresh crab sandwiches from the beachside hut and little ones fish for treasures in the rock pools.
I prefer the village in winter, though, when the weather takes a turn and nature comes alive with the grassy dunes dancing in the wind and moody waves thrashing on the rocks.
Hay On Wye, Wales – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)
When I first set foot in Hay-on-Wye, I couldn’t believe I’d left it until my late thirties to visit – what a waste of a few decades.
The small town on the Welsh borders that sits on the River Wye is probably best known for hosting the annual Hay literary festival, and it’s definitely a book-lovers paradise – with more than 20 book stores to explore.
They sit among the many antiques shops, which sell everything from fabulous Welsh rugs to toy soldiers, trinkets and beautiful furniture.
Letchmore Heath, Hertfordshire – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
THIS quintessential little village may seem very familiar to some. It’s tiny – with just 150 houses, a village green, a pond and a lovely pub, The Three Horseshoes.
But with Elstree Studios just up the road, it has been used as a set in countless films, in particular the 1960s British horror movie, Village of the Damned.
Its close proximity to London – just half an hour away on a train from nearby Radlett or Elstree and Borehamwood station – means it’s easy to get to.
Alnwick, Northumberland – Ryan Gray, Travel Reporter
The North East of England is a treasure trove for quaint villages and towns, with Alnwick standing out among them.
For bookworms, it’s the perfect place to go, with Barter Books both one of the largest second hand book shops in Europe and easily one of the most beautiful.
Harry Potter fans are particularly keen to head to Alnwick, which is home to Alnwick Castle, or Hogwarts as many know it, with the ornate fortress used to represent Harry’s magical school in some of the film series’ more memorable scenes. Visitors to the castle can even take part in broom flying lessons.
For younger kids, Lilidorei at Alnwick Garden is the largest play structure in the world, while the rest of the garden is home to some unique attractions and features, including its famous poison garden.
Meanwhile, one of England’s prettiest villages had a starring role in a hit TV show.
And this tiny English village is home to award-winning vineyards and celebrities.
GettyCastle Combe is a 30-minute drive from Bristol[/caption] 
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