The magical little UK village that's the 'prettiest in Autumn' - full of independent shops

There is a stunning UK village that you need to see to believe, with narrow streets, gorgeous surrounding countryside and plenty of independent shops to explore. The UK is full of beautiful little towns and villages, many of which are steeped in history, and many that have managed to hold onto their unique charm and identity even in modern times. Autumn is a great time to visit many of these places, as the fallen golden leaves make for the perfect backdrop.

Think rom-com-esque village with cosy pubs and cute independent shops to explore. Even though these places are small, they pack a punch with visitors. One of those places is a gorgeous little village in one of the most stunning parts of the whole of the UK. Castle Combe is located in the Cotswolds and looks like it was taken straight from the front of a postcard. Its old buildings, bridge, and general classic aesthetic make it one of the perfect autumn staycations in the UK for 2025.

Castle Combe is located in Wiltshire and is known to be a stunning little village that gives visitors a taste of classic England. It is located 10 miles northeast of the historic Roman city of Bath, and it gives its more famous neighbour a bit of a run for its money when it comes to quaint English beauty.

Meanwhile, it is around 5 miles northwest of Chippenham. The tiny village is a popular tourist spot for those exploring the Cotswolds, but it doesn't have a huge number of people living there.

In fact, according to the last Census, Castle Combe has only 356 residents. Despite its small size, there are still plenty of things to do there.

In terms of independent shops, you have lots to visit in Castle Combe. Some local favourites will be found at the market. Here, you will be able to purchase all kinds of locally made goods such as jewellery, wood carvings and soaps.

There are also some great, traditional pubs in and near the village. They include the Castle Inn, the White Hart, the Salutation Inn and the Old Stables. Meanwhile, there are also some great cafes to visit in the daytime.

People who have visited Castle Combe before have had amazing things to say about it. On TripAdvisor, many tourists have left reviews. One person wrote: "One of my favourite towns trapped in time. It's so peaceful and pretty there. Will go back there and spend a few days. We were part of a tour and only had 2 hours to visit."

Another said: "If there's a competition to decide which is the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is the clear champion. Amazing, stunning, charming, etc. You can add all the adjectives you want."

A third shared: "Absolutely beautiful place to visit. Can park at the top (nice & cheap) and is a walk down a hill (so need to be able to walk back up to the top). Lovely to look around and be transported back in time."

Another said: "Lovely picturesque village that is definitely worth a visit. Nice walk down from the car park. Off season was not very crowded but cannot imagine how busy it must be in the summer."