There has always been something deeply therapeutic about autumn at Combermere Abbey. The air turns crisp, crackling log fires fill the evenings, and the sounds of rustling leaves create a soothing backdrop underfoot.

Hearty meals and cosy gatherings are the highlights of this beautiful season, inviting us to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Autumn is one of our favourite times of year at Combermere Abbey, and we wanted to share with you the things we love about this season.

One of the biggest highlights is seeing the kaleidoscope of leaves, both on the trees and underfoot, in their varied shades of yellow, russet, gold, red, and brown. Our 1,000-acre estate transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of hues, offering stunning views and photographic opportunities wherever you look. Wander through the waymarked woodland trails and along the shore of Comber Mere, while spotting wildlife aplenty.

Visitors to Combermere Abbey enjoy reconnecting with nature, offering moments of peaceful reflection and relaxation. There’s a special feeling when you slip on your wellies, ready to embrace the outdoors, and the excitement as dogs eagerly wag their tails at the sight of their leads. Combermere Abbey’s cottages warmly welcome dogs over six months of age, making it a favourite destination for your furry companions to enjoy the grounds alongside their owners.

The world’s only fruit tree maze

Autumn holds a special place in our hearts here at Combermere Abbey, especially when it comes to harvesting apples and pears from the world’s only fruit tree maze. The maze, which from above is the shape of an eye, produces approximately one thousand kilos of fruit annually, which the garden staff press and include in breakfast hampers for all of our wedding guests. We do have a lot to take care of in the walled gardens but the joy we take when we see our visitors enjoying it, makes it very worthwhile.

We couldn’t forget about our dog-friendly self-catering holiday cottages

After a day of exploring the abbey and wandering through the picturesque gardens, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up beside a warm open fire for the night. Enjoy the crackling of logs, the scent of woodsmoke, and the comfort of a well-deserved rest. Each of our holiday cottages has been individually designed and decorated, accommodating between 4 and 10 guests, making them perfect for bringing the whole family along to experience the magic of the season.

Autumn evenings are beautiful, especially with the seasonal menu at The Swan at Marbury and The Old Piggery, our cherished local eateries with which we have a close relationship. Enjoy the flavours of the season with local ingredients used in every dish, bringing a fresh and warming feeling complemented perfectly by a glass of our Combermere Gin. For those who prefer cosy evenings in, our self-catering holiday cottages are fully equipped for preparing your favourite autumn comfort foods and a warm hot chocolate, with farm shops and local producers abundant to stock up.

We value all our guests and take great pleasure in receiving heartfelt testimonials. This wonderful review comes from a lovely family who enjoyed an October stay in Malbanc Cottage.

“We booked a last-minute October half term getaway at Combermere Abbey and I am so pleased we did! Malbanc Cottage was perfectly appointed for a family of four, the bathroom and bedrooms were both generous in size, and the lounge was incredibly comfortable. We spent our time exploring the estate, visiting local attractions, and generally relaxing and reconnecting. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending a stay at Combermere!”

The North Wing

Staying in the North Wing will bring you a private butler who, upon request, will prepare your favourite Autumn comfort foods with care. Whether it’s a hearty English breakfast, a stack of pancakes, or an impressive grazing board, adding an extra touch of luxury to your stay.