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Secrets Of Our Combermere Abbey Tour April 26, 2022

Secrets Of Our Combermere Abbey Tour

 

We offer some exceptional tour options at Combermere Abbey including public tours for individuals (perfect to go on with your friends), group tours for special interest parties and the Invitation to View events booked with Historic Houses. Visitors to the Abbey have a chance to walk through our fascinating history – from 1133 to the present day!

 

As you can imagine, there are so many secrets to uncover in the Abbey’s 889 year history. If these walls could speak, they would have some stories to tell! As they can’t, let us instead give you a preview of some of the interesting things you’ll be given the scoop on from our tour guide Myra – or, if you’re on one of our VIP tours, the owner, Sarah Callander-Beckett –when you book onto one of our fascinating tours of the Abbey.

 

Secrets Of Our Combermere Abbey Tour

 

A Brief Overview Of The Abbey’s Beginnings

 

This one isn’t so much a ‘secret,’ but a key piece of history that is essential to knowing all about Combermere and its fascinating history. The Abbey began as a Cistercian monastery, with 22 monks in residence, on lands given by Hugh de Malbank, Lord of Nantwich.

 

The Abbey has survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries, religious arguments, civil war, debt, and family tragedy. These grounds were also originally 22,000 acres at their peak!

 

In 1536, the abbey was dissolved and given to Sir George Cotton, during which the abbey church and claustral buildings were removed, leaving only the Abbots House and refectory which form the heart of the current house.

 

Throughout the next few hundred years, the Abbey underwent extensive alterations and in 1820 extensive Gothic remodelling. In 1919, Combermere Abbey and its estate was sold to Sir Kenneth Crossley of Crossley Motors.

 

In 1992, and after many years of hidden decay, it was inherited by Sarah Callander Beckett from her mother, Lady Lindsay. She began an extensive restoration project which has taken 30 years, and we have seen the restoration of most of the listed buildings, the Walled Gardens (now a wedding venue), the conversion of the stable block into luxury cottages and the exciting restoration of the magnificent North Wing.

 

Since 1992 there have been so many changes to the Abbey – but you’ll have to join one of our tours to find out all the ins and outs of those!

 

The Creation of the Mere

 

A little-known and fascinating secret is that the mere surrounding the Abbey was, once upon a time, split into two meres! In the 18th century, they were joined and dug by hand to create the single mere you see today. The ‘big mere’ and the ‘little mere’, glacially formed during the ice age, were conjoined by hundreds of people with spades and wheelbarrows. Sounds exhausting to us!

 

 

Lord Combermere’s Ghost

 

We hope you’re not too easily scared… Because when you come on the tour of the Abbey, you may well hear some bumps and scrapes! The second Lord Combermere, who passed away in 1891, is said to have been caught on a long-exposure camera used to take a photo of the Abbey’s library, on the very night his body was being buried four miles away… Take a look for yourself! Are you convinced this is him, or perhaps just a servant who quickly stepped in and out of the frame after noticing a long-exposure photo was being taken? Who can be sure…

 

 

 

The Ley Lines

 

Combermere Abbey is situated on ancient ley lines, something few people know about! For the uninitiated, ley lines are markers that crisscross around the globe, like latitudinal and longitudinal lines. They are dotted with monuments and natural landforms, and are said to carry along with them rivers of mystical energy. Along these lines, at the places they intersect, there are pockets of concentrated energy, that can be harnessed by certain individuals.

 

You can find the marker stone that signifies the joining of two ley lines that run through the North Wing room encased in glass for visitors to look at. This was discovered during the restoration – we think it’s pretty fascinating!

 

The Shoes

 

During the Abbey’s restoration, a man’s shoe dating from the 1780s and a horseshoe were both found in the walls! While this might seem as though someone simply lost some items in the years since the Abbey’s creation, the explanation is actually more interesting… These items were both thought to bring good luck and ward off unwanted spirits, witches, and devils! With a potential ghost around, it seems as though these might have been very needed indeed!

 

 

If these secrets have captured your interest, there are plenty more to be discovered during the Combermere Abbey tours. These can be booked for weekday mornings or afternoons on dedicated days. To enquire about dates for booking, please email or call 01284 827087. You can find out more information on our website.

 

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What’s A Heritage Break & Why Should You Take One? April 7, 2022

What’s A Heritage Break & Why Should You Take One?

If you’ve never heard of a heritage stay, let us tell you about them. For those who have a passion for heritage – specifically, historic houses and the long and fascinating history of the British Isles – it’s just the thing for you!

 

What is a Heritage Break?

 

A ‘heritage break’ is quite self-explanatory, it is the decision to stay in a historic house or venue with the purpose of learning more about the back story and history of the place as well as other properties in the area. You can find out fascinating secrets of a building,  uncover its hidden gems, and appreciate the beauty of something that’s right there, truly immersing yourself in the experience– it’s certainly a more exciting alternative to staying in a more generic venue, even if it’s simply to help support the upkeep of an independently-owned historic property.

 

Why Combermere Abbey?

 

We doubt there are many more places with secrets to uncover in such abundance as Combermere Abbey. Steeped in almost a thousand years of history, Combermere has seen everything from ghosts and ghouls to Empresses and monks passing through its walls. The Abbey has survived the dissolution of the Monasteries, religious arguments, civil war, debt and family tragedy. You can find out all about that during one of our public tours, or even better – book a special Invitation to View tour to quiz Abbey owner Sarah Callander Beckett on anything you’d like over an English Afternoon Tea.

 

Then, an overnight stay in our North Wing will take your experience even further and will be your chance to see what it’s like to live in a Grade I listed English Country House! With multiple major renovations, we’re so proud of the wonderful beauty of our oldest part of the abbey. We’ve ensured the North Wing has retained its romantic elements, too – and the rooms even feature some of the spectacular finds uncovered during construction!

 

But if you’d prefer to stay somewhere remote and self-contained (though still full of history!) then our Combermere Abbey renovated holiday cottages are perfect for you. Guests are given their own living and dining spaces, private cottage garden, and a kitchen with all the mod-cons you need. What’s more, dogs are very welcome!

 

Get away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities and become immersed in the countryside, where you can feel like you’re in your own little world. The cottages all have their own personal history too, from their names to their decor! Why not ask your guide about them?

 

Take Our Tours

 

Abbey Tours will be taking place this year between Tuesday 5th April to Thursday 7th July 2022. These will run at specific times on a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Join a personally-led tour, and gain fascinating insight into the abbey’s 908-year-old history, from 1133 to the present day. Hear about its famous residents and visitors, and the restoration from ruin at the hands of the current owners.

 

For your comfort and safety, tours are limited to 20 person, with online booking available on specific dates. For alternative dates, email [email protected].

 

You can book a heritage stay with us to finish your visit and give you the treat you deserve by heading to our online booking page. We very much look forward to welcoming you, and hope you have your history hats on!

 

 

 

 

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The Importance Of A Winter Detox February 3, 2022

The Importance Of A Winter Detox

Many people choose to make winter their season of detoxing to go forth into the year with clear heads, good intentions and with stress to a minimum. Here are some ways to detox in the new year, and just why it’s important to hit pause and reset.

The Importance of a Winter Detox

1. Digital detoxes

Digital detoxes are a great idea for a number of reasons. It helps us maintain a healthy work-life balance, can help us sleep better, and reduces ‘FOMO’, or the fear of missing out. If you’re living fully in the moment without worrying what might be happening in your inbox or your favourite group chat, you’re bound to feel less stressed, happier, and more connected to those around you.

Scientists seem to agree that too much time with tech is overall a bad idea: a Swedish study found that heavy technology use amongst adults was linked to sleep problems, depressive symptoms, and increased stress levels.

Combermere Abbey is the perfect place to purge technology from your life for a few days and get back to nature, our secluded countryside retreat is ideal for a ‘disconnection trip’ a so-called new trend for 2022.

We’ve spoken in the past about the importance of digital detoxes – for even more information, give our previous blog a read here!

2. Health Detox

If you’re usually a keen jogger, gym bunny or all-round fitness fanatic, there’s no better time to get back into your routine than during the winter.

The benefits of exercise are endless, as, like digital detoxes, it helps us improve our sleeping patterns, mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing – to name just a few!

Getting out in the fresh air whenever possible is a sure-fire way to put you in a great mood. Being amongst nature, as opposed to working out indoors or in a crowded city, is cited to be beneficial. The charity Mind has a list on all of the perks of being out in nature, which even includes reducing feelings of loneliness, improving relaxation, and even boosting your confidence.

3. Body Detoxes

A “body detox” doesn’t necessarily mean going vegan, removing your favourite things from your diet, or any form of ‘cleansing.’ Sometimes it’s just nice to treat yourself after a busy period – particularly if you’ve been under more stress than usual. And despite how wonderful winter can be, there’s no doubt it comes with some stressors, too!

At Combermere Abbey, we’re partnered with Glo Pamper, an amazing local business that provides a wide variety of holistic and beauty treatments including detoxifying deep-pressure massages, de-stress holistic facials and reflexology.

Read more about our partnership with Glo Pamper, and why a body detox is the perfect treat for yourself during the winter here.

4. Mind Detox

It goes without saying that taking good care of your mind is essential. You might have been feeling overworked in the new year – but it’s important not to just keep on ticking if things don’t feel right!

There are so many things to do at Combermere Abbey that are guaranteed to help you clear your head. For example, yoga has long been linked to mental health betterment and over all wellbeing increase. Why not do a spot of it down by the mere when you come and stay with us?

Simply being by nature is also known to help with stress levels, and at Combermere, we’re surrounded by it! From our beautiful woodland and mere to our rolling fields, you’ll feel completely at peace when you come to visit us.

5. ‘People’ Detox

Last but not least, your preferred winter detox might simply to get away from the world for a while. Our North Wing and cottages are the perfect place to get some well-deserved rest, peace and quiet. You’ll be surrounded by nature in the beautiful Cheshire. But don’t worry – you won’t be completely isolated if you choose to come and spend some time with us! We’re close by the quaint towns of Whitchurch and Nantwich, where you can browse locally-owned shops, grab a bite to eat, and explore.

Head to our booking page to see our availability and book your stay today.

Featured photo: Patrick Schätz via Unsplash 

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Hidden Gems in Whitchurch and Nantwich November 15, 2021

Hidden Gems in Whitchurch and Nantwich

As regular visitors may know, we are just an 11 minute drive from the picturesque town of Whitchurch, and a 15 minute drive from the historic market town of Nantwich. That means if you fancy a roam around somewhere new when you come to visit us, you won’t have to go very far at all!

Forget big, bustling cities – small towns are well known to be the home of hidden gems that only locals will know about. From Michelin-star restaurants to award-winning bakeries, small towns are often the home of the best of the best. But where to start when it comes to looking for the best places to go in a new town? Don’t worry – we’ve put together a guide of the very best restaurants, bars and shops that will make you seem like a born and bred Cestrian or Salopian.

Hidden Gems in Whitchurch and Nantwich

Whitchurch

  • Lorna’s House is a beautiful women’s boutique on Whitchurch high street. Selling clothes from independent sources, this hidden gem will guarantee you leaving with something special. Why not treat yourself, or your loved one? Accessories count as essentials!

And for those more interested in homewares and interior design, Lorna’s sister shop, just a little further down, sells homeware, gifts and other trinkets.

  • For a refreshment after a long day of walking your pup, there are no better places to rest your feet than at the Black Bear or the Horse and Jockey.The former is a half-timbered, family-owned 17th century pub, with excellent food and drink, with the added bonus of a charming pub garden. What’s even better is that it’s also dog friendly!
  • The Horse and Jockey is a similarly dog-friendly pub, with real ales on tap. The pub is located a little further out of Whitchurch in Grindley Brook, just a stone’s throw from the canal walk, but don’t worry – it welcomes muddy boots, as well as children and large groups.

Both of these hidden gems are on our recommended list of pubs to visit when you visit our dog-friendly holiday cottages.

  • Percy’s Café Bar is another truly unique place to rest. Decorated with a mish-mash of repurposed furniture, including old cinema chairs, this lively locale is also a music venue in the evenings – the perfect place to head if your “quiet night in” has gone out of the window!
  • But if you’re just after a whistle-stop bite, Benjamin’s Delicatessen is the perfect place to refuel in a pinch. A favourite of locals, there’s plenty on the menu for even the fussiest of eaters!
  • Lastly, for something a little bit different, we at Combermere love bespoke florist White Wysteria. A true hidden gem, we recommend their beautiful blooms to our guests who are planning to marry at the abbey for the simple reason that they never disappoint! So, no matter if it’s your birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or if you’re just feeling especially romantic, be sure to pop into this store and surprise the one you love.

Nantwich

  • Snugbury’s ice cream is a beloved local ice cream brand that you might see on menus in pubs all around the area. Why not head to its flagship shop just outside Nantwich to see what all the fuss is about? Run by sisters Hannah, Kitty and Cleo, you’ll certainly have your sweet tooth satisfied!
  • We love the family-run café and book shop, Nantwich Bookshop. It’s the perfect hidden gem to visit and brush up on your knowledge of the charming market town. Why not sit down for a while with your new read – or do a bit of people watching?
  • For all your boutique needs, it’s not just Whitchurch that shines with the abundance of choice. Arabella is a sophisticated womenswear shop run by mother and daughter, Duo Val Lacey and Jade Kotowski. With live fashion shows on Friday nights, this is not a place to miss.
  • For a bit of calm away from the storm, be sure to also head to the chic and relaxing hidden gem that is Madison Spa. From holistic therapies such as aromatherapy, to nail treatments, hair removals and facials, this spa doesn’t just cater to women, but men, too – so your better half won’t be at a loose end while you’re enjoying some pampering!
  • Nantwich’s market has been held since the 1500s. With fresh produce and household items sold on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with the town’s Farmers Markets held on every last Saturday of the month, it’s likely you’ll be around to see the market at its very best.
  • Looking for the best of produce with authentic provenance and local origins? Check out the artisan local cheeses at The Cheese Shop, quality meat from Brookshaw’s Butchers, and Cheerbrook Farm Shop and Cafe. Both are award-winning and well worth a visit.

    At Combermere Abbey, we encourage all our guests to shop at local small businesses – celebrating age-old methods of producing artisan items and supporting their continued enjoyment.

    Are there any ‘hidden gems’ that we’ve missed off our list? Let us know via our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

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What Makes Heritage Stays At Combermere Abbey Unique? July 19, 2021

What Makes Heritage Stays At Combermere Abbey Unique?

 

After more than a year of lockdowns and restrictions, more people are appreciating what’s on their doorstep, and are looking to find the best the UK has to offer when it comes to staycations and short breaks. As a result, heritage stays are becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers this year – and as a heritage staycation provider, we couldn’t be more excited about that. If you’re looking for a break steeped in history and surrounded by nature, then look no further. To show you just what makes them so special, we’ve put together some of our favourite elements that make heritage stays unique.

heritage stays

A Chance to Live the History

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a Grade I listed English Country House, then an overnight stay in Combermere Abbey’s North Wing is your chance to find out. Having been saved from dereliction and undergone a total restoration, our North Wing is now even more stunning than it was back in 1820! Wrap yourself in its colourful history, live the romance of the architecture and enjoy rescued artefacts that let the beautiful interiors tell their story. The rooms even feature some of the spectacular finds uncovered during renovation. Heritage stays are perfect for history buffs that want more than a tour, not only do you get to explore the ins and outs of the historic home that you’re visiting, but you also get a chance to stay there and enjoy every inch of it.

Enjoy Ancient Woodlands

Here at Combermere, you can experience not only the abbey but the grounds surrounding the site too. Our heritage stays let you explore the woodlands with century-old trees and views over the mere.  Our woodland walks are the perfect excuse to step away from the screens and enjoy a true retreat into the wild.

heritage stays

A Chance to Experience a Guided Tour and a Stay

Centuries of history can be seen in the magnificent architecture of Combermere Abbey. From 1133 to present day, the abbey has welcomed famous residents from various time periods – it has many stories to tell. The great news for all heritage lovers is that our personally led tours are back for 2021. You can make a heritage stay truly unique by levelling up your experience and enjoying an in-depth explore of your venue, before settling down to enjoy a night there too.

We offer three different types of tour at Combermere Abbey, standard tours, group tours and Invitation to View events. Each is privately led by our knowledgeable guides.

A Self-Contained Stay

If you’re a lover of history but prefer the idea of staying somewhere private and self-contained, then you could make your trip unique by stopping over at one of our Combermere Abbey cottages. We offer guests their own living and dining spaces, private cottage garden and a fully fitted kitchen. There is minimal contact with any other guests and staff are on hand only when needed. This environment is perfect for those used to the bustle of the city. Immersed in the countryside, you’ll feel like you’re in your own corner of the world separated from ‘real life’ – perfect for relaxing and clearing the mind. The cottages all have their own history too, perhaps this is something you could ask your guide if you choose to enjoy a tour with us too?

Heritage stays

You Can Bring Your Dog

As if you’re not already sold on heritage stays, your dog can come too when staying in one of our aforementioned cottages. We truly believe that a trip to our cottages is as much a holiday for them as it is for their owners. All 10 of the cottages that we have on-site are dog-friendly, and the acres of woodland and open space – not to mention the mere – make for the greatest playground our four-legged friends could ask for.

If you’re sold on the idea of heritage stays at Combermere abbey, then you can check availability and book directly on our website. Or, to speak to a member of our team, you can email [email protected] who’ll be able to tell you more about what options you have with us here.

 

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How To Take An Eco-Friendly Staycation In 2021 March 8, 2021

How To Take An Eco-Friendly Staycation In 2021

This year is set to be the year of the great British staycation, with complex rules making travel overseas less likely this spring and summer. But that’s okay, here at Combermere Abbey we love the idea of more people in the UK appreciating what’s on their home soil. With two luxury B&B rooms in the North Wing, and ten self-catering, dog-friendly cottages on the estate, we can’t wait to see you when lockdown lifts. So what about planning an eco-friendly staycation in 2021? Below, we’ll tell you all the perks of conscious travel.

What Is An Eco-Friendly Staycation?

Firstly, an eco-friendly staycation is just a regular holiday in your own country, but where you make more environmentally friendly choices. You’ve already made a step in the right direction by choosing a holiday in the UK over racking up the air miles, but there are more steps you can take to make your staycation a truly sustainable one.

Perks Of Travelling Consciously

We now have a wider awareness of the importance of living sustainability thanks to interjections such as the popular TV show Blue Planet II and more conversations about the environment in everyday life. Taking an eco-friendly staycation in 2021 will help you to reduce your own personal carbon footprint, as change starts at home. You wouldn’t be alone in this thinking, a recent YouGov survey found that as many as 20% of us are rethinking air travel in the future.

How To Take An Eco-Friendly Staycation

  1. Cut down on the mileage

Consider making your staycation truly eco-friendly by opting for a nearcation. This is a holiday, but close to your home. You don’t have to travel for miles to discover a whole new world, and at Combermere Abbey we often welcome guests from not only afar, but also from Cheshire and Shropshire too. Well known influencer Girl About Cheshire enjoyed a nearcation at Combermere Abbey not too long ago, you can read about her time over on the Girl About blog.

  1. Adopt sustainable steps during your holiday

When taking an eco-friendly staycation, a lot of the magic happens whilst you’re there. At Combermere Abbey we encourage our guests to adopt five small steps to make a big impact, they are:

  1. Reduce, reuse, recycle by limiting purchases and separating rubbish
  2. Stay local, buy local, eat local, see local by walking and enjoying the history of the architecture
  3. Reduce your carbon footprint by spending time on the estate and giving the car a holiday too
  4. Chill out and switch off
  5. Follow the countryside code

You can read more about influencer Jessica Rose Williams’ sustainable slow weekend at Combermere Abbey on her blog by clicking here.

  1. Fall in love with nature

Sustainable travel can really make you fall in love with the world around you, and make you realise why you need to protect it. So many staycations are set in lovely open green spaces, embracing nature and appreciating it can help you to realise why we need to make more environmentally responsible choices in our everyday lives. We fall in love with nature over and over again every day here at Combermere Abbey, and we know you will too.

  1. Shop local

Most local producers around Combermere Abbey sell ethically sourced products. Shopping local and appreciating what’s close by during your staycation is a great way to make it more sustainable for everyone. Support small businesses instead of visiting larger outlets; we have a fabulous selection of farmers markets and independent shops nearby that our guests love to visit. This is especially perfect for those staying for either a week or just a short break in the holiday cottages, as you can source some great local food to cook for dinner.

  1. Choose a sustainable accommodation provider

Finally, make sure you’re choosing a suitable location and provider for your eco-friendly staycation. Combermere Abbey is entirely organic and has been since 1997. We’re surrounded by natural woodlands and garden space, and we plant new trees here yearly. Not only this, but we are an SSSI for overwatering winter birds on our mere, which is one of the largest pieces of naturally formed and privately owned waters in England. We’re based on the Cheshire/Shropshire border in the heart of the countryside and love welcoming guests from near or far, so why not consider us for your staycation this year?

You can check availability and dates on our website, or contact our team on [email protected] to purchase a gift voucher for stays later in the year.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of Being In Nature? February 8, 2021

What Are The Health Benefits Of Being In Nature?

 

Something we have plenty of at Combermere Abbey is space; a wealth of lovely green areas for you (and your doggies, of course) to enjoy. There’s an abundance of health benefits of being in nature, and we’re going to tell you all about them.

Health Benefits Of Being In Nature

Studies have shown that spending at least 120 minutes in nature a week can be linked to good health and wellbeing. Known as ecopsychology, fresh air and the great outdoors is believed to be the perfect remedy to relieving stress. And after the turmoil of the past year, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to a little R&R after lockdown lifts. Let’s look at the benefits of being surrounded by nature in more depth.

Boost Your Happy Chemicals

Enjoying nature walks and getting in some light exercise boosts your endorphins which triggers a positive feeling in your body and therefore improves your mood. A gentle stroll is a tried and tested method of improving your wellbeing, and at Combermere we have acres of gardens and grounds to explore and enjoy.

The Perfect Chance To Reset

Getting back to nature is the perfect way to reset after a stressful time. We highly recommend a Sunday morning step out into the woodlands to really take in your surroundings and let the fresh air work its magic. In one study by Mind, a huge 95% of those interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed, and anxious to calmer and more balanced. And it’s no surprise really! There’s no feeling quite like a good exhilarating walk, and you can then team this with other activities that help you to relax, such as reading in front of the fire, or playing board games with the family. A great mood booster all round.

Health benefits of being in nature

Improve Your Physical Wellbeing

As well as having a positive effect on your mental wellbeing, it’s also said that being in nature can help to improve your physical wellbeing too, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones. Research has found that even just having a simple plant in your room can have a significant impact on stress and anxieties, so just imagine the influence that immersing yourself within an entire woodland could have on your mental and physical state.

Stripping Back & Recharging

On the flip side of the coin, “nature deprivation,” occurs due to a lack of time in the natural world, which is often due to hours spent in front of TV or computer screens. This can cause a negative impact on your mood or result in a lack of altruism. Why not help combat screen time overload by leaving your devices safely locked away in your cottage or North Wing room, and spend some time exploring nature instead? When you draw your eyes away from the screen and to the outdoor world instead, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you can discover on your doorstep at Combermere Abbey. Expect to encounter wonderful wildlife and the most fantastic flora and fauna. It truly is food for the soul.

Getting Back To Nature At Combermere Abbey

If there’s one place that’s simply perfect for embracing nature, it’s Combermere. Our estate is synonymous with green space, and we even have a dedicated Woodland Walk for our visitors. Our grounds are hugely enjoyed by humans and their furry friends alike, and many of our guests take the chance to embrace the three R’s at Combermere Abbey: re-balance, revive and re-energise.

Whether you stay with your whole family in our self-catering, dog-friendly cottages, or with a loved one in our luxury North Wing B&B rooms, our open space will be waiting for you either way. When lockdown lifts, we’ll be ready for you, so book now on our website or get in touch with our team at [email protected] to enquire about purchasing an accommodation voucher.

Combermere Abbey gift voucher

 

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The Best Brunch Spots In Cheshire & Shropshire December 8, 2020

The Best Brunch Spots In Cheshire & Shropshire

Let’s ‘lift off after lockdown’ and get back to supporting our local businesses and eateries. As the UK returns to tier restrictions, it means that we can start enjoying the things we love again, that includes brunch! With Cheshire and Shropshire both being in tier 2, that means our local brunch spots are back open for business and we couldn’t be more excited. To celebrate brunch officially being back, we’ve rounded up our favourite brunch ideas for both Cheshire and Shropshire, a stone’s throw from Combermere Abbey.

Why We’re Glad That Brunch Is Back!

We’re big fans of brunch here at Combermere Abbey! Brunch is that curious mix of breakfast and lunch, usually you’d have it between 11am and 2pm. Any day of the week, it’s perfect after a good countryside walk, leg stretch around local markets and towns, or well-earned lie-in. Brunch is a great way to socialise with your loved ones and – as many establishments now have rigid Covid safe guidelines – in a safe and secure manner too. With Combermere Abbey as your base for weekend or even midweek stays, we really can’t think of a better way to spend a morning. Here’s where we’d recommend you head out during your stay…

Our Favourite Brunch Spots In Cheshire & Shropshire

Top 4 Brunches In Cheshire

The Flower Cup is an independent botanical coffee shop, located within the walls of Chester up on the historic Watergate Row level shops. They claim on their website to serve up “Chester’s very best all-day brunch menu” and we think they’re well worth a visit. If anything, 2020 has highlighted the importance of supporting local, independent businesses – so The Flower Cup is well worth a visit during your next trip to Combermere Abbey.

Nantwich is just under 15 minutes away from Combermere Abbey and boasts a prolific Cheshire brunch spot in Olea, a quirky Italian café. It’s the season to support local and we can’t think of a better place than here; on the menu there’s some great sweets, as well as pizza, salads and even full English – a brunch must-have. You can keep up with updates on their social media.

The Pheasant Inn has great views across Cheshire, and there are some amazing walks around the Bickerton Hills to be enjoyed. Brunch is a perfect stop off after a relaxing stroll in the morning, making this inn the perfect stop off. They serve up a five-star menu and proudly overlook everything from the Cheshire Plain to North Wales from its location along the historic Sandstone Trail. For delicious, honest, homecooked food made from the finest locally sourced fresh ingredients and produce, look no further.

Top 6 Brunches In Shropshire

Battlefield 1403 is a superb farm shop that is on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, there you’ll find Sparrow’s Café – “the ideal place for a delicious brunch, lunch or afternoon snack.” Their mouth-watering food is freshly prepared to order using ingredients from the farm shop and other local sources. Plus, there’s also a child’s menu for the little ones – perfect for a family getaway at Combermere Abbey in the cottages. You can find out more about this hidden gem on their website.

Etzio is on our doorstep in Whitchurch, Shropshire and is a charming Italian cafe. They have an amazing lunch deal which is starting in the new year and their dishes come highly recommended by both us and our guests. Choose from pastas, burgers, salads and lighter bites such as paninis and sandwiches. You can even find tapas options, ideal for brunch with a twist. Keep in the loop by following Etzio on Facebook.

Peaberry Grand Café has earned a “great for brunch” Google review and is based in Shrewsbury. Being on the Cheshire/Shropshire border at Combermere Abbey, we recommend our guests take a trip to this town – there’s so much to do. If stopping for a spot of all-day brunch at Peaberry Grand Café, on the menu you can expect to find artisan food and drink including pancakes, sourdough melts, the classics and breakfasts with a twist.

Combermere Arms is walkable distance from the cottages, they welcome dogs and they also serves a click-and-collect menu for those that want to buy their brunch and eat in the cottage instead of dining out. You really can’t get much more local than this and we’d really recommend for our guests. You can find the menu for the Combermere Arms on their website, there’s something to suit everyone.

The Loopy Shrew has boozy brunch on the menu and is very well recommended. The autumn menu includes classics such as the full English and crushed avocado on toasted sourdough. You can even also find a doggy sausage or doggy bacon option, perfect when you’re coming along on a dog-friendly holiday at Combermere Abbey. The Loopy Shrew is based in Shrewsbury and is just over 40 minutes away from us, certainly worth paying a visit to.

 

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Finally, Park View Café at the Park View business centre is quite literally on Combermere Abbey’s doorstep in Whitchurch. Great for a brunch after exploring the estate grounds, including the woodland walk, the café has lunchtime food on the menu as well as a prolific selection of hot drinks too. You can keep up to date with them on Facebook here, they are open Monday to Friday from 11am-2:30pm, so ideal for our mid-week cottage guests.

If you have any more recommended brunch spots in Cheshire or Shropshire, please let us know on Facebook or Twitter. Or, if you’re ready to book your relaxing break at Combermere Abbey, please get in touch with our team. Perfect for a reset following the Christmas break and even better now that brunch is back.

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Five Reasons To Consider A ‘Nearcation’ Holiday November 16, 2020

Five Reasons To Consider A ‘Nearcation’ Holiday

The pandemic has changed a lot of things, one of the main things being that people are keener to now discover what’s on their doorstep, and opt for a staycation, or perhaps even what’s being coined as a nearcation instead of jetting off overseas. Great news for the hospitality industry in this country, as a recent YouGov survey revealed that 48% of millennials (people aged between 25 and 34) plan to staycation in the future. Here are five reasons to consider a nearcation for your 2020 or 2021 break.

What Is A Nearcation?

But first, what actually is a nearcation? Derived from the term staycation which means to holiday in the country where you live, as opposed to travelling overseas, a nearcation is exactly that – but closer to home. This can be as close as an overnight stay in the same town, or perhaps a longer holiday in the same county or region.

Five Reasons To Consider A Nearcation

  1. Fall in love with where you live

You might already be particularly fond of your hometown or city but a nearcation can help you discover what’s on your doorstep. We’re based in Cheshire and when we welcome guests from the area they’re still fascinated by the incredible countryside and wildlife that might only be 20-30 minutes away from home.

  1. A getaway without the stress

Holiday preparations are notoriously stressful, especially when you’re travelling abroad. When you opt for a staycation or nearcation, all you need to do is pack your car and get going. You’ll be familiar with the area, so it suits perfectly if you prefer opting for places you know and love. Or, if you’re open to trying new things – your eyes might be opened to a number of great attractions, shops and restaurants that have been in your local area all along. If you’re preparing for your nearcation, don’t forget to check out our self-catering holiday checklist.

Credit: Lets Get It Shot

  1. Minimal travel times

You don’t have to invest hours into travel time for a well-earned break. A nearcation boasts the benefit of being a short car or train journey away, but it can still feel like an entirely different world. If you don’t care much for the idea of a 5hr+ car or coach trip, or even the drive to the airport, the plane journey, followed by the transfer to the hotel – then a nearcation could indeed be for you. Plus, a smaller travel time means you can bring your family dog along with no fuss at all. Our holiday cottages are all dog-friendly, and we love seeing your furry friends.

  1. An easy way to escape the everyday

It’s totally normal to crave a break and a change of scenery. You don’t necessarily have to go far to do this. If you’ve missed celebrations this year, or perhaps had your holiday cancelled, then even just a weekend break can really help you to relax and rejuvenate. Short breaks at the North Wing are particularly excellent for this, as you’re tended to by our fantastic house manager, have a lovely breakfast included and can enjoy a taste of luxury. Or for a longer break, our self-catering cottages propose a fantastic way to break the cycle of working from home and staying indoors. We believe in the ‘3 Rs’ here at Combermere Abbey, re-balance, revive and re-energise. 

  1. Safe for you and your family

There’s still a lot up in the air when it comes to overseas travel, many countries now require either quarantine on arrival, or quarantine when you land back in the UK. A nearcation doesn’t come with such barriers. Plus, with the tier systems expected to remain in place in England, the closer to home you can remain the better. We’re Visit Britain ‘Good to Go’ certified meaning our staff and venue are fully Covid-safe. With your own contained self-catering cottage or private North Wing room – you’ll be able to enjoy a responsible and sensible getaway here that still feels a world away than the same 4 walls you might have gotten used to during lockdown.

Credit: Girl About Cheshire

Nearcation Destination In Cheshire and Shropshire

If you live in Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire or North Wales, Combermere Abbey could be the ideal nearcation destination for you. We’re nestled on the border, in the heart of the countryside and offer 10 self-catering cottages for our guests along with 2 B&B north wing rooms. Ideal for families, couples or friends* seeking a short retreat to relieve some stress and appreciate a change of scenery, we still have availability for 2020** and through to 2021.

To give you peace of mind when booking we’re offering a very low £50 refundable deposit for bookings made before 3rd December, for December 2020 to March 2021.

You can check this on our website, and be sure to follow our Facebook page for any further updates.

*Your nearcation must be in line with current government guidelines, adhering to tiered rules by region where appropriate.

**2020 availability is subject to change, but we are hopeful that come 2nd December we will be able to reopen for your winter nearcation getaways. We are offering a moneyback guarantee should circumstances change.

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Holidays In The Wild On The Cheshire/Shropshire Border September 21, 2020

Holidays In The Wild On The Cheshire/Shropshire Border

2020 has been an uncertain year and now, as the UK begins to ease out of restrictions, it’s the time of the English staycation*. More and more people are choosing to holiday here this year, thanks to the promise of no quarantine on your return and the peace of mind that a break in the UK offers. After being cooped up for several months, there seems to be a real interest in getting back to nature and enjoying holidays in the wild. So, we wanted to show you how Combermere Abbey can offer you this exact kind of break, right from our home on the Cheshire/Shropshire border.

Holidays In The Wild At Combermere Abbey

One of the best ways to shake the stress of this year is to enjoy a relaxing but exciting adventure in the countryside, the kind that we offer at Combermere Abbey with 10 self-catering cottages, as well as 2 B&B rooms at our North Wing. Here are a few of the things you can do at Combermere Abbey to enjoy a real holiday in the wild.

Nature On Your Doorstep

We’re so lucky to be blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna on the estate. You only need to swing open the doors of your cottage or step out of the North Wing to experience that. There’s plenty of bees buzzing around the gardens in the summer, or why not pay the cows on our organic estate a visit on a crisp autumn morning? One of the best ways to experience holidays in the wild is to be at one with nature, and at Combermere Abbey, we’re lucky to have an array of wildlife. You might even enjoy a spot of birdwatching or photography

Wild Swimming

Combermere Abbey has one of the largest natural lakes on private land, our mere extends over 145 acres, is teeming with birdlife and is ideal for a number of activities including fishing and wild swimming. Our guests enjoy wild swimming all year round, and there’s truly no better way of connecting with nature than enjoying an open water swim. As the temperature starts to turn, remember to bring your wetsuits. You can experience wild swimming at Combermere Abbey all year round, taking a dip is truly an experience like no other.

Woodland Walks & Adventures

Woodland walks bring fun for all the family. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic escape to the North Wing, or a family holiday in the cottages, a great way to experience a wild holiday adventure is to explore the acres of woodlands here. Our cottages are dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friends to enjoy a holiday of their own too. The smells and sights of the woods are a real treat for them. We have an Edwardian Pleasure garden full of specimen trees and a dedicated woodland walk, but you really only need to step out of your cottage or the North Wing to appreciate the serene natural beauty on your doorstep.

Embracing Local

With a selection of local towns and cities on our doorstep, you can support smaller independent businesses too. You can now pre-order home-cooked dinners delivered to the estate by Covington, or why not head to the farmers’ markets in Cheshire or Shropshire and cook your own meals? Don’t forget, all of our cottages are self-catering. You can also support the local Cheshire and Shropshire economy by exploring the wonderful family-owned businesses nearby.

Painting & Photography Opportunities

If your interests include photography, or perhaps portrait painting, then Combermere Abbey could be the perfect artsy break for you. We’re encompassed by woodlands and gardens, there are so many wonderful views. Here’s an illustration that artist Sallie Rebecca Illustration painted earlier this year.

Small Steps To Make A Big Impact

Did you know that at Combermere Abbey, we encourage our guests to adopt 5 small steps to make a big impact during stays. We’re keen to encourage sustainable staycation-ing at Combermere Abbey. The steps include…

  • Reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Stay local, eat local, buy local, see local
  • Reduce your carbon footprint and spend a day on the estate
  • Chill out and switch off
  • Follow the countryside code

Don’t forget to check availability and book your stay on our website. Your holiday in the wild is just a few clicks away. We have availability in the cottages and both North Wing B&B rooms for the autumn months. Remember, all of our self-catering cottages are dog friendly too.

*Please ensure that your adventure is enjoyed in line with current government Covid-19 regulations.

With thanks for the lovely images: Declan West Weddings & Lets Get It Shot.

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Your First Look at Combermere Abbey

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