A third “Gremlins” movie is officially in the works and eyeing a theatrical release ahead of the 2027 holiday season, Warner Bros. Discovery President and Chief Executive David Zaslav announced Thursday during the company’s third-quarter earnings call. The upcoming project is set to hit theaters Nov. 19, 2027, and will reunite original “Gremlins” scribe Chris Columbus with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, which produced the first two “Gremlins” films.
Columbus will direct and produce the film and Spielberg returns as an executive producer, Zaslav said. The new “Gremlins” film will be franchise’s first movie in more than 30 years. Columbus will write the script with “Final Destination Bloodlines” directing duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein.
Oscar nominee Columbus introduced audiences to the mysterious and maniacal ways of the Mogwai — furry, wide-eyed bipeds with giant ears — with the release of “Gremlins” in 1984. The first film, directed by Joe Dante, established the three nonnegotiables of Mogwai care: Don’t get them wet, don’t feed them after midnight and don’t expose them to bright light. Both the 1984 release and its 1990 sequel, also directed by Dante but written by Charles S. Haas, tracks the havoc that arises when the first two rules are ignored, from unstoppable spawning to unruly mutation into Gremlins.
The “Gremlins” films starred Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Howie Mandel as the voice of two-toned Mogwai Gizmo and Frank Welker as the voices of the films’ antagonists.
Though it has been decades since the last “Gremlins” movie hit the big screen, the furballs got their own spotlight in the 2023 animated prequel TV series “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.”
The series, from showrunner and executive producer Tze Chun, took a deep look into its namesake creatures’ origins, briefly hinted at in the first film by shopkeeper Mr. Wing (played by the Chinese American actor Keye Luke). “Secrets of the Mogwai” zooms in on Mr. Wing’s relationship with Gizmo, who became a through line in the “Gremlins” movies.
Series executive producer Brendan Hay told The Times in 2023 that setting “Secrets of the Mogwai” in 1920s China was “a chance to own the somewhat throwaway origin that the Mogwai have in the films.”
“In the films, it’s clear that they’re of Chinese origin, but it’s not that developed,” Hay said. “This is our chance to tell that story and really embrace it [by] actually try[ing] to find a place for Mogwai that fits into Chinese mythology, or at least builds off of existing Chinese mythology, and have fun in that world.”
Galligan hinted this summer that a new “Gremlins” movie was in the works while appearing at Comic-Con Manchester. According to a TikTok, the actor said “they’ve come up with a script” and that Warner Bros. was “incredibly interested in doing it, apparently it’s waiting upon Mr. Spielberg to read it and approve it.”
Tom Hanks is one of several celebrities who have fallen for the charm of Muskoka in Ontario, Canada, a region filled with thousands of lakes and tens of thousands of craggy islands
Muskoka is towards Canada’s east coast so is around an eight hour flight from London(Image: Getty)
When you consider Hollywood getaways, you might envision classic destinations like Italy’s Portofino, Monte Carlo, or the Hamptons, but Tom Hanks appears to have discovered the ideal spot for a tranquil retreat, well away from bustling beaches and heaving resorts.
Boasting thousands of lakes and countless rugged islands, the relatively unknown Muskoka region in Ontario, Canada, has attracted the star for serene and scenic breaks before the masses discover it.
It’s a realm of tranquil azure waters, small wooded islets, and timber boathouses that feels worlds apart from Hollywood and mirrors the Lake District but amplified, minus the coach parties and with far superior weather.
Merely two hours from Toronto, Muskoka spans an enormous area of central Ontario, peppered with over 1,500 lakes and encircled by coniferous woodlands.
It’s frequently dubbed “the Hamptons of the North”, owing to its blend of wilderness splendour and waterside opulence, reports the Express.
The ambience here is considerably more relaxed than what you’d experience in that exclusive New Jersey enclave.
You’re far more apt to spot families paddling canoes or toasting marshmallows beside a bonfire than moored, ostentatious vessels with champagne flowing.
Tom Hanks is amongst numerous celebrities who’ve been captivated by the region’s allure.
Sources claim he owns a home on Lake Muskoka itself, one of the area’s most renowned locations, where he spends considerable time between shoots. Muskoka, a tranquil region in Canada, is rumoured to be the summer retreat of choice for many celebrities, including Harry Styles, the Beckhams, Justin Bieber, and even Steven Spielberg, all seeking respite from their hectic lives.
The area is defined by three main lakes: Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph, each with its own unique charm. Lake Rosseau is renowned for its elegant cottages and grand holiday homes, while Lake Muskoka offers a more laid-back vibe, ideal for canoeing, paddleboarding or simply watching the sunset from the dock.
For those who love the great outdoors, Muskoka is a dream come true. Walking trails line the banks of the lakes, and there are plenty of places to rent a canoe or mountain bike.
With nearly 30,000 little islands scattered across the region, you can easily spend a day exploring and feel like you’ve truly escaped.
Despite its current status as a hidden gem, Muskoka has been a celebrity favourite for over a century. The iconic Bigwin Resort hosted big names such as Clark Gable and Ernest Hemingway back in the 1930s.
Steve Haid, a luxury waterfront estate agent, perfectly encapsulated the allure of Muskoka when he told Forbes: “To describe Muskoka is like trying to put into words a beautiful dream you just had.
“It’s best that you experience it rather than hear about it; beautiful lakes, unique boat houses, and a variety of cottage-style lake houses from different eras, it’s something out of a storybook really.”
Empire of the Sun was released in 1987 and is based on J.G Ballard’s novel of the same name. It stars Christian Bale and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video
A young Christian Bale(Image: Warner Bros)
The war epic that catapulted Steven Spielberg into the ranks of Hollywood’s top directors is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Empire of the Sun, which hit cinemas in 1987, features a glittering cast including Christian Bale.
Adapted from J. G Ballard’s novel bearing the same title, this 2hrs 32 min spectacle chronicles the life of Jamie ‘Jim’ Graham – portrayed by the erstwhile Batman actor – a well-heeled British lad residing in Shanghai during the early stages of World War II.
Separated from his parents amidst the Japanese invasion, he is ultimately captured and dispatched to an internment camp where he encounters the intriguing American wheeler-dealer, Basie, enacted by Of Mice and Men (1992) actor John Malkovich.
Striving to endure the severe conditions, Jim aspires to preserve his youthful innocence amid the turmoil and loss, reports the Express.
The cast also includes Southport-born Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers known for Coronation Street (2009-2019) and Chariots of Fire (1981), and The Matrix (1999) star Joe Pantoliano.
Empire of the Sun arrived in theatres in 1987(Image: Warner Bros)
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has awarded Empire of the Sun a critic score of 77%, while the audience score stands at a commendable 90%.
The film was highly acclaimed upon its release and is often hailed as the hidden jewel in Spielberg’s trove of blockbusters, with some asserting it surpasses the likes of Jaws (1975), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and Schindler’s List (1993) as his finest work.
Don’t just take our word for it, with one critic saying: “One of Steven Spielberg’s most ambitious efforts of the 1980s, Empire of the Sun remains an underrated gem in the director’s distinguished filmography.
“Stephen Spielberg’s graduation to grown-up film-making,” added a second, while another added: “Empire of the Sun is a great, overwrought movie that leaves one wordless and worn out.”
Matt, a superfan of the movie, posted on Rotten Tomatoes: “This is one of my favorite films of all time. I’ve been watching it since it came out and it’s just as good each time I see it.
“Absolute stellar cast and should have won a lot of awards. This is actually my favorite Speilberg WWII movie.”
Empire of the Sun is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
A surprising number of iconic and underrated 80s movies are currently available to stream – here’s the best of the best
Several incredible movies from the 1980s are available to stream, but what’s the cream of the crop?
Many film buffs will agree that the 80s was one of, if not the best decade for cinema in history, with many of the most iconic films of all time releasing in the space of just 10 years.
From rip-roaring blockbusters to spine-tingling horror movies, the decade launched franchises, produced acclaimed filmmakers and broke box office records left, right and centre.
Let’s run down 10 of the best undeniable classics and a handful of underrated gems, from sci-fi epics to stunning animation and guaranteed tearjerkers.
And, even better, they’re all available to stream right now in the UK, including a handful you can watch completely free.
NOW subscribers are guaranteed a toe-tapping good time with the Blues Brothers(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
This musical masterpiece starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd is undoubtedly one of the funniest movies produced during this decade.
Based on their iconic Saturday Night Live characters, Jake and Elwood Blues race against time to assemble their R&B band for one last show to save the orphanage where they were raised.
Featuring appearances from beloved blues musicians such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and James Brown, this love letter to music and the city of Chicago is guaranteed to leave you tapping your toes.
The Blues Brothers is available to stream on NOW.
This coming-of-age classic from Steven Spielberg will have you reaching for the tissues(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
ET
If there’s one name who dominated film culture in the 80s, it’s almost certainly Steven Spielberg.
From acclaimed historical dramas such as The Colour Purple and Empire of the Sun, to rollicking adventures with Indiana Jones, the blockbuster filmmaker released what many consider to be his best films during the decade.
One of his most daring and personal projects at that time, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, was a risky venture thanks to its small-scale drama and bold premise. Thankfully, the gamble paid off, knocking Star Wars off its podium and remaining the highest-grossing film of all time, until Spielberg beat his own record a decade later with Jurassic Park.
ET is available to stream on Netflix.
Die Hard is still the greatest action movie ever made(Image: 20TH CENTURY FOX)
Grab Disney Plus’ £1.99 membership right now
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Disney Plus is offering its membership for £1.99 a month for the next four months. You can enjoy classic Disney shows, Marvel and much more.
Die Hard
For our money the best action film ever made, Die Hard is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re watching at Christmas or during a heatwave.
Launching the big screen career of Hollywood powerhouse Bruce Willis, John McTiernan’s sublime thriller remains so influential to this day that ‘Die Hard on a [insert location/vehicle here]’ is still a bankable pitch for an action film.
With so many imitators out there, make sure you find time for the triumphant genuine article soon.
Die Hard is available to stream on Disney+.
This often overlooked historical drama is a must-watch(Image: MGM, UA)
A Dry White Season
This underrated historical drama shines a light on the devastating realities of apartheid in South Africa during the 1970s.
Featuring Donald Sutherland as a teacher at a school for white students, he’s forced to question his morals when the son of his Black gardener is viciously murdered by the white police.
One of the first major Hollywood films directed by a Black woman, Euzhan Palcy, and also featuring an oft-forgotten Oscar-nominated performance from Marlon Brando, A Dry White Season is an essential and gripping part of cinema history that often gets overlooked.
A Dry White Season is available to stream on Prime Video.
Kurt Russell takes on a shape-shifting monster from outer space(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
The Thing
Body horror became a defining sub-genre of the 1980s thanks to the advancement of special effects and film fans’ growing appetite for boundary-pushing scares.
Widely considered the best example, with masterful practical effects and tension in every frame, John Carpenter’s The Thing is a creature feature like no one had ever seen before – or since.
Starring Kurt Russell, this eerie, paranoid thriller about an Antarctica research team who get infiltrated by a shape-shifting extra-terrestrial was a box office flop at the time but has since become a beloved horror classic.
The Thing is available to stream for free on ITVX.
Prepare to be afraid – be very afraid(Image: 20TH CENTURY FOX)
The Fly
With so many excellent gory masterpieces to choose from, why just settle for one example?
Arguably even more horrifying than The Thing is David Cronenberg’s masterpiece The Fly, a morbid reimagining of a classic sci-fi horror from 1958.
Jeff Goldblum portrays an ambitious scientist who begins to transform after perfecting the art of teleportation, only for his machine to malfunction with grotesque results.
The Fly is available to stream on Disney+.
One of the best films about race relations ever made(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
Do the Right Thing
From body horror to social satire, the 80s were also renowned for a wide variety of thought-provoking dramas.
Influential director Spike Lee was just 32 when he made Do the Right Thing, cementing himself as one of the most prominent Black artists in history by tackling race relations in America like never before.
Combining laugh-out-loud humour with high-stakes drama and career-best performances from much of its cast, which includes Lee himself alongside Danny Aiello, John Turturro and Rosie Perez, there’s a reason why many cinephiles still consider it among the filmmaker’s best work.
Do the Right Thing is available to stream on NOW.
This animated masterpiece is available on Netflix(Image: STUDIO GHIBLI)
Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things.
My Neighbour Totoro
We’d be remiss not to include any animated films on a list of the best of any decade and, while Disney had its fair share of hits, from The Fox and the Hound to The Little Mermaid, in our opinion this masterpiece from Studio Ghibli wipes the floor with all of them.
My Neighbour Totoro is a timeless tale of childhood seen through the whimsical lens of Japanese animation genius Hayao Miyazaki, who injects every heartfelt moment with fantasy and wonder.
If you’ve already seen this animated gem, or fall in love with the furry forest spirit on your first watch, all of Studio Ghibli’s incredible films are available on the same service.
My Neighbour Totoro is available to stream on Netflix.
Harrison Ford explores a bleak vision of the future(Image: WARNER BROS)
Amazon Prime Video free trial
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Get 30 days of Amazon Prime Video for free with this trial, unlocking everything from must-see TV series to Hollywood blockbusters.
Cancel anytime during the free trial and pay nothing
Blade Runner
Yes, it’s yet another science fiction classic, but you can’t ignore perfection. While it may have spawned a generation of moody film bros, it’s easy to see why this atmospheric, neon-drenched cyberpunk thriller caught the imagination of so many.
From cinematic mastermind Ridley Scott, who already reinvented the genre with his seminal space horror Alien in 1979, comes a gripping existential head-trip starring Harrison Ford as a futuristic detective tasked with hunting down synthetic humans known as replicants.
Blending classic noir with one of the bleakest visions of the future ever put to film, Blade Runner is worth watching for the visual splendour alone, but will also keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
Blade Runner is available to stream on Prime Video.
80s movies don’t get much better than Raiders of the Lost Ark(Image: LUCASFILM)
Raiders of the Lost Ark
What’s left to say about Raiders of the Lost Ark that hasn’t been said a million times before?
Somehow, Spielberg delivered two masterpieces back-to-back, with the introduction of yet another iconic Harrison Ford hero arriving in 1981, a year before the acclaimed filmmaker made millions of moviegoers sob uncontrollably with ET.
The most iconic movie star of all time in his prime, an enthralling, globetrotting adventure, booby traps and ancient puzzles galore, and Nazis getting punched in the face. What’s not to love?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is available to stream on Netflix and for free on Channel 4.
Filming kicked off in 2024, with none other than Steven Spielberg serving as producer, and Osman has been keeping his followers informed about the latest happenings. Taking to Instagram, he reassured fans that the film would be available both in cinemas and on Netflix, addressing concerns that some might not be able to watch it.
The Thursday Murder Club(Image: Giles Keyte/Netflix)
He announced: “Some very good news for everyone who wanted to see #TheThursdayMurderClub in UK cinemas. Netflix have listened to the clamour, and the film will now have a run in UK cinemas.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, cast and more.
When is The Thursday Murder Club out?
The Thursday Murder Club is set to premiere in UK cinemas on August 22.
It will then be available for streaming on Netflix from August 28, with a runtime of nearly two hours.
Who are the stars of The Thursday Murder Club?
The main four characters, Elizabeth Best, Ron Ritchie, Ibrahim Arif and Joyce Meadowcroft, will be played by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie.
Osman recently addressed the contentious casting of Ron, telling Empire: “You have to do something unusual and different and interesting.
“Here’s the key thing about Pierce Brosnan playing Ron: Pierce Brosnan is who Ron would choose to play Ron.”
Doctor Who legend David Tennant has also been signed up as Ian Ventham, alongside Jonathan Pryce who plays Elizabeth’s other half Stephen.
Naomi Ackie is set to portray PC Donna De Freitas, whilst Daniel Mays takes on DCI Chris Hudson and Henry Lloyd-Hughes stars as Bogdan.
Additional big names joining the production include Richard E. Grant, Tom Ellis, Geoff Bell, Paul Freeman, Sarah Niles and Ingrid Oliver.
Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie(Image: Giles Keyte/Netflix)
Is there a trailer for The Thursday Murder Club?
Viewers get a sneak peek at Cooper’s Chase, the retirement community where the central characters live.
When a killing occurs nearby, Joyce is eager for the group to get involved and crack a fresh case.
Supporters flocked to the comments section to share their enthusiasm, with one posting: “The perfect cast, I am sooooo looking forward to seeing this film, love all the books, get ready to snuggle in and be totally enthralled.”
Someone else commented: “Totally didn’t expect this book series to be adapted by Netflix, really looking forward to this. I hope it’s good. And man this cast is stacked!”.
The Thursday Murder Club will hit UK cinemas on August 22. It will subsequently become available to stream on Netflix from August 28.
Dinosaurs ruled the box office once again this weekend as “Jurassic World Rebirth” hauled in a strong $147.3 domestically over the five-day Fourth of July period to kick off what industry insiders hope will be an impressive month at movie theaters.
The holiday total for “Jurassic World” in the U.S. and Canada exceeded industry expectations. Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World” reboot was expected to gross $120 million to $130 million during its long opening weekend, according to analyst and studio projections.
The movie unseated Apple’s Brad Pitt racing film “F1 The Movie,” which landed in second place with $26.1 million domestically, bringing its total to $109.5 million in North America, according to distributor Warner Bros.
“Rebirth’s” 2022 predecessor, “Jurassic World: Dominion,” debuted with $145 million from its first three days of release and went on to collect $1 billion globally. The new movie carries an estimated production budget of $180 million, not counting marketing costs.
Big-budget creature features have global appeal, as the numbers showed. Opening in 82 countries outside the U.S. and Canada, “Rebirth” grossed $171 million internationally. That included $41.5 million from China, proving that Hollywood movies can still do well in the Middle Kingdom despite the dominance of local production in the populous country.
The global total for “Rebirth’s” opening was $318.3 million.
Directed by Gareth Edwards (“The Creator,” “Rogue One”) and starring Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, “Rebirth” earned unenthusiastic reviews from critics, notching a 52% approval rating on aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
The “Jurassic” franchise has seen multiple iterations since Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park,” based on the popular Michael Crichton science fiction novel, wowed audiences with its combination of practical and computer-generated effects that gave the T. rex and other killer dinos their stunning realism. That film spawned not only sequels but toys, theme park attractions, animated series and video games.
Although the sequels, starting with Spielberg’s own “The Lost World,” never achieved the acclaim of the original, they continued to mint money for Universal and Spielberg’s production company, Amblin.
Prior to “Rebirth,” the “Jurassic” movies had grossed a total of roughly $6 billion worldwide, not adjusting for inflation, according to box office website The Numbers. The first “Jurassic Park” grossed $978 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, which is equal to $1.86 billion in today’s dollars.
The latest “Jurassic” movie did not get a slot at Imax theaters, since those were taken up by “F1.” Next week, the valuable Imax real estate will be taken up by Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ “Superman.” Films shown on Imax often reap bigger box office numbers, aided in part by the higher ticket prices at those theaters, and because they’re viewed as more of a must-see event.
“Jurassic World” is the first of three big tentpole films arriving this month in theaters. In addition to “Superman,” Walt Disney Co. and Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” opens in a few weeks.
July has historically been one of the strongest summer months at the box office, putting more pressure on these three films to deliver.
Despite big box office gains in April and May, June saw a string of underperforming films such as Lionsgate’s “John Wick” spinoff “Ballerina,” Sony Pictures’ “Karate Kid: Legends” and Disney and Pixar’s original animated effort “Elio.”
Theatrical business in June was 25% lower compared to the pre-pandemic average of June 2017, 2018 and 2019, according to David A. Gross’s FranchiseRe movie industry newsletter. It was also down 5.3% compared to last June, which saw big hits like Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Sony’s “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”
“We see this ebb and flow,” said Shawn Robbins, founder of the website Box Office Theory. “These next four to five weeks will certainly give us a sense of how to grade the summer overall.”
Castle Combe in Wiltshire, England, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning medieval stone cottages, winding streets and surrounding natural beauty
Castle Combe is home to many pretty cottages(Image: joe daniel price via Getty Images)
With summer upon us, many are planning their getaways, yet there’s no need to jet off abroad when the UK boasts some truly stunning destinations. Castle Combe in Wiltshire is often lauded as one of the prettiest villages not only in Britain but across the globe, making it an ideal spot for those exploring the Cotswolds.
Visitors to this picturesque village might feel as though they’ve wandered into a storybook, with its ancient stone cottages and charming, twisty lanes remaining untouched by modernity – a dream for anyone keen on sightseeing. But Castle Combe’s allure isn’t just architectural; it’s also cradled by the natural splendour of the Cotswolds.
Travellers will find themselves amidst enchanting woodlands, undulating hills, and verdant countryside, all contributing to the village’s magical vibe.
Described by Country Living as having houses “so pretty they should be on a postcard” due to its “ancient, honey-hued” cottages, Castle Combe has also earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of “most beautiful villages in the world“.
CN Traveller praised the village, saying: “Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village located in the southwest county of Wiltshire. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches.”
This idyllic village is the ultimate destination for photography enthusiasts, with the historic village bridge crossing the River Bybrook being a particularly picturesque spot to capture.
History buffs will be drawn to Castle Combe for its plethora of medieval structures, including the stunning St Andrew’s church, established in the 13th century, reports the Express.
Cottages with Cotswold stone walls in Castle Combe(Image: Olga Dobrovolska via Getty Images)
The church houses the tomb of Sir Walter de Dunstanville, Baron of Castle Combe and a crusader who passed away in 1270. It also boasts a quaint shop renowned for its charming postcards.
Film aficionados will find Castle Combe intriguing as it has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films, from the 1960s Doctor Dolittle to the more recent Stardust in 2007 and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse in 2011.
Castle Combe offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking a leisurely holiday, providing opportunities for nature walks, historical exploration, and cosy evenings at the local pub.
For those embarking on a nature walk, the village’s famed Little Picnic Shop provides everything needed for a delightful summer picnic.
However, for an authentic English countryside experience, a visit to The Old Rectory Pop-up Tearoom is a must. Here, guests can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea complete with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and a cuppa served in fine china.
The Old Stables offers a more laid-back yet snug setting for a coffee shop in the village, where patrons can indulge in a bacon sarnie or their hot drink of choice.
Castle Combe’s residences often feature quaint stalls outside, vending local and homemade delights like jams, bakes, or sweets – ideal for picking up as you wander through the village.
Travel aficionado Jamie, the brains behind Explore with Ed, suggests that those keen on visiting Castle Combe should do so promptly, especially as the village is at its most charming in midsummer.
He commented: “The prettiness of Castle Combe is perhaps at its peak in the height of summer when the honey-coloured cottages are graced with colourful climbing plants and overflowing window baskets.”
Castle Combe in Wiltshire has been named one of the most beautiful villages in the UK, and anyone visiting the fairytale setting will see why it has received so many accolades
Castle Combe is picture postcard perfect(Image: Getty Images)
With summer upon us, Brits are eagerly scratching that holiday itch, and you don’t even need a passport for a slice of the extraordinary within our isles. Hailed as one of the most picturesque spots on the globe, let alone Britain, Castle Combe in Wiltshire is an essential stop for anyone venturing into the Cotswolds.
This storybook village, with its medieval stone cottages and timeless lanes, remains untouched by the march of time, offering sightseers an authentically charming experience. Encircled by the sublime Cotswold scenery, visitors to Castle Combe are treated to nearby woodlands, undulating hills, and verdant landscapes that accentuate the village’s alluring ambience.
Described by Country Living as houses “so pretty they should be on a postcard” due to their “ancient, honey-hued” charm, it’s no wonder it’s counted among the world’s loveliest villages by travel experts.
CN Traveller said: “Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village located in the southwest county of Wiltshire. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches.”
This idyllic village is a dream destination for photography enthusiasts, with the old bridge crossing the River Bybrook being the most iconic spot to capture due to its breathtaking location.
History buffs will be drawn to Castle Combe for its plethora of medieval structures, including the stunning St Andrew’s church, established in the 13th century, reports the Express.
Early morning in Castle Combe village centre(Image: Getty Images)
The church houses the tomb of Sir Walter de Dunstanville, Baron of Castle Combe, a crusader who passed away in 1270, and also boasts a quaint shop renowned for its charming postcards.
Film aficionados will find it an exciting visit as Castle Combe has been featured in numerous iconic films such as the 1960s Doctor Dolittle, and more recently, the 2007 fantasy blockbuster Stardust and Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film War Horse.
Castle Combe is perfect for those seeking a leisurely holiday, offering opportunities for nature walks, historical site visits, and relaxing evenings at the local pub.
For those planning a nature walk, the village’s famous Little Picnic Shop provides everything needed for a delightful summer picnic.
However, for a quintessential English countryside experience, a visit to The Old Rectory Pop-up Tearoom is a must, where guests can enjoy afternoon tea complete with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and a cuppa served in traditional china.
The quaint village also boasts The Old Stables, a snug and informal coffee shop ideal for enjoying a bacon sarnie or your favourite hot drink.
As you wander through Castle Combe, you’ll find charming homes adorned with little stalls offering a delightful selection of local and homemade treats like jams, cakes, or sweets.
Travel aficionado Jamie, the mastermind behind ‘Explore with Ed,’ reckons now is the prime time to visit Castle Combe, citing mid-summer as the period when the village’s charm truly flourishes.
He commented: “The prettiness of Castle Combe is perhaps at its peak in the height of summer when the honey-coloured cottages are graced with colourful climbing plants and overflowing window baskets.”
