Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn " class="wp-image-37313" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Angela Ward Brown</figcaption></figure>



<p>At the heart of Castle Combe sits <a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/the-castle-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Castle Inn</a>, a gorgeous 12th-century pub. Part of the Exclusive Collection (its luxuriant sister, The Manor House, sits a stone’s throw away), it’s also a multi award-winning dining destination in its own right. Not only does it boast 2 AA Rosettes, but this year it&#8217;s already bagged a coveted spot (No. 53) in the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs list.</p>



<p>Castle Combe is the kind of place that makes you slow down the car and wonder if you’ve stumbled onto a film set – which, in fact, you probably have. Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in the UK, it’s a favourite with filmmakers (you’ll spot it in <em>Stardust</em>, <em>Wolf Man</em> and Stephen Spielberg’s <em>War Horse</em> among others) and oozes classic English charm by the bucketload. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-Ward-Brown-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn" class="wp-image-37045" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-Ward-Brown-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-Ward-Brown-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-Ward-Brown-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-Ward-Brown.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Angela Ward Brown</figcaption></figure>



<p>Think brightly coloured flowers tumbling out of stone troughs, a picture-perfect bridge over the Bybrook, and dreamy cottages in Cotswold stone. Thanks to strict conservation rules, not a single house has been built here since the 1600s and there’s a strict ban on TV dishes and external wires.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-indoors-1.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn" class="wp-image-37304" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-indoors-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-indoors-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-indoors-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-indoors-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Angela Ward Brown</figcaption></figure>



<p>We arrived on a balmy Monday evening to a quintessentially English scene. Church bells tolled gently in the background, while a cheery mix of locals, tourists and overnight guests spilled out of the pub. Some sipped drinks on the cobbled pavement, while others were busy capturing snapshots of the pretty cottages and ancient market cross. The village is an Instagrammer’s dream – for the ultimate shot, stroll down and take a snap on Castle Combe’s iconic bridge, with the rows of pretty cottages snaking off in behind you. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/14-1.jpg" alt="the Castle Inn " class="wp-image-37297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/14-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/14-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/14-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/14-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Angela Ward Brown</figcaption></figure>



<p>Outside, The Castle Inn is all classic charm: ivy-draped stone walls, hanging baskets, traditional lanterns and timeworn cobbles. Inside, it’s a cosy-meets-contemporary affair. Exposed stone and centuries-old beams sit alongside vintage car-themed art (a nod to the nearby Castle Combe Circuit), and framed snaps from the village’s film and TV history.</p>



<p>You’ll find two main dining areas, dotted with open fireplaces, nooks and leather banquettes, plus a greenery-filled conservatory and, of course, the bar. Come winter, the fight for the table next to the enormous roaring fire is real. There’s also a pretty courtyard garden, seating around 20, which is open at weekends and a suntrap in warmer months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Sophie-Barton-3.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn by Sophie Barton" class="wp-image-37311" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Sophie-Barton-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Sophie-Barton-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Sophie-Barton-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Sophie-Barton-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The menu here is very much refined gastropub, with a few comforting classics thrown in for good measure. Starters were seriously impressive. Plump king prawns arrived swimming in a fiery garlic sauce, with homemade seeded bread for dipping. The fresh seasonal asparagus came crowned with a perfectly runny egg, encased in a light truffled crumb. Heaven.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-starter-Sophie-Barton-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn by Sophie Barton" class="wp-image-37312" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-starter-Sophie-Barton-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-starter-Sophie-Barton-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-starter-Sophie-Barton-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-starter-Sophie-Barton-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Mains continued to deliver. The fish and chips was textbook: light, crispy batter, moist flaky cod and a minty pea purée that beautifully balanced the richness of the chunky chips. My ray wing was also a hit – cooked to buttery perfection, it came scattered with sweet silverskin onions, broad beans and lashings of herbs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-dessert-Sophie-Barton.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn " class="wp-image-37289" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-dessert-Sophie-Barton.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-dessert-Sophie-Barton-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-dessert-Sophie-Barton-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-dessert-Sophie-Barton-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Despite being comfortably full, dessert was just way too tempting. A refreshing compressed fruit salad came with a dollop of creamy fruit ice cream, and wafer-thin slivers of cucumber and apple. Meanwhile, the sticky toffee pudding was pure theatre. Topped with a shard of nutty meringue, it arrived with a glorious jug of rich, treacly toffee sauce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-bedroom-1.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn" class="wp-image-37302" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-bedroom-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-bedroom-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-bedroom-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-bedroom-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Angela Ward Brown</figcaption></figure>



<p>No identikit hotel rooms here. The Castle Inn’s bedrooms are steeped in history and packed with period drama. You’ll find exposed beams, sloping ceilings and heritage appeal, all sprinkled with soft textiles and warming neutral tones. You can opt for a cosy classic or stretch out in a four-poster, but the showstopper is the more contemporary Signature, with its emperor-sized bed. </p>



<p>An added bonus to staying at the inn: guests can use both the Loft gym and the tennis courts at The Manor House free of charge. The inn&#8217;s &#8216;<a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/the-castle-inn/packages/pub-play/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pub and Play</a>&#8216; overnight package also gives access to the hotel&#8217;s stunning golf course, two rounds of golf and £37pp towards dinner. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Absolutely, there are two dog friendly bedrooms and your pooch will be kitted out with a bed, blanket and bowl. You’ll also find stunning walks on your doorstep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>This is a 12<sup>th</sup> Century building, so alterations can be tricky. If you have accessibility needs, we’d suggest getting in touch with the (very helpful) team to chat things through.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Castle-Combe-The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn" class="wp-image-37298" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Castle-Combe-The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Castle-Combe-The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Castle-Combe-The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Castle-Combe-The-Castle-Inn-copyright-Angela.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Angela Ward Brown</figcaption></figure>



<p>Check out Grade I listed St Andrew’s Church, which has one of the oldest working clocks in Britain, and the medieval market cross. Does it look familiar? The chances are you saw it in <em>War Horse</em>, where it was used for scenes at the horse fair.</p>



<p>For a stunner of a stomp, head to the wooded path at the top of The Street. From there you can stride out on a five-mile loop, which takes you through some of Wiltshire’s prettiest countryside.</p>



<p>Speed fiend in your midst? Castle Combe racetrack holds regular race meetings, as well as driving experiences. Alternatively, up your film buff credentials even further, with a trip to nearby Corsham, where the pretty high street has been used for everything from <em>Poldark</em> to<em> Rivals</em>.</p>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:&nbsp;</strong>Couples wanting a bucolic getaway, foodies and anyone keen to soak up a gorgeous slice of English history.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR</strong>: Those craving bright city lights. This is quintessential England at its very best, with food and atmos to match.</p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:&nbsp;</strong>Double rooms from £145 per night including breakfast.</p>



<ul>
<li><em><a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/the-castle-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Castle Inn</a>, West Street, Castle Combe, Chippenham SN14 7HN. Tel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+castle+inn+castle+combe&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB836GB836&amp;oq=the+castle+inn+castle+combe&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyFggBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYjgUYmAUYmQUyBwgCEAAYgAQyCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIGCAUQRRg8MgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYPNIBCDM1ODNqMGo0qAIAsAIB&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">01249 783030</a></em></li>
</ul>


Review: The Castle Inn, Castle Combe

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