Cotswolds

The Cotswolds village is often nicknamed the prettiest village in England, but it’s becoming increasingly busy

Castle Combe is frequently hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in England, boasting honey-coloured cottages, a centuries-old stone bridge and winding lanes that appear to have stood still in time. Nestled in Wiltshire on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, it has grown into a hugely popular destination for visitors hoping to soak up the charm of a quintessentially English village.

Yet despite its undeniable beauty, I discovered that the reality of a visit was rather different from the picture-perfect scenes that have made it so famous. Even on what I anticipated would be a quiet morning, there’s little question that this is gradually becoming one of the most crowded villages in the Cotswolds.

Visiting the village

Castle Combe is a historic Wiltshire village long dubbed the prettiest in England. Its reputation stretches back decades, with its traditional stone houses, old-fashioned windows, and flower-filled gardens conjuring up the kind of setting you’d expect to see in a period drama.

However, that very same charm is precisely what draws so many visitors to the village. What ought to feel like a tranquil stroll through a historic setting can instead leave you feeling as though you’re wandering through a film set.

Having visited numerous times over the years, whether passing through on short walks or staying at nearby hotels, it’s clear the crowds are growing with every visit.

It also got me thinking about the village’s residents, particularly those living in the stunning cottages overlooking the stone bridge. Castle Combe’s own visitor guidance urges people to be respectful of residents’ privacy, and to refrain from photographing homes or obstructing roads and gateways.

Parking

Parking is another potential headache if you’re not local. The village’s narrow, historic streets were never built to accommodate heavy volumes of traffic, and parking in the centre is extremely limited.

Visitors are directed to the designated car park at Dunns Lane, from where it’s a short walk down into the village. Parking right in the heart of the village isn’t a realistic option for most visitors, and spaces can fill up quickly during the summer months.

Things to do

Castle Combe is undeniably picturesque and a joy to stroll through, but it is also incredibly compact. Unlike other Cotswold villages, there is no bustling high street lined with independent shops to explore.

The key attractions include the historic Market Cross, St Andrew’s Church, the stone bridge spanning the By Brook and the charming cottages lining the village street.

You can take a leisurely wander, admiring the architecture, grab a bite to eat and explore the surrounding footpaths, though a couple of hours is really all you need.

Is it worth visiting?

Castle Combe is the kind of village that feels truly unique in England. It’s a place that draws a great many visitors, yet it doesn’t always deliver the most satisfying experience.

If you’re already making your way through the Cotswolds, a brief stop to take in the village could be worthwhile — but it wouldn’t justify a dedicated trip on its own.

THE Cotswolds is one of the few places in the UK that looks even more beautiful at this time of year than during the summer months.

Gorgeous thatched-roofed cottages offer a snug escape, old pubs light up roaring fireplaces and woodlands are carpeted with fiery leaves.

I was visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, which offered all of this and more. In fact, the picture-perfect village has been dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to its gorgeous scenery.

Weaving its way through the heart of the village, the River Windrush has a series of low stone bridges spanning its clear, shallow waters.

Honey-coloured homes line the grassy banks, creating a stunning backdrop that looks like the set of an English murder-mystery drama.

Its charm is magical and it comes as no surprise to learn that Kourtney Kardashian pipped me to the post, visiting the village and snapping the cottages I was lucky to call home for the weekend in her Instagram story.

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And Instagram-worthy this home certainly is.

Kestrel Cottage is the perfect bolthole for a weekend away. With one beautifully-decorated bedroom and a comfy sofabed, there is more than enough room for a couple, family or group of friends.

It’s one of four cottages set within an old mill and it’s bursting with character. It looked like it was straight out of an interior design magazine with fluffy carpets, a chic olive-coloured kitchen and bare-brick walls.

I loved how well equipped and homely the kitchen was, with enough facilities to whip up dinner for a cosy night in, along with all the decor you’d want to jazz up your own home.

My fairytale visit does come with a cautionary tale, though.

Where the Kardashians go, wannabe influencers will follow.

And Bourton-on-the-Water serves up the perfect picture spots, with a steady stream of visitors — although slightly less so now that summer is over (another good reason to visit in autumn).

Plus, staying in the heart of the village comes with the luxury of slipping out before the crowds for a peaceful wander in the sunshine to grab a morning coffee.

Bakery On The Water is the enemy of your waistline, but well worth it. Two cappuccinos and a side of pastry and sausage roll was the fuel we needed to explore.

We bounced from gift shop to restaurant, perusing all the lovely-looking menus, past the sweet store and ice cream parlour (making a note to return in summer), before turning the corner to find the beautiful Victorian Christmas Shop — a treasure trove for the festive-obsessed among us, myself included.

Coffees long gone, we treated ourselves to a pint or two by the fire at The Old New Inn, and wiled away the afternoon playing cards and debating where to eat that evening.

Bourton-on-the-Water leaves you completely spoilt for choice when it comes to food. With Smiths, the award-winning burger joint, two Italians, a Chinese, chippie and pizza spot, it’s almost impossible to agree.

After much debate, we opted for one of the lovely village pubs, The Willow, which has a huge garden overlooking the river.

This hostelry does pub classics properly, including a top-notch fish served with suitably crunchy chips (£19.95) and a traditional steak and mushroom pie loaded with moreish gravy (£19.50). The roast dinners looked good, too. Although those are best saved for Sundays.

Ahead of filling your belly, a Sunday in the Cotswolds is best spent strolling the scenic landscapes — and this time we decided to venture beyond the confines of the village.

A gentle, winding footpath guided us through the countryside towards the twin villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter.

The peaceful, 1.5-mile route takes you along the banks of the River Eye, past wildflower meadows and yet more honey-coloured cottages.

The tranquillity of Lower Slaughter (despite its name) is what struck us most, especially when compared to its tourist hotspot neighbour. Crowds were minimal and all that could be heard was the chirp of birds and a gentle stream.

If you’d like to fuel here ahead of your walk back, Slaughters Country Inn is known for its excellent roasts.

Cosying up inside by the fire, we enjoyed another well-earned drink before ducking low ceilings to get to the restaurant, where we were met by giant Yorkshires, roast beef and all the trimmings.

Skip dessert, though, and end your meal at the Hawkstone Brewery instead — another gem we can thank Jeremy Clarkson for.

It’s less Aperol spritz and more traditional English pints — mine with an elderflower twist. The perfect way to toast an autumn escape.

It may even top Venice . . . 

FORGET Mykonos, Saint Tropez and Dubai – if you want to holiday like a celebrity, there are plenty of spots loved by A-listers in the UK.

From English seaside towns to tiny Welsh village, all of these places are loved by celebrities – and you’re likely to see them there too.

Mawgan Porth

Cornwall is sprinkled with beautiful beaches and pretty fishing villages, but there’s one spot in particular that has become a favourite hideaway for A-listers.

The small coastal village of Mawgan Porth is quite often less busy than other towns which is another reason why it’s drawn in celebrity names – it’s even been nicknamed Hollywood-on-Sea.

The likes of Cate Blanchett, Stanley Tucci and Jason Statham have properties in the area, while other big names have also been spotted.

Aquaman star Jason Momoa has been reportedly eyeing up a property in the town.

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Other stars including Jamie Dornan and Chris Martin also reportedly have homes in the area.

The small hamlet has a pretty beach and eating spots like the Ship Inn, the New Yard Restaurant and Fat Apples Cafe.

It’s also equal distance between Newquay and Padstow – so it’s very easy to get to both seaside towns.

Cotswolds ‘Golden Triangle’

The Cotswolds is known as being an idyllic place with classic English-looking villages – some of which are the most beautiful in the world.

It attracts visitors from all over the world and is even home to celebrities, especially in three villages considered the ‘Golden Triangle‘.

One of the towns is Chipping Norton, which is where a number of famous celebs live including the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson and Kate Moss.

Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop is also found here.

It’s even been said that at The Chequers, which is the local pub, you might even see David Beckham enjoying a pint.

Another town in the Golden Circle is Stow-on-the-Wold which is close to where Kate Winslet reportedly owns a countryside retreat.

The third place that makes up the Golden Triangle is Burford and it’s been rumoured that Hugh Grant owns a rustic country cottage nearby.

Surprisingly, celebrities have been spotted at Burford Garden Centre, which is considered one of the fanciest in the country.

Beyonce and Jay Z were rumoured to have been spotted there before.

Southend-on-Sea

In recent years, the Essex town of Southend-on-Sea has become an unlikely hotspot for some of the UK’s best-known TV personalities.

Actress Michelle Keegan has been spotted in the area and last year, spent her first Mother’s Day as a mum at the Roslin Beach Hotel on Thorpe Bay.

The Roslin Beach Hotel has also been open to guests like Gary Barlow, Tyson Fury, Denise van Outen. Some TOWIE stars have visited too, including Frankie Essex.

Another spot in Southend that has had celebrity visitors is Leigh-on-Sea.

One local called Karen who works at the Osborne Cafe and Seafood merchant on the seafront, previously told The Sun: “We’ve had Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, Prime minister Rishi – oh and Bridget Jones’ dad – Jim Broadbent.

“Jedward were down with Gemma Collins, The Hairy Bikers, Denise Welch.”

Leigh-on-Sea is the hometown of Helen Mirren, who moved there as a child.

The trendy seaside town has lots to explore like its high street filled with pubs, tearooms and cafes.

Some of the most popular spots include Ye Olde Smack, which overlooks the Thames Estuary, as well as the neighbouring The Boatyard.

Broadway is the spot for independent shops, antique stores and plenty of boutiques like Just Fox, Heatherbie of Leigh and The Magic Wardrobe.

Mumbles, Wales

This popular coastal village in Swansea is considered the gateway to the Gower Peninsula.

It’s also considered an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you’ll find the ruins of an old castle, a lighthouse, a promenade, and the Swansea Bay Rider Land Train.

The village is a great shopping spot, with a number of high-end shops, independent boutiques, and galleries.

The Times called the Gower Peninsula the best place to live in Wales in 2025.

So it’s no wonder that it’s drawn in some well-known celebrity faces like Bonnie Tyler and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Two residents of the village of Bibury, Gloucestershire, are taking matters into their own hands after becoming fed up with a change in tourists’ behaviour after the Covid-19 pandemic

A couple who live in one of the UK’s most beautiful villages, located in the Cotswolds, have announced their plans to leave after a major change in the area following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brian and Jill Skarda have decided to leave the village of Bibury, Gloucestershire, a place named “the most beautiful village in England” by William Morris, due to the worsening behaviour of visitors.

Brian and Jill originally moved to Bibury, which was also branded the “world’s most beautiful village” by Forbes last year, that lies along the River Coln, from Barnsley. During their time in the area, they joined the parish council and became part of everyday life.

Writing in the Village Life magazine in a column known as Tales from the Riverbank, Mr Skarda admitted “we have had enough invasive tourism”.

Mr Skarda, who highlighted Arlington Row as a key point of issue, explained that he felt tourists are now getting too up close and personal with locals, so much so they had been finding it harder to go about their own lives.

He explained: “We have decided that we have had enough invasive tourism in Arlington Row…We have been here for over 14 years and noticed that since Covid, visitor behaviours have changed.

“They have become more inconsiderate and the sheer numbers of tourists …meant that, on occasions, we have virtually been unable to get out of our front door.”

In the latter part of his column, the Independent reported that Mr Skarda said he hoped that Bibury would one day “resolve its tourism issues” after complaining the area was being “ruined by the very people who come to see it”.

When it comes to Bibury, Mr Skarda isn’t the only person to have taken issue with the seasonal influx of tourists.

Speaking to the Independent, parish council chairman Craig Chapman said overtourism was having an impact on the local environment too.

He added: “Over the summer with the hot weather, people would not just sit on the river bank but would go in the water and even bring chairs in to sit on to cool down.

“The main concern is the wildlife, but also the whole area with people using it like it is a recreational area. When they go into the water they can upset the habitat.”

So great are the concerns about the impact on Bibury’s environment that last month, they announced they were going to put up fences around the river to stop people paddling in it.

Mr Skarda’s and Mr Chapman’s remarks about the village comes as debate grows about the impact of overtourism in places like Bibury and Castle Combe.

Every year, thousands of people from all over the world and the UK flock to these aesthetically pleasing places, many of which they have seen in films, to admire them.

Whilst these visits can be good for the local economy, locals are often caught in the crossfire.