🇬🇧 My All-Time Favorite UK Village Has Finally Appeared!

Lin Yutang once said: “The ideal life is to live in an English cottage, have American plumbing, hire a Chinese chef, marry a Japanese wife, and take a French lover.” 🏡🍳🌸💄 There’s no doubt that the English countryside is many people’s dream destination — including mine. During my two years studying and traveling around the UK, I visited nearly a hundred towns and villages 🚂🌾, and still, none has come close to Castle Combe. It’s not only the best-preserved medieval village in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 but also widely regarded as one of the most beautiful historic villages in Europe. With fewer than a hundred households, the village may look rustic from the outside, but inside the cottages are warm, elegant, and full of character 🕰️🕯️. During my week-long stay there, I felt like I truly returned to my essential self — far from the rush of modern life. This is a place where you can fully embrace the slow, cozy, and peaceful vibe of the English countryside 🍃☕. ✅ How to Get There 🚞 From London Paddington, take a direct train to Chippenham. Right outside the station, catch bus 95 or 95A 🚌 — just tell the driver you’re going to Castle Combe. A round-trip ticket is £4. ⚠️ Buses run only 4 times a day, and there is NO service on Sundays. Plan carefully if you’re not driving! ✅ Ideal Length of Stay You can do a day trip from London if you match the bus schedule. The village is small — 2 hours is enough to explore thoroughly. But to truly soak in the medieval charm, stay overnight! At dusk, with chimneys smoking and lanterns glowing 🕯️🌆, it genuinely feels like traveling back in time. 🏨 Stay at The Manor House — a dreamy stone manor perfect for photos and relaxation. 🍽️ Dine at Bybrook — a Michelin-recommended restaurant, around £35 per person. ✅ Best Photo Spots 📸 1️⃣ The bridge on Water Lane 2️⃣ The Manor House 3️⃣ The Market Cross 4️⃣ The Castle Inn 5️⃣ Upper Castle Combe Horse Ranch 🐎 #TravelDiary #BeyondTheGuidebook #HiddenGems #StudyAbroadLife #UKVillageDreaming