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Combermere Abbey has a rich history stretching back centuries and a remarkable role in the history of Cheshire and neighbouring counties Shropshire, Staffordshire and North Wales. You can hear about its fascinating story here, or in person on an informative guided tour. During your visit, you’ll learn about the 30-year restoration of this estate’s historic buildings, how the Abbey has embraced the 21st century with an eye to the future, and its long-term sustainability.
Today, the estate is home to a flourishing and diverse group of businesses and remains privately owned by the family that lives on site.
Combermere Abbey began life as a Cistercian monastery in 1133. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1536, the Abbey and lands were gifted to Sir George Cotton, whose son Philip built a Tudor manor house incorporating the Abbots Hall, which was extended and remodelled over the centuries.
In the early 1800s, the house was altered to reflect the popular Gothic style by Viscount Combermere and a number of changes were made to the estate – a new Stable block, new entrance lodge and driveway, extended front hall and ballroom. His descendants owned the estate until 1919. Purchased by Sir Kenneth Crossley of Crossley Motors in Manchester, it is now owned and managed by his great-granddaughter, Sarah Callander Beckett. In the past 30 years, she has undertaken a substantial restoration programme to bring the estate and its historic buildings back into use. It is now enjoyed by visiting members of the public throughout the year.
The Abbey setting next to a large mere looking over parkland and ancient trees offers visitors a peaceful and relaxing space to enjoy. Unspoilt and private, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of regular life. Special areas have been set aside for guests to enjoy our wonderful natural environment.
The Pleasure Garden, originally planted in the 1870s with specimen trees as well as new additions, boasts cedar of Lebanon, Wellingtonia, and Swamp Cyprus, among others, all framing the elegant Pempe’s Pavilion, a space to read and meditate.
The Pleasure Garden leads to The Garden Wood, which has been restored in recent years with pathways to the lake’s edge. Seating permits viewing of the wildlife and waterfowl.
The beautiful Walled Gardens celebrate a bygone era and are now restored and dedicated to our exclusive-use wedding venue. General access is restricted and strictly by appointment.
The grounds span almost six acres across three distinct gardens with an avenue that leads you through each one to the fan-shaped Glasshouse at its apex. Arresting in style, The Glasshouse retains its original footprint and offers a most individual space to marry or celebrate.
The Geometric Garden, is a unique space designed by Peter Beckett in 1993. This captivating garden features a series of uniquely shaped rooms, each offering its own charm and character. The picturesque settings provide an abundance of photo opportunities for newlyweds and their guests, ensuring beautiful backdrops for capturing memorable moments. From the intricately designed pathways to the lush greenery, every corner of the Geometric Garden invites exploration and celebration.
The middle-walled garden is home to The Pavilion, the reception space for onsite weddings and events. With open lawns and topiary edging, the Pavilion Garden makes the perfect entertaining space. Guests can often be found here soaking up the sunshine, sipping cocktails and playing lawn games.
In 1992, a collaboration with famed maze designer Randoll Coate led to the creation of a unique garden feature—the only one in the world—a fruit tree maze. Framing the Glasshouse, it enhances the garden space where couples can marry and friends can celebrate. The fruit is pressed into juice locally and becomes part of the breakfast hampers.
Our gardens at Combermere Abbey are varied and interesting, offering a wealth of opportunity to learn and discover, and under the supervision of our Head Gardener, we are interested in developing a small team of volunteers. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and would like to work in a beautiful and unique environment? If so, please do get in touch below to find out more about the opportunities available.
