Visiting Responsibly
Photography, Filming & Drone Use
Castle Combe is one of England's most photographed villages, and we love seeing visitors capture its timeless beauty. Whether you're taking holiday snapshots, photographing the historic cottages, or sharing your visit on social media, we simply ask that you do so with consideration for the people who call this village home.
As a living community rather than an open-air museum, respecting residents' privacy helps ensure Castle Combe remains a welcoming place for everyone.
Personal Photography
Visitors are welcome to take photographs and videos for personal, non-commercial use throughout publicly accessible areas of the village.
Please remember to:
- Respect residents' privacy and avoid photographing people without their consent.
- Do not enter private gardens, driveways or other private property to obtain a photograph.
- Keep roads, pavements and gateways clear while taking pictures.
- Avoid climbing on walls, leaning on windowsills or moving street furniture to create the perfect shot.
- Leave the village exactly as you found it.
The best photographs are often those that capture the village naturally and respectfully.
Commercial Photography & Filming
Any commercial photography, filming or content creation undertaken for advertising, promotional, editorial, television, film or other commercial purposes requires prior permission from Castle Combe Parish Council before filming takes place. This includes productions using professional crews, commercial influencers, advertising campaigns and any activity involving equipment or vehicles that could impact residents or visitors. The Parish Council coordinates commercial filming to help minimise disruption, protect the historic environment and ensure the village continues to function as a place where people live and work.
If your project is commercial in nature, please contact the Parish Council well in advance of your proposed filming dates to discuss your plans.
Contact the Parish Council →Drone Use
Castle Combe is a peaceful residential village within a designated Conservation Area, surrounded by important landscapes and wildlife habitats. Drone flights can be intrusive to residents, disturb wildlife and detract from the experience of other visitors.
For these reasons, we ask visitors not to fly drones in or around the village. This reflects the wishes of the local community and helps protect the tranquillity that makes Castle Combe so special. Reports of intrusive drone activity have previously led to significant privacy concerns for residents.
If you do intend to operate a drone elsewhere, you remain responsible for complying with all applicable UK Civil Aviation Authority regulations, including maintaining safe distances from people and property.
Help Preserve Castle Combe
Every visitor plays a part in protecting Castle Combe's unique character. By photographing responsibly, respecting residents' privacy and avoiding disruptive activities, you'll help ensure future generations can enjoy this remarkable village just as you have.
Thank you for helping us keep Castle Combe beautiful, peaceful and welcoming.