Offbeat Traveler: Castle Combe village in Britain

Castle Combe, where parts of Steven Spielberg’s Golden Globe-nominated “War Horse” was shot, isn’t new to movie crews. Long before it stood in as Devon in the World War I film about a young man and his beloved horse, it served as the village of Wall in “Stardust” (2007), featuring Sienna Miller. Four decades earlier it appeared in “Doctor Dolittle” (1967), starring Rex Harrison.

Known for its picturesque scenery, the village in Britain’s Wiltshire County about 20 miles east of Bristol was named the country’s prettiest village in 1962 in a national poll conducted by British Travel Assn., precursor to the British Tourist Authority.

Castle Combe’s long history extends back to Roman times when its namesake, of which little remains, served as a fort. It played a role in the cloth industry in the 16th century. In the 1940s, it was put up for auction. Today, the village has a luxury hotel and a motor racing venue. Here’s a look through its winding streets and medieval buildings.

-- Jason La

The Old Rectory Tea Room, located in the center of Castle Combe.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

Tourists take photos outside the Unicorn Lodge.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

The Old Court House.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

A carving outside a church.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

Flowers beneath the old village pump in Castle Combe’s center.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

Homes of Castle Combe.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

A look at the worn rooftops of Castle Combe.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

Actors on the set of “War Horse.” The movie’s village scenes were shot in Castle Combe in September 2010.  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

Steven Spielberg, right, on the set of “War Horse.”  (Matt Cardy / Getty Images)