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Tourists urged not to 'overwhelm' popular village

BBC A view of Castle Combe on a sunny day, showing quaint cottages to the right, a bridge and shallow river and a church steeple in the background with treesBBC
Castle Combe is often called one of England's prettiest villages

Visitors to a famous Cotswold village are being urged to "plan their trip responsibly" this bank holiday weekend.

Wiltshire Council, along with the local parish council, has asked people visiting Castle Combe to use the official car park and "respect" the local community.

The Councils said the village, often named as one of the "prettiest villages in England" can be overwhelmed, especially at peak times like bank holidays.

People are also being reminded that there other similar locations that can be visited nearby, such as Lacock and Malmesbury.

A narrow road with quaint Cotswold stone cottages on both sides
The village can be "overwhelmed" with visitors at peak times

Castle Combe is not only known for its appearance, but also as a film location.

War Horse was filmed there, as was the 1966 Doctor Dolittle.

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism, said “Castle Combe is one of the jewels in Wiltshire’s crown, and whilst we want to encourage people to visit, we also know that it can be very popular and can be quickly overwhelmed with visitors, especially on a bank holiday weekend."

The council has reminded remind visitors to use the designated parking and not to park in front of businesses, homes and yellow lines.

Parking enforcement officers will be deployed in the village this weekend, it said.

Mr Clewer added that other locations in the county can be visited, with information provided on the Explore Wiltshire app.

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