Castle Combe

Artist: Paul Woloschuk
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Card: US$4.16
Print: from US$17.81

Castle Combe

This well-known English village gets featured on everything from calendars to chocolate box lids!
This location also featured in the film Dr Doolittle which stared Rex Harrison. During this time a certain Ranulph Fiennes became offended by the construction of an ugly concrete dam built to create a harbour scene. Fiennes planned to demolish the dam. He used explosives which he later claimed to have obtained legitimately from the armoury. Using skills from a recently completed training course on evading search dogs by night, he escaped capture, but he and a guilty colleague were both subsequently traced. After a court case, Fiennes had to pay a hefty fine and he and his co-conspirator were discharged from the SAS. Fiennes was initially posted to another cavalry regiment but was then allowed to return to his regiment.

I’m fortunate to live only a few miles away, so managed to capture this classic scene in the early morning before the tourist coaches arrived!

Please view large

Featured in ‘Cottage Style’ group

Nikon D80. Nikkor 17-135mm

Castle Combe belongs to the following groups:

! 100% !, "Streams & Stream Crossings" 2 posts a day!, All Around the Styles, All Countries ~ Wetlands, Ponds, Lakes and Rivers, Bridges, Cottage Style, Creative, Talented, and Unknown, DSLR Users Only - 1/24 - Camera & Lens In Description Please., European Everyday Life (add the place!), Everyday Life, Freedom to Shine, Heritage in Stone, Historic Landmarks of Europe, JPG Cast-Offs, Landscape and Abstract Photography, Landscape Photography, PEACE, LOVE & TRANQUILITY, Rivers and Streams, Rural Around The Globe, Rustic, Safe Haven, Scenery, Shameless Self-Promotion, The Addicted Photographer►2 Per Day◄, The Greatest View in the World, The true beauty, United Kingdom, Victorian Viewfinders, Wessex UK - ancient and modern, Your Country's Best (2 images per day) and Your Magic Place (PLACES only!!) Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters

cieloverde

Paul…Una vista muy hermosa .I like me….
Richard Allen

Castle Coombe I believe. Where they filmed the dock scene in doctor Doolittle.

Great image. :)
Paul Woloschuk replied

Correct Richard.
And also where Sir Ranulph Fiennes imfamously planned to blow up the temporary dam which had been built to create the Dr Doolittle harbour as he was offended by it’s construction in such a pretty village! As a result, he and a co-conspirator were discharged from the SAS.
Angi Baker

Excellent capture and view
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Angi
Jason Connolly

Stunner of a shot paul.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Jason
Pat Yager

A perfect view, Paul! I had the privilege of visiting there about ten years ago (but not in a coach!). – Pat
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Pat – I’m lucky in that I live so close.
Yool

Congratz on your feature in the Stream Crossings Group it is a beautyful image well done !!!!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Yool
RedHillDigital

Congrats on your feature Paul. Snap!!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Howard.
I’ve only just logged-on, and what a suprise!
As you say…snap! ;-)
Kay G Larsen

Oh, I’d love to visit! Congrats on your feature! : )
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Kay.
Yes, it’s a beautiful place.
joak

so so beautiful ..magic
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks joak
Michael Rucci

early bird gets the worm …or the great shot well done congrats on the feature
mike
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Mike!
maxy

What a gorgeous bridge! You’ve caught it so beautifully – congratulations on this excellent feature!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks maxy
Irene Burdell

A beautiful shot Paul , I saw one a couple of days ago taken in the same spot practically , I have seen this village many times in books it really is lovely .
Irene Burdell

Look Here
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Irene. I’ve been ‘chatting’ to Howard recently, as it seems we are following each other around! ;-)
Iani

Great shot, not only did they film Doctor Doolittle but more recently Stardust with Sienna Miller and the new werewolf film with Anthony Hopkins. Great place I live not far from there myself. Have lots of pics of the place great little place to spend an afternoon.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Ian.

I see we’re practically neighbours!
Carolyn Bishop

Congratulations, Paul! What a lovely scene!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you for your kind comment Carolyn.
GerryMac

stunning composition Paul!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Gerry
Mark Lee

I’m stunned… Great shot :)
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Mark
Arrowman

A classic shot !! great cotswold stone colours !!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Colin.
Sometimes, even though it may have been the subject of many, many photographs before, you just have to capture a particularly attractive scene yourself.
It’s all part of the fun of photography!
Lois Bryan

Paul … this is … amazing!!!! Glorious, glorious capture!!!!! You’re a genius!!!! I’ll tell you a little story … loooooong ago, when I was about 15 or 16, my life was drawing. I was teaching myself how to paint, oil paint back then, no acrylics. National Geographic was my bible … I constantly drew from their pages. This image .. almost exactly as you’ve snapped it, was one of their features. I drew … and painted it. Still have it!! Years later, I found an engraved print of the same spot … of course I couldn’t help buying it, and it hangs in my dining room!!! To see YOUR image … so fresh and bright and perfectly detailed is a joy I wish I could describe!!!!! this is magnificent!!!!! And I’m thrilled to see it!!!!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you so much for your fascinating story Lois.
I’m pleased that my image gave you such pleasure and reminders of the past.
Béla Török

Fabulous capture, Paul!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Béla.
I’m so lucky to live near to such beautiful places.
SandraRos

Oooh how I envy you living near such beauty ! I can not tell you how perfectly beautiful this shot is …........ for me this one is a keeper.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Sandra.
It wouldn’t look so beautiful at this time of year, but the gloomy seasons make you even more appreciative of the nicer times!
SandraRos

We have just come back from the UK and it was my first visit there in the winter. I must say even though it was cold I still loved it. The frosty mornings/days is just beautiful. We where in Driotwhich SPA with friends and traveld a lot around there – as you can see from some of my photographs LOL
Paul Woloschuk

Yes, it has been a bit nippy in the last few weeks! Glad you had a good time though!

I like the shots you’ve taken around the area – very atmospheric.
rodsfotos

What a beautiful and peaceful looking composition Paul and so full of Old English charm, very well composed and so good that you got there in the early morning to avoid the crowds and get the best conditions of the day, I can see a trip up the M5 is on the cards soon,
Regards, Rod.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Rod – we’ll probably pass each other! You’ll be heading north, and I’ll be heading south!
Kazzoom IPA

Beautiful work
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Kaz
Gerard Rotse

Nice composition. Lovely photo.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you very much Gerard
silverstrummer...

Hi Paul – what a beautiful photograph ….................. a place where one could live out their lives in real beauty! – David :>))
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks David.
Unfortunately, you’d need an RBS boss’s pension to be able to afford to retire there! ;-)
silverstrummer...

hahaha That made me laugh Paul, ..............your so right!! – David :>))
Lois Bryan

Paul … congratulations on your Feature in Cottage Style ... I am so happy to see it again!!!!! A clink of the coffee mugs across the miles, my friend!!!!!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks.
Coffee?? A traditional English cream tea is more appropriate Lois! ;-)
Lois Bryan

... laughing … heavens above … what WAS I thinking?? Sooo sorry … my fave is Twinings’ Earl Grey … will that do And yes, I DO know to pour the boiling water OVER the tea bag!!! ... still laughing …
Paul Woloschuk replied

Twining’s English Breakfast Tea would be my choice…and it must be made in a pot, not in the cup – the tea must have room to infuse ! ;-)

Hmmmm – time for some scones with a dollop of clotted cream I think!
Lois Bryan

... well of course I have English Breakfast, too. And … would you prefer a china pot or pewter???
Paul Woloschuk replied

Now, you’re just taking the Mickey! :-)
Lois Bryan

uhoh .. that doesn’t sound good!!
Paul Woloschuk replied

No probs Lois – just kidding! :-)
Hope you have a great weekend – it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday in the UK, so there’ll be plenty of Mums out taking cream tea at Castle Combe I expect.
Marjorie Wallace

Congratulations on being featured in Cottage Style group today. Gorgeous work!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Marjorie.
LindaJBazor

Congratulations on your feature in Cottage Style. I’m blown away by this photo. I love it! What a wonder it must be to live so close to such a wonderful place.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Linda.
rodsfotos

Many congratulations on the well deserved feature in the COTTAGE STYLE group Paul,
Regards, Rod.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thanks Rod – much appreciated.
Andrew Murrell

Stunning. like the whole scene. great lead in and reflection.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Andrew.
SandraRos
Paul Woloschuk replied

Wow! Thanks Sandra!
Lois Bryan

Just saw this beauty in the bridge challenge and you know it got my vote!!!! Honestly, I’m tempted to take a picture of that painting I did … repaint it in Corel Painter .. .and see what happens!!! Every time I see an image of this place it just brings me to a dead stop, lol!!!!! Best of luck, Paul!!!!!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you for the vote Lois! :-)
anitaL

Just stunning photo and subject.
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Anita.
Isa Rodriguez

how classically enchanting.. gorgeous place
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Isa.
Sheila Laurens

Sheila
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you very much Sheila.
Susie Peek-Swint

Lovely capture Paul ~ many congrats on your feature!
Paul Woloschuk replied

Thank you Siska.
AnnDixon 22 days ago

This is a perfect village, I could definately live there,
Paul Woloschuk replied 22 days ago

....only until the coaches arrive! ;-)
DonDavisUK 22 days ago

An instant FAV for me Paul. Love it. Don.
Paul Woloschuk replied 22 days ago

Thanks Don.
Tainia Finlay 22 days ago

You have made me all homesick for dear old blighty Paul!!

Wonderful image and fascinating narrative,
Paul Woloschuk replied 22 days ago

Thank you Tainia. I’m pleased that you like it, although it wouldn’t look as nice today – it’s cold, gloomy, and because it’s November, it’s raining! ;-)
Berns 22 days ago

Congrats, this is beautiful, it doesn´t look real :)
Paul Woloschuk replied 22 days ago

Thank you. It’s certainly real enough! ;-)