Often named as the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe is exactly what you would conjure up in your mind's eye when asked to imagine a traditional English village. With it's charming stone houses and meandering river, it's easy to see why this picturesque medieval village has served as the backdrop for many films and TV shows. The best view is just the other side of the bridge looking back towards the village. A firm favourite on the 'gram', you will have to join those patiently waiting their turn at the foot of the bridge to get this shot! I don't have such patience and luckily we hadn't travelled for "the shot" - we were in Castle Combe on this occasion in autumn last year to enjoy a spot of golf.
The Manor House Golf Club is home to a championship 18-hole golf course set within 365 acres of beautiful Cotswolds countryside that borders the village. I am very new to the game but the fiancé is a serious golfer and I am keen to learn - at the moment I am only skilled at dressing the part and driving the golf cart! The golf club is part of the The Manor House Hotel and just a short drive from Lucknam Park where we were spending the week (and which you can read about here). Following a successful round of golf (success being measured by the number of golf balls that made it home with me!) we made our way back to the Manor House for lunch.
Hidden behind a set of electronic gates and perched at the end of a long drive that runs alongside a slow-moving stream, the secluded grounds of The Manor House feel like a secret escape from the bustling village which is often heaving with tourists. A beautiful ivy-clad building, the hotel offers Michelin starred dining and promises five star service. It was a beautiful sunny day when we visited and so we opted to have our lunch on the lawn in the shade of a large umbrella. Other guests enjoyed a picnic on the lawn down by the tumbling weir and a dog lazed happily at the feet of its owners sitting at the table next to us. I ordered a cod dish which was delicious and beautifully plated and (while not quite as easy on the eye) the fiancé raved about his bangers and mash! Reluctant to leave this idyllic setting, we stayed a while moseying through the delightful Italianate gardens. It was a perfect day trip and one we hope to enjoy again soon!
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