Castle Combe is undeniably one of the most touristy villages in the Cotswolds, but it’s also one that really does live up to the hype if you visit at the right time. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening makes a huge difference, as most visitors tend to arrive mid-day and stick to the main street and the famous stone bridge.

Once you wander beyond that, the village quickly feels calmer and more charming. We especially loved heading towards the Manor House Gardens, where things feel noticeably quieter, and spending time wandering around the garden, the large sequoia tree and the beautiful stone buildings along West Street.

Stopping in front of the manor itself is well worth it for photos — the view of the grand building framed by greenery is stunning, and there’s often a classic Rolls-Royce parked out front, which somehow adds even more to the fairytale feel. If you time it right and explore a little beyond the obvious spots, Castle Combe can still feel peaceful-ish, atmospheric and very special.