The charming Wiltshire village of Castle Combe, often hailed as the prettiest in the UK, has been recognised as one of Europe’s ‘best small towns’. Despite not technically being a town, we reckon the locals won’t mind the misnomer.
Conde Nast Traveller has described it as the ‘quintessential English village’, noting that no new homes have been built there for nearly four centuries. The village boasts a 13th-century church and a 14th-century manor-turned-hotel, making it an ideal spot for countryside walks.
But what sets Castle Combe apart is its unique claim to fame – a B&B that’s become a top destination for Japanese tourists, thanks to its feature in a popular anime TV series. Fosse Farmhouse, run by Caron Cooper, 60, for over three decades, was featured in the Kinmoza anime series.
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(Image: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Caron’s fame has reached such heights that she’s attended a red-carpet premiere in Japan and hosted the Japanese Royal family. This unexpected fame began when Caron met a Japanese couple at a market stall in 1989.
After visiting her farmhouse, Shozo and Yasuko Mitani were so enamoured they modelled their own British-themed B&B in Japan on Caron’s.
The number of Japanese visitors to Fosse Farmhouse has been on the rise, and Caron has even had the honour of being invited to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace to prepare tea and scones for the Japanese Royal family. She also played host to the royals at her home for three nights in 1994.
(Image: joe daniel price/Getty Images)
While Fosse Farmhouse is situated just outside Castle Combe, the village itself is a must-visit. Best explored on foot, visitors can marvel at the beautiful Cotswold stone homes, perhaps stopping at one of the honesty stalls on residents’ doorsteps for a slice of cake.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the 14th-century Market Cross, where the weekly market used to be held, the 13th-century St Andrew’s Church with its medieval faceless clock – one of the oldest working clocks in the country – and a monument dedicated to a knight who fought in the Crusades. The 14th-century Castle Combe Manor, now an upscale hotel, is another historical gem.
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The namesake castle is now merely earthworks, but it was originally a British hill fort that was occupied by the Romans before being developed by the Normans. Film buffs can tour all the filming locations in the village, including the Dower House from Dr Dolittle.
For those seeking adventure, there’s the Castle Combe Circuit where drivers can test drive various vehicles and tackle the Rally course. And no trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without a countryside walk around the surrounding hills and fields.
How to get there from London
If you prefer public transport, take a train to Chippenham, which is roughly a 1hr10 journey, and then either grab a taxi or catch a bus for the final six miles to the village.
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