Castle Combe, often celebrated as the UK’s most beautiful village, is facing growing unrest among its residents due to an influx of tourists from around the world. Visitors from countries as far afield as India, Japan, and Argentina have been reported peering through windows and knocking on doors, treating the small community of just 400 people like a living museum.
Nestled in the Cotswolds and famed as a filming location for movies such as War Horse and Stardust, Castle Combe attracts about 150,000 tourists each year. While tourism supports the local economy, it has also placed strain on the village’s privacy and tranquility.
Hilary Baker, a 69-year-old retired police officer and B&B owner, has called for more consideration from visitors. She recalls past issues with drones flying overhead filming children, sparking anxiety within the community. While such drone disturbances have lessened recently, Baker underscores the importance of respecting residents’ privacy. “If only they would stop and think, ‘How would I feel sitting in my garden minding my own business with a drone flying 20 feet above my head?’” she said.
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Baker also shared a startling encounter where she caught a visitor peering through her letterbox. When asked what they were doing, the visitor nonchalantly replied, “I’m just looking,” revealing a lack of awareness about the living community behind the picturesque exterior. She firmly declined requests from strangers hoping to enter her home, joking, “Unless you want to sit on the sofa with our dog.”
Many residents remain anonymous to protect their privacy but expressed similar concerns. A longtime villager lamented the tourists’ disregard for boundaries, noting that some visitors act as if the village is a public museum rather than a home to many. Increasing noise levels and unruly behavior, including children screaming and visitors ringing doorbells, have altered the village atmosphere. Additionally, the rise of TikTok and other social media platforms has intensified the influx of selfie-seeking visitors.
One resident, a former global IT executive who relocated from Australia, remarked that the situation has worsened exponentially due to social media. He noted that coach tours have multiplied, unloading crowds that persist from early morning well into the evening. Some younger tourists use suction cups to stick their phones to home windows to snap selfies—behaving as if Castle Combe were a theme park rather than a centuries-old village.
Despite the growing disruption, some residents like 86-year-old retiree Jean Boucher report minimal impact due to their property’s elevated location. She acknowledges that increased tourism and a fascination with photography are now common worldwide but stresses the importance of respecting local boundaries. The village’s housing situation complicates matters further, with around 60% of properties serving as second homes or short-term rentals, including many listed on Airbnb.
Fred Winup, parish council chairman for more than 20 years, advises visitors to come during the quieter winter months and cautions elderly tourists about the village’s steep incline from the car park. He emphasizes that Castle Combe is a historical gem with Grade-listed buildings, not a place for modern commercial development. “It’s a quiet place to come and visit, maybe spend an hour here, and that’s it,” he said.
For many tourists, however, even an hour is not enough to capture the village’s charm, leaving locals hopeful for greater awareness and respect amid the growing wave of visitors.