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Beautiful UK village named among the prettiest as tourists hail fairytale vibe
@Source: mirror.co.uk
An 'oh-so-cute' village that looks like something straight out of a fairytale book has been crowned one of the prettiest spots in the UK. Nestled in an Area Of Outstanding Beauty and surrounded by the lush Cotswolds countryside, Castle Combe makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.
Famed for its rows of honey-coloured cottages, 17th-century bridges, and a slow-moving winding river, this picturesque village is an Instagram-addicts dream. It's filled with quaint streets, cosy pubs, and medieval architecture, and is a great base for exploring nearby walking routes.
It's no surprise this photogenic village has been used in a slew of acclaimed films including Stardust, War Horse, and the original Dr Doolittle. Even if you're not a movie buff, you'll appreciate Castle Combe's perfectly preserved image and rich history.
"Within Castle Combe, you'll find a Market Cross and St Andrew's Church which dates from the 13th century," states Visit Wiltshire, the area's official tourist board. "The church houses a faceless clock which is reputed to be one of the oldest working clocks in the country. You'll also find a couple of pubs and a luxury hotel with a golf course within the village."
For those looking for a little more adventure, head over to Castle Combe Circuit, where drivers can test out different vehicles and even have a go at tackling the Rally course. The circuit hosts several events year-round, including Howards Race Day which takes place this month (Monday, April 21).
Despite only having a population of less than 400, Castle Combe attracts swathes of visitors from across the globe. According to reports, the tiny village sees up to 20,000 tourists during weekends - with up to 50 coaches full of selfie-stick-waving holidaymakers arriving on a daily basis.
Naturally, this staggering influx has divided opinions amongst locals - many of whom have left the village altogether. Anna Roberts, a local tearoom owner, has lived in Castle Combe for more than 20 years and claims only half of residents actually live there full-time now.
According to the Express, she said: "It is a beautiful village and it's a lovely house but at the end of the day, it is a very tourist village. If I didn't run a business from here we wouldn't want to stay here."
In an interview with SWNS, Anna argued the community spirit had been zapped out of the village due to over-tourism, with many residents renting out their homes to holidaymakers. Georgina Kingshot, another resident, agrees - stating her privacy has been invaded several times due to tourists flying drones over her home.
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If you can deal with the droves of tourists, Castle Comb is just over two hours from London in the car. However, getting the train can slash the journey time in half - with direct routes leaving the Big Smoke daily. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for less than £30.
Due to its small size, accommodation in Castle Combe is limited - and therefore rather pricey. For example, a two-night stay (Friday, April 4-6) in a traditional cottage will set you back a staggering £905. However, if you're willing to stay a few miles outside of the village, you can get a two-bedroom apartment for just £240 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What's your favourite staycation destination? Let us know in the comments section below
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