After first visiting the charming village of Castle Combe 3 years ago, we had the chance to return with friends on a very frigid weekend in March.

The guys had been plotting a golf weekend at the Manor Hotel in Castle Combe on the edge of the Cotswolds, staying 

at this magnificent 14th luxury country house attached to its own golf course. 

So do you think that we gals were going to let them go off on their own and miss all this loveliness?

Not a chance!

Built on the site of an old Norman castle, this country house is situated in 365 acres of beauty, including the hotel, golf course, and a Michelin starred restaurant.

Their brochure claims that the hotel is a "labyrinth of quirky hidey holes" which is indeed true, and we enjoyed exploring all the levels,

and alcoves where we uncovered all sorts of treasures such as this antique cradle on a landing beneath a tiny stained glass window.

Every room was unique with its own charm, and both the bedroom

and bath were huge. Luxury awaited in the form of a long soak in the claw footed tub with a rubber duckie supplied for fun.

Our room was graced with this bell--in the style of Downton Abbey!

Time for a stroll while the boys golfed, and wellies were supplied at the front door just for such an occasion.

A short walk through the village reminded us that this was a town that has literally been untouched since the 17th century. No new homes have been built there since 1617.

The oldest aspect of the village is the centrally located market cross seen above, which was serving as a center of trade as early as 1000 years ago. Some of this trade has been with the military through the years, and the market cross still shows the grooves where English longbowmen are said to have sharpened their arrows as they passed through.

The village was once a thriving woolen town due to the access of the Bybrook river and the cloth trade flourished there between the 11th and 18th centuries.

Today the town is a popular spot for tourists and movie makers. Many TV shows and movies have been situated there, including most recently Dr. Doolittle, The Wolfman and War Horse.

Doorways were inviting

and made us wonder what treasures lay behind the ancient doors.

In addition to staying in the hotel, some of the old weavers' cottages are available for guests as well.

We were amused to find cakes offered for sale at one door way,

where Mr. Yummy runs his business on a trust basis. Notice he is a "supplier" to the film and T.V, industry too.

The boys enjoyed playing golf (even in the rain), the gals enjoyed a spa day in nearby Bath, and everyone took home another memory of the good life in Britain.

Castle Combe

On our recent outing to Stonehenge and Lacock, we ended the day at a picturesque little village called Castle Combe. There are sometimes regrets that you have about trips, and in this case, we were so sorry that we ended up in the town around dusk, and thus missed some prime time to visit what proved to be a charming surprise. Perhaps if we had eaten a quicker lunch, perhaps if we had walked around Stonehenge just a wee bit faster, perhaps if we had spent less time chasing Harry Potter at Lacock Abbey, and perhaps if we had not stopped to take a photo at the town of Tiddleywink along the way, we would have had more time to enjoy Castle Combe--but how were we to know?

Entering the town I was reminded of what I had read. Castle Combe, only 12 miles from the city of Bath, is considered the southern most town of the Cotswolds Region.

Situated in the very center of town is the 14th century Market Cross with the old water pump beside it. It remains from the time when the privilege of holding a weekly fair was awarded. Imagine merchants coming in from all over the countryside for the big market day.

The church dates from the 12th century

and the graveyard beside it was particularly haunting that day with a sprinkle of snow and the setting sun.

Castle Combe was a center of the wool industry in medieval times

and in recent times has seen the arrival of a new industry--the film industry. Among the films shot here were Dr. Doolittle and most recently The Wolf Man.

The houses are typical Cotswold style, hundreds of years old, and spinsters and weavers would make the cottages their homes. The By Brooke supplied power to run the mills.

Truly a city lost in time, I was afraid we might not ever get back for a visit, but as we were leaving, we spotted the Manor House Hotel, and guess what spreads out behind it?

An incredible golf course! So, guess who is suddenly very interested in another weekend trip???

Maybe we will get back someday....?