From Australia to Croatia, Japan to Mexico, Condé Nast Traveller has come up with a list of the 53 most beautiful small towns in the world.
Introducing the list, the travel experts said: “Thanks to the increasing demand for slow travel, it’s no wonder so many of us are seeking out the most beautiful small towns in the world.
“Sometimes we need to skip the crowded landmarks and the sprawling resorts and spend some time in a place that feels more grounded, personal and mindful.”
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Condé Nast Traveler continued: “Small towns naturally lend themselves to this travel trend – there’s less pressure to see and do everything, and more opportunity to simply be present.
“There’s still plenty to do in these small-town getaways, though – you’ll find boutique hotels, family-run restaurants, beautiful hiking trails and good, old-fashioned charm.
“You’re probably already familiar with some of the greatest hits in Europe and the US, but pretty much every country on the planet has a fabulous small town worth seeking out, from historic villages in Japan to desert oases in Egypt.
“To get you started on your next fairytale adventure, we’ve rounded up 53 of the most beautiful small towns in the world.”
The most beautiful small towns in the world
The 53 most beautiful small towns in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler, are:
What makes Castle Combe one of the most beautiful small towns/villages in the world
The “fairytale” village of Castle Combe is continually recognised as one of the UK’s most beautiful villages.
The pint-sized village, with a population of 356 people, comes highly recommended by travel experts and visitors alike, described as like somewhere “straight out of a postcard”.
Condé Nast Traveler said: “Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village located in the southwest county of Wiltshire.
“No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches.
“For a real taste of the town, stop in for afternoon tea at The Old Rectory Pop-Up Tearoom.”
Condé Nast Traveler has also previously stated that Castle Combe is a “charming” village, boasting “some of the region’s prettiest walks”.
Castle Combe has been used to film several Hollywood movies, including Stardust. (Image: Getty Images)
The Wiltshire village has also been used to film several Hollywood movies, including Stardust and War Horse.
What do visitors think of Castle Combe?
Castle Combe comes highly recommended by visitors, boasting a near-perfect 4.7 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 1,479 reviews (at the time of writing).
Tourists have described the village as “picturesque”, “a step back in time”, and “a must see”.
One person, posting on Tripadvisor, said: “Picturesque village. Castle Combe is a very pretty village with lots of quaint cottages to look at.
“Be careful about when you visit though as the place can be over-run with tourists.”
Another visitor added: “Castle Combe is a village that feels as though it has stepped straight out of a postcard.
“Bathed in sunshine, its honey-colored stone cottages and winding lanes create a picture-perfect charm that lingers in memory long after visiting.
“The atmosphere is serene, unspoiled, and timeless, making it easy to see why it’s often called one of England’s prettiest villages.”
They continued: “The views here are simply splendid—whether you’re gazing across the rolling countryside, strolling beside the gentle stream, or pausing at the historic market cross in the heart of the village.
“Every angle feels like it belongs on a canvas. With its peaceful setting and classic beauty, Castle Combe is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the warmth of an idyllic English village.”
@solowithsav seriously feels like i stepped into a fairytale ✨ #cotswolds #cotswoldstravel #castlecombe #uktravel #englandtravel #beautifuldestinations ♬ Fairytale – Harry Gregson-Williams & John Powell
While a tourist on TikTok said visiting Castle Combe was like stepping “into a fairytale”.
What to do in Castle Combe
A visit to Castle Combe’s medieval Market Cross, which dates back to the 14th century, is a must for any visitor.
While a photo of Castle Combe from the stone bridge over the ByBrook (river) is “one of the most popular things to do” in the village, according to Explore the Cotswolds .
This is Castle Combe’s “postcard shot”, the Cotswolds experts explain, adding: “With the packhorse bridge and Water Lane weavers’ cottages in the foreground and the village stretching uphil behind them.”
You can check out some of the filming locations, used for movies including Dr Dolittle (1967), Stardust (2007), The Wolfman (2010), and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse (2011).
St Andrew’s Church, originally built in the 13th century, and the Castle Combe Race Circuit should also be on your list of things to do, according to Explore the Cotswolds.
Venturing out of Castle Combe, there is an array of walks through the “peaceful” Cotswold countryside nearby.
Places to eat and drink
If you are looking for some refreshments, there is a range of welcoming cafes to try while in Castle Combe, Explore the Cotswolds writes.
These include the Old Stables Coffee Shop and the Little Picnic Shop.
You may also spot honesty boxes outside homes, where you can help yourself to cakes, jam, eggs, or plants (just leave some money to say thank you).
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If you are looking for something a little more substantial, the Bybrook restaurant at the Manor House Hotel is a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Castle Inn also comes recommended by Explore the Cotswolds, boasting 2 AA Rosettes and rated as one of the UK’s top 50 Gastropubs.
Where to stay
The Manor House and Castle Inn, along with The Gates, are also great places to go if you are looking for accommodation.
