Perfect Summers Trip: A relaxing summers day in Castle Combe

That famous Cotswold view I never tire of seeing - the stone bridge, the quaint cottages and the green hill beyond. Castle Combe and The Cotswold's area is one of my favourite places for a day trip in the summer. 

Castle Combe’s Tranquil Setting

I love being surrounded by these quaint cottages in the countryside and photographing them, but the slower pace of this area inspires feelings of relaxation. 

After a busy few days working in London, spending an hour or two in Castle Combe the following day was quite a big switch in pace. The sleepy village feels like it is frozen in time; the most noticeable difference is the cars instead of horse and carriages parked by the local inns. 

Miss the crowds 

Even though Castle Combe looks lovely any time of the year, the summer sunshine really brings out that yellow stone, and seeing all the climbing plants and roses in full bloom just makes it more beautiful. 

This time of year though can be a busy time for visitors, so I tend to arrive in the late afternoon or during the week for a quieter experience. 

Afternoon Tea at The Manor House in Castle Combe 

I have been meaning to try afternoon tea at the luxurious Manor House in Castle Combe, this stunning hotel and golf resort has beautiful grounds to roam around, and I like the idea of tea and scones in their outdoor garden area. I think it’s a lovely thing to do with family or friends, particularly if there’s a special occasion, the setting is perfect. 

I’ve been to Castle Combe with family and called into The Castle Inn for lunch; their lunch and dinner menu right now also sounds very appealing. 

It’s so wholesome 

What makes places like Castle Combe special for me is how wholesome it feels - on some of the doorsteps, you’ll often see honesty stalls with cake and snacks that you can purchase by leaving money or posting the cash through the letterbox.

Even though there are not tonnes of things to do in the village itself, it is just one of those places that draws me back. It’s also quite easy to get to, in comparison to some rural Cotswold villages I like as it’s near to the M4 motorway which runs between London and South Wales. 

If I’m looking to fill out my summer trip to Castle Combe, I’ll sometimes visit other local towns and villages nearby like Lacock which has been used as the setting for films and TV shows like Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. 

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Perfect Summers Trip 1

Strawberries, Sunshine and Summer Fun