Britain’s villages are famous for their picturesque facades and quaint, winding streets. But one in particular has consistently been named among the prettiest in England and beyond.

Castle Combe is a gorgeous Cotswolds village, located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, leading many news outlets and bloggers alike to name it among the prettiest villages in the world. Respected travel publication Condé Nast Traveller described it as "quintessentially" English, also thanks to its historic buildings. The village has a population of just 356, according to the 2021 census, and is around 10 miles from Bath. Its beauty has seen it featured in films such as The Wolf Man, Stardust and Stephen Spielberg’s War Horse, as well as the original Dr Doolittle movie.

As is typical for a village in the area, the houses are mostly built using Cotswold stone, giving the facades their distinct, warm colour.

Castle Combe boasts a couple of attractions dating from the 13th century, including Market Cross and St Andrews Church, which itself houses a faceless clock said to be one of the oldest working clocks in the country.

There are also a number of pubs and a luxury hotel and golf course within the village.

As well as being an immensely picturesque spot, the village also boasts the Castle Combe circuit on its boundary, where drivers can test different vehicles or try out their own on the rally course.

The track hosts a number of events throughout the year including race days for cars and motorbikes.

As summer turns to autumn, visitors can also watch the leaves turn electric shades of gold and crimson, a sight that will explain to tourists why it was chosen for productions as prestigious as Downton Abbey.

Of the village, Condé Nast Traveller previously wrote: “13th-century attractions show how enduring Castle Combe’s charm is, and, beside the market cross, it’s easy to imagine stallholders selling their fare on a sunny medieval day.

“On a 21st-century summer’s day, you’re more likely to stumble across smart staycationers walking off big breakfasts from The Castle Inn before embarking on some of the region’s prettiest walks, stocked up with treats from a local café.”