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What We’ve Been Up To At Combermere Abbey June 3, 2020

What We’ve Been Up To At Combermere Abbey

Following the outbreak of Covid-19, we had to temporarily close our doors, alongside other accommodation providers; in the interest of public safety. As lockdown begins to ease and as it looks more and more hopeful that we may be able to open up in July, we wanted to bring you an exclusive update as to what we’ve been up to behind-the-scenes at Combermere Abbey.

Brushing Up On Our Hygiene Protocols

Combermere Abbey housekeepers have always followed the most rigorous hygiene procedures, but following the Coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to ensure that all of our staff are adhering to even stricter guidelines so that all self-catering holiday cottages and B&B rooms are ‘Covid-19 compliant’. We are currently following taut guidelines, with the Combermere Abbey team also undertaking relevant booster courses in sanitisation and cleanliness.

Your safety and comfort is paramount to us, and we want to ensure that all of our guests know that they can enjoy a relaxing staycation holiday with us without a worry in the world.

Making Sure Our Grounds Are Covid-19 Compliant

As well as keeping our accommodation in meticulous condition, we have also taken extra care to accommodate guests all around the estate. As part of our reopening for wedding showrounds, and our anticipated reopening for holiday guests, we have installed hygiene stations throughout the venue – so you can explore to your heart’s content.

Tending to the fruit tree maze at Combermere Abbey

Keeping The Gardens Beautiful

Talking of gardens and grounds, while the abbey had to close its doors to guests a few months ago, we have still been working hard behind the scenes to keep it as beautiful as ever. When lockdown was first announced, the gardens were decorated with spring blossom, now they are in full bloom with the most beautiful colours coming through. We’re even expecting our fruit tree maze to give us lots of apples in the autumn. Though the world stood still, our gardens kept growing, and we can’t wait to show them to you soon.

Fruit tree maze at Combermere Abbey

You can find some short videos of our gardeners working their magic on our Instagram, just head to the ‘grounds’ highlight and click through.

Sprucing Up The North Wing

After undergoing an extensive restoration, our privately-owned grade I listed building requires due care and attention to keep it looking beautiful. While we’ve been unable to accommodate B&B guests in the North Wing, we have been painting the exterior. The Abbey now casts an even more marvellous reflection over our 160-acre mere.

Here, you can see Graham (who’s also the well-praised driver of our Crossley wedding car) revitalising the outside of the North Wing, ready to welcome you back when the time is right.

Painting the North Wing at Combermere Abbey

Watching Our Beautiful Woodlands Bloom

There’s been plenty going on behind the scenes at Combermere, but there has also been quiet time for reflection and appreciation. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, the abbey is fortunately placed to enjoy a serene and tranquil location. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of life, whilst we’ve been caring for our gardens and woodlands – we’ve also been enjoying watching them come into bloom. Walking through the garden wood, you’ll now be met with vibrant leafy trees and superb brightly coloured flowers. The sun has been bouncing off the glistening mere thanks to the tremendous weather that we’ve been having, it is truly something to behold.

Woodland tending at Combermere Abbey

Though we’ve been unable to have guests come to stay for a few months, we couldn’t let you go without seeing the beautiful scenes at Combermere Abbey during these warm sunny days that we’ve been having. Videographers Lets Get It Shot very kindly came to visit us recently to take some on-foot and drone footage of the estate – so keep a lookout on our social media channels for that.

Drone videography at Combermere Abbey

Preparing For You To Visit Us Again

Of course, we’d rather share all of this with our guests and friends of Combermere, so we are excited that it won’t be too long now before we can open our doors to you once more, confident that our self-catering cottages are ideal for a well-earned restorative break. We are currently working with local chefs to bring you the offer of pre-ordered meals if you’re staying at the North Wing or the cottages. Local restaurant Docket no.33 is offering a ‘Dockett No.33 At Home’ menu.

We believe we are perfectly positioned to accommodate families in separate cottages, so that you can enjoy a holiday with your loved ones, all whilst adhering to the government guidelines. Now that you are able to meet with 6 or more people outside of your home, Combermere Abbey is the perfect place to enjoy woodland bike rides, garden walks and wild swimming with your wider family or friends – all the while still remaining safe and compliant. You can also bring your family dog along too.

To find out more, and to enquire about our no-risk booking policy, please get in touch with the team. We are now OPEN for bookings from July onwards, permitting we get the green light from the Government to go ahead.

You can find short behind-the-scenes videos at Combermere by going to our Instagram and clicking through our ‘grounds’ highlight.

Keep up with us on InstagramFacebookTwitter or Pinterest.

With thanks for the photographs: Let’s Get It Shot & Amy B Photography.

Eco-Friendly Breaks at Combermere June 26, 2019

Eco-Friendly Breaks at Combermere

 

World Environment Day was celebrated across the globe on 5th June, and both businesses and consumers have never been more tuned in to the effects we have on the planet – and the importance of protecting it. As we strive to reduce food waste, increase recycling and lower emissions – is it time to start applying our environment-saving tactics to our holidays and book eco-friendly breaks away?

At Combermere Abbey, we are constantly striving to improve our sustainability – which is why we manage our land organically, look after our woods sustainably and annually replant and plant new trees throughout the parklands and woods. This means looking long-term and ensuring the health of the trees. Many species are under threat today and estates like ours create important nurseries for the future. Combermere was the first estate to install a solar park and the energy powers up to 3,000 homes via its connection to the grid.

Although consumers may try their hardest to use eco-friendly products and boycotted single-use plastics, studies have shown that one of the biggest ways we can reduce our impact on the planet is to decrease our use of aeroplanes. Air travel is one of our planet’s biggest polluters – with aviation expected to contribute as much as 16% of the planet’s carbon emissions by 2050 if our current trend for overseas holidays continue. As much, a growing community of eco-conscious travellers are adopting a no-fly policy and holidaying closer to home.

And what’s not to love? Whether you’re looking for relaxation and tranquillity, indulgence and luxury or activity-filled adventures, there’s no need to spend hours waiting in airport security queues, cramped in aeroplane seats and suffering through jetlag for your dream holiday! UK holidays offer something for everyone – and you can even treat yourself to a longer holiday if you skip the price of flying. Here at Combermere, you can experience everything from adrenaline-pumping wild swimming, horse riding and hot air balloon rides to relaxing in-house spa treatments and luxury gastronomy, all whilst saving both the environment and your bottom line.

Finally, we pride ourselves on providing our guests with home-grown and local produce. From the food hampers in our cottages to the home-cooked breakfast in the North Wing B&B – all of our food either comes from our own gardens and orchards, or from small, independent producers from the local area. Not only does this ensure that guests are only treated to the freshest products, but sourcing our food locally means that we have a lowered environmental impact as it hasn’t had to travel across the country or overseas.

So for those looking to reduce their impact on the planet without compromising the luxury and enjoyment of their travels – why not book your next holiday here?

 

Travel, Rest, Repeat: Luxury Stopovers at Combermere June 14, 2019

Travel, Rest, Repeat: Luxury Stopovers at Combermere

 

Set in the idyllic countryside inside the Combermere gates, the North Wing Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect mid-travel stay for those embarking upon a long driving journey this summer. As UK ‘staycations’ grow ever popular, why not make the travelling just as much a part of your holiday as the final destination with a luxury stopover?

We all know the dangers of tired driving, and the prospect of a long drive to get to your British holiday can seem arduous – so why not break it up with something to look forward to and split the travelling into two shorter, safer and less daunting drives?

Located in the heart of rural England’s midlands, we’re ideally located as a convenient stopover break for holiday makers travelling to the country’s top holiday locations. Whether you’re looking to take a seaside break in classic Cornwall, explore the rugged Scottish Highlands or discover the hidden gems of North Wales, the North Wing offers the perfect place to take a break from the long drive and relax in true luxury for a night.

After spending time on our British motorways, the drive through the Combermere gates and grounds to the magnificent North Wing will be a much-welcomed break! Sweeping countryside reveals rolling parklands, ancient woodlands and tranquil lakes before arriving at the doors of the historic Abbey. And after hours stuck in the car, what better way to relax the body and mind than a gentle stroll to stretch the legs and clear your head through the acres of private estate, all yours to explore?

What’s more, we all know that long drives through the UK offer little palatable options when it comes to dining! If you book a mid-travel stay at the North Wing, you won’t be restricted to the junk food offerings of roadside service stations, but instead can indulge in nutritious dinner at one of our top-quality many neighbouring establishments – from classic country gastropubs to fine-dining restaurants, there’s something to suit everyone. And to set you up on the morning of the final portion of your drive: a fresh, home-cooked breakfast made with locally sourced products, what could be better?

So, instead of dreading the long drive to your UK holiday this year, break up a long drive and make it something to look forward with a luxury overnight stay to kick off your vacation. Are you ready to book your luxury B&B stay at the North Wing – book soon and you’ll get 10% off your stay!

 

Combermere Abbey: A Healthy Retreat January 29, 2019

Combermere Abbey: A Healthy Retreat

 

The buzz of Christmas has quietened down and now we’re embarking on 2019. January is always the month where resolutions are made, with many pledging to lead a healthier lifestyle. If you need a break after the busy Christmas period, you’re guaranteed to have nothing but a relaxing, stress-free stay here at Combermere Abbey. A great way to focus on your personal goals and re-calibrate your habits!

Our ten well designed and comfortable cottages vary in guest capacity, with our largest one sleeping 10 guests and smallest sleeping 4 or our luxurious North Wing bed and breakfast, ideal for romantic short stays or breaks away for two. Whether you stay in the Salamanca or Bhurtpore room, our wonderful House Manager, Stephan, will cook you a delicious homemade breakfast to help you kick off your days at Combermere the right way and help organise your day’s itinerary as well. Don’t forget too that all stays at Combermere are VAT free until March!

Combermere Abbey is a hidden gem on the Shropshire/Cheshire borders. With almost 1000 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland to explore, there are also many walking options within just 1 hours’ drive away. There is truly nothing more satisfying than going back to the roots of nature (pun intended!) to ground yourself and relax. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get active and healthy, and with our stunning grounds at your feet you can create your own adventure walk whilst racking up those steps on your health app. The health benefits of walking know no bounds, with increased circulation, stress reduction, bone strength and boosts the immune system.

A walk through the Garden wood, next to your cottage, will lead you down to the water’s edge of the magnificent Mere and a chance to see a wonderful display of water birds. Did you know that at Combermere Abbey you can go wild swimming in the lake as part of your unique experience in the Cheshire countryside? Wild swimming comes with numerous health benefits, not only does it stimulate the immune system by increasing white blood cell count, but it also helps the release of endorphins and cleanses the skin. After the indulgence of Christmas and New Year, it’ll have you feeling energised and healthy. The lake is also a must-see for a breathtaking sunset to end your day, a perfect opportunity to get back in touch with nature before you return to a fire and glass of wine on your retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you’re visiting with a larger group of family or friends, you can book one of our recommended local caterers to make you a delicious, dinner with local ingredients. Alternatively, to save the hassle of food shopping during your stay, pre-order a supermarket shop delivered to your cottage ahead of your arrival and we will unpack everything for you.

If you’d like to venture outside of the estate for your evening meal, discover our top pub picks in the area on a previous blog, which includes Combermere Arms and Cholmondeley Arms. On the menu at Combermere Arms, there’s a classic chicken caesar salad and a crispy beef salad or for something a little heartier, the Moroccan vegetable and chickpea pie. At the Cholmondeley Arms, known for its selection of over 300 gins! enjoy a fillet of plaice stuffed with Devon crab served with roasted squash cassoulet or the sweet potato, red lentil and turnip chilli. However, we won’t tell anyone if you opt for the fish and chips!

So don’t delay, book your detox stay at Combermere Abbey and enjoy a 20% reduction until the end of March. You can contact our wonderful team on 01948 660 345 or check availability on our website.

 

We’ll Always Remember Your Wedding November 14, 2018

We’ll Always Remember Your Wedding

 

After spending months planning your wedding day, you want to treasure it long into your marriage. So, what can you do to preserve those precious memories?

Tree Planting At Combermere Abbey

As you begin to put down roots as newlyweds and your marriage blossoms and grows, your very own tree will do the same here in the grounds of Combermere Abbey. That’s because we plant a tree for every couple who get married here.

It’s a lovely idea for couples to return to Combermere Abbey to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Thanks to the estate’s charming accommodation, you can! Book one of our luxurious Courtyard Cottages or the historic Stone Lodge and enjoy walks through the woodland where your tree grows.

Because each of the Courtyard Cottages has an individual style, each wedding anniversary you spend at Combermere will be unique.

Precious Memories In Photos

Another sentimental way to celebrate your wedding anniversary is to look through the photos. Dig out your wedding album, pop open a bottle of Prosecco and cosy up as you relive your Combermere Abbey wedding, one photo at a time.

From your morning preparations in the elegant Stone Lodge, to the excitement of your ceremony in the Edwardian Glasshouse and one-of-a-kind fruit tree maze, Combermere Abbey’s romantic and iconic spaces ensure your wedding is a day you’ll never forget.

There’s also the idyllic mere, rustic ancient woodland and, of course, the breath-taking Victorian gardens. Picturesque backdrops for the biggest day of your lives.

Each time you return and see the same roses blossoming, the fruit ripening on the vines or the wintry branches glittering with frost, your most precious memories will come flooding back.

Your wedding at Combermere Abbey is much more than one day. It’s the start of the rest of your lives together. And the tree planted especially for you will mark it for centuries to come.

If you’re planning your wedding, find out more about this magical Cheshire wedding venue here.

Booked your big day? Browse our luxurious accommodation and plan your perfect first wedding anniversary here at Combermere Abbey.

 

Sarah Callander Beckett on: The Restoration of Combermere Abbey November 9, 2018

Sarah Callander Beckett on: The Restoration of Combermere Abbey

 

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, has contributed a chapter to the recently published Rizzoli coffee table must-have, ‘The Country House: Past, Present, Future.’ Written by celebrated art historians David Cannadine and Jeremy Musson, it is full of wonderful, inspiring photographs and essays about Britain’s heritage, its contribution and relevance to today. Sarah’s chapter entitled: An Inheritance Restored: A Private Owner’s Experience tells the story of the 20 yearlong restoration of the Abbey and everything that it entailed.

We caught up with Sarah to find out more on the process of the restoration and who was involved…

Writing about the restoration must have brought back a lot of memories, what was the feeling amongst everyone who’d worked on it, on the day it was declared finished?

A huge sense of satisfaction and pride, the project was one of the most complex and demanding that many of those working with us had been involved with, and the teamwork and commitment to completing it was a testament to their different skills and passions.

What was it like working alongside Nina Campbell and what was the vision behind the design of the cottages and North Wing?

I have known Nina for many years and admire her skills at combining a deep understanding and appreciation for architecture and buildings with creating stylish, elegant and comfortable interiors. She has a great sense of humour and is slightly irreverent, refreshingly so which makes it all the more fun! The vision behind the decoration of Crossley Cottage in 1994 was to use her Asticou collection (based on a famous US garden) to celebrate the three generations of Crossley women who loved gardens. My great-grandmother Josephine Crossley; my step great-grandmother Joyce Crossley and my grandmother Clare Crossley. In the case of the North Wing, it was a different approach – to appreciate the strong gothic architectural elements of the building but introducing a contemporary colour palette and fabrics to create a warm, inviting, elegant and dynamic interior. The bridal suite colours of silver and light blue are romantic and take advantage of the north facing windows; the sitting room celebrates the wonderful lake views and the sunlight through the large windows – here she has brought the garden inside.

 

What aspect of the restoration are you most proud of?

I am incredibly proud of the team that we drew together – they were all amazingly talented people, passionate about doing something they loved and excited about being involved in a very hands-on project. I am very proud of my husband’s project management skills and without him there on site it would be difficult to see how we could have come in on budget (and more or less on time)! It is wonderful to see the Abbey whole again and standing proud in the landscape with a purpose and giving our visitors and guests a truly amazing experience.

 

During the restoration did you come across any items that could tell a story of the lives that inhabited the Abbey previously?

Yes, in particular we came across a pair of shoes between two floors and after some research discovered that shoes were hidden like that to recognise a birth, and represented fecundity ensuring more healthy children. Also, we found a perfect bottle with a glass seal with the initials RSC on it – I believe they were beer bottles. There is not a flaw in it. Also, we found lots of early cigarette packets and early newspaper sheets!

Combermere Abbey has seen many eras and there have been reports that it’s haunted – have you personally ever seen a spirit?

No, I have not personally, but some people see ghosts, some feel them, and some hear them. However, my great grandfather Kenneth said he saw a monk coming down some ‘stairs’ in his study and disappearing through the floor. A complete mystery until a couple of years ago I met one of the Combermere family who said that the original crypt was under that spot! The most famous ghost picture is one taken by Sybil Corbett, Lord Combermere’s sister in the Library on the day he was buried. And when it was developed, he was sitting in his chair in the library.

Are there any plans to do more on restoration in the future?

In a house like this there are always things that could be improved and worked on. There is one range of buildings still to restore but also existing buildings which need upgrades to make them fit for purpose to use…so it is always a tussle as to who wins! However, there are still parts of the gardens and woodland which need attention in the next few years so that is where I will turn my attention to next.

Look out on our social media channels in the spring for the announcement of the Abbey tours. Alternatively, why not book a stay and Combermere Abbey to fully immerse yourself in this history country estate!

 

Combermere Abbey’s Top Pub Picks July 6, 2018

Combermere Abbey’s Top Pub Picks

Question: is a visit to the countryside ever complete without stopping off at the local pub? Answer: of course not! Country pubs are at the heart of rural life, and here at Combermere Abbey, we’re incredibly lucky to have a whole host of different pubs on our doorstep. So whether you’re looking for a cosy drink by the fireside or a hearty meal after a day’s walking, we’ve rounded up our top three of our favourite locals that we think you’ll enjoy just as much as us.

For Families: Combermere Arms

Well, it’s in the name, isn’t it. The Combermere Arms is our closest pub, just over a mile away from the Abbey. What could be better than a refreshingly long walk in the warm summer sun to really work up an appetite, before settling down for one of life’s most pleasant dilemmas – choosing what to eat!

The range of cuisines and dishes on offer at the Combermere Arms makes it ideal for families (even more ideal if families have taken advantage of our Summer Family Holiday package, but of course you could also let the kids have a holiday with the grandparents and book a romantic retreat for two in the North Wing!). Whether it’s a classic honey roast ham with egg and chips, deep-fried Cornish Brie or a refreshing salad, there’s something for everyone. And don’t leave without trying their hot waffle with glazed bananas and honeycomb ice cream – no matter how full you might be, trust us on this one!

For Dog Lovers: Cholmondeley Arms

The Cholmondeley Arms in Wrenbury is a pub for those who love a bit of history, but don’t want to leave their four-legged friend at home! Just eight miles away from Combermere, The Cholmondeley Arms sits inside a former Victorian village schoolhouse on Lord Cholmondeley’s estate and welcomes well-behaved dogs in all areas of the pub.

The Cholmondeley Arms is also famous for offering a staggering 366 different gins – enough to try a different one every day of the year! A wide selection of local ales brewed within a 30-mile radius of the pub are also offered, as well as a delicious range of malts and ports. This country pub values tradition and loves its hounds! If you’ve booked to stay in one of our dog-friendly self-catering cottages, take a trip to The Cholmondeley Arms after a nice long walk – you deserve it.

For the Weekend Away: The Bhurtpore Inn

A hotspot for serious beer lovers, the Bhurtpore Inn has won CAMRA’s title of ‘South Cheshire Pub of the Year’ for two years running and has been featured in the Good Beer Guide each and every year since it opened its doors in 1992. Offering a range of hoppy tipples including trendy American and British craft beers, real ales, Belgian and German selections as well as 11 hand-pumped beers – you’re certain to leave the Bhurtpore with a new favourite!

A mere seven-minute drive from Combermere, the Bhurtpore also offers a range of non-alcoholic beers for designated drivers. But if everyone in your party fancies a drink, don’t worry – simply speak to our team who will be more than happy to arrange a taxi for you. Ideal for a group of friends looking to unwind with a weekend away in the country, the Bhurtpore is the pub to kick back and get the rounds in whilst you all have a proper catch up. Our cottages are perfect are ideal for large groups – you can sleep up to ten people in the Crossley cottage; and if you’re even more popular than that you can simply book more than one!

For Couples: The Dusty Miller

Known for its idyllic setting and romantic atmosphere, The Dusty Miller is a traditional country pub situated by the banks of the Llangollen Canal in the quiet village of Wrenbury, rural Cheshire. Originally a Corn Mill, The Dusty Miller was converted in the mid 1970’s, whilst still retaining a lot of the original features. The large arched windows provide a perfectly peaceful setting to watch the boats pass by.

As well as offering a superb menu of Great British dishes with a twist, the pub’s coveted canal-side location also marks it the ideal spot for an after-dinner stroll. For those enjoying a romantic getaway at our North Wing, The Dusty Miller is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a candlelit date for two by the water.

If you’re looking for an excuse to check out our amazing local pubs, why not book a short break with us, or for more inspiration, take a look at Combermere Abbey: Not Just For Couples.

Combermere Abbey’s Bluebell Walk Returns April 20, 2018

Combermere Abbey’s Bluebell Walk Returns

Dust off the long winter blues and join us at the annual Bluebell Walk here at Combermere Abbey on Sunday 29th April. For one day only you can marvel at the carpets of bluebells along the two-mile woodland walk. Really one of nature’s greatest gifts heralding the spring, and Combermere has them in their thousands!

Combermere Abbey is well recognised as one of the area’s spectacular sites to witness their inspiring colour in such profusion. So don your walking boots, bring the dog (that’s right, dogs are more than welcome on the Bluebell Walk on leads!) and family and enjoy the fresh spring air on this ancient Cheshire estate.

For years now, we have opened up the grounds of the estate to the public for one day, to share the ethereal experience which is walking through carpets of bluebells. An endangered native species, these tiny but vivid flowers mark the true arrival of spring in Britain.

What’s more, our Walled Gardens will also be open for guests to explore and enjoy. Abandoned and on the point of collapse when the current owners inherited the estate, the Walled Gardens have been completely restored over the past 25 years and returned to active use and enjoyment. Encompassing three smaller gardens across five and a half acres, you can take a quiet moment in the Rose Garden, revel in the design of the Geometric Garden and get lost in the Fruit Maze – which is the only one of its kind in the world!

For any keen green-fingered gardeners, there will also be a chance to visit our spring plant and produce sale – where you can have the opportunity to grow a little bit of Combermere in your own garden – before winding down the afternoon with some refreshments. After all, a truly British day out exploring the beauty of our native flowers just wouldn’t be complete without a cup of tea and a delicious slice of homemade cake at the end!

On the 29th, our gates will open at 1pm to welcome you, and will close at 5pm with the last walkers setting off at 4pm. Adult tickets cost £5 and children under 16 only £2! Tickets can be bought from us on the day (cash only), but if you’d like to book yours ahead you can purchase tickets online too.

Finally, remember to bring your camera or smartphone along with you – we can’t wait to see your photos!

Discover the Secrets of Combermere Abbey April 18, 2018

Discover the Secrets of Combermere Abbey

We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2018 Abbey tours! Each year we open up parts of Combermere Abbey for guided tours for a few months – parts that are otherwise closed to the public.

Steeped in a thousand years of history, Combermere Abbey has stood strong through centuries of changes bringing both prosperity and hardship – with each owner bringing their own unique stamp upon this historic house.

From its beginnings as a Cistercian monastery built by Hugh de Malbank, Lord of Nantwich way back in the 12th century, through its years as a private home with Gothic wings added in the 19th century, Combermere Abbey fell into the hands of the Crossley family in 1919 – the family with which it remains to this day.

It was Sir Kenneth Crossley of Crossley Motors (of the famed Crossley car!) who bought the Abbey in 1919, and it was used as an evacuee girls’ school during the Second World War – but it began to show signs of deterioration. As with many large country estates at the time, money was tight leading to necessary repairs going undone, and damage from water and rot was beginning to take its hold, until the North Wing had to be abandoned in the 1950s due to structural instablility.

Passed from Sir Kenneth’s granddaughter Lady Lindsay in 1957, the estate finally fell to Lady Lindsay’s daughter and current owner – Sarah Callander Beckett – in the 1990s.

It was Sarah who saved the estate from ruin, completely renovating the Walled Gardens, converting the old stables to luxury holiday cottages and restoring the North Wing to its former magnificence.

During the restoration process a whole load of historical treasures were unearthed, bringing with them a wealth of stories from the past: in 2015, a man’s shoe and a large horseshoe were discovered, concealed at the Abbey for good luck!

How many more secrets are held in the walls of Combermere Abbey, ready to be whispered to you as the walk the halls? Your tour will take you through the Porter’s Hall, the grand Hallway and, the most important room in the house, the Library. This breath-taking wood panelled room is brimming with stories – you will see the portraits and crests of Combermere’s families (some of which were painted over with new marriages, and only revealed upon restoration!); and perhaps you’ll even feel a cool breeze pass through you despite the warmer weather – Combermere is home to famous ghosts and unexplainable mysteries….

Tours can be booked individually or for a private group. Both tours will enjoy the full Combermere experience, and group tours will also be treated to refreshments in the Dining Hall and have a chance to see the renovated North Wing (subject to availability). Individual tours will run until 5th July on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday, lasting up to an hour costing £7 for adults and £4 for under 16s – making it the ideal family day out – and must be pre-booked through the Estate Office. Group tours require a minimum of 20 guests and maximum of 30; lasting almost 3 hours are available on weekdays, year-round, by prior arrangement and cost £12 per person (including light refreshments).

For further information or to book your tour, please call us on 01948 662880 or email [email protected]!

Combermere: Ready for Your Mini Adventure April 17, 2018

Combermere: Ready for Your Mini Adventure

The peaceful quiet of the sun rising over the serene countryside, the restful luxury of the highest quality accommodation… There’s no doubt that a stay at Combermere Abbey is ideal for those seeking the ultimate relaxing break. But for those looking for a little adventure on their holiday, did you know that we’re ideally located near a whole host of adrenaline pumping activities?

Sharp Shooting

If you’re looking to compliment your country retreat with classic country pursuits, the Mickley Hall Shooting School is a mere 10 minutes drive away. Here you can learn how to clay pigeon shoot with some of the country’s finest instructors – the owners have over 35 years’ combined clay pigeon shooting experience and have even represented England in the sport! The best part? You can enjoy this activity all year round, as the facilities are all under cover, so there’s no need to rely on the Great British weather for your mini shooting adventure.

Take Up The Reins

A fantastic way to test your core strength, bravery and trust – at the nearby Freshfields Equestrian Centre in Market Drayton you can saddle up and give horse riding a go. With tuition suitable for any level of experience, from seasoned riders to beginners, Freshfields offers comprehensive riding instruction for all. Who knows, you could discover your next passion!

And… Jump!

If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a view even higher than that from horseback, in Whitchurch you can take the plunge and go skydiving at Skydive Tilstock. Their British Parachute Association qualified instructors will take you through the basics. You can choose from tandem skydiving – where you are attached to an instructor and jump from an incredible 10,000 feet – or a solo static line course and jump, where you jump on your own from an aircraft at 3,500 feet with an automatically opening parachute – you don’t need any previous experience for either!

360° Views

Fancy the incredible panoramic country views, but not so keen on the jumping part? Don’t worry, you can still take in the breathtaking scenery from a hot air balloon! You can choose to ride over Whitchurch or Nantwich – both only a short drive from us here at Combermere Abbey – with the Virgin hot air balloon experiences. Available from March to October, there is truly no better way to take in the beauty of the Shropshire countryside than at sky level.

Recover, Rest and Relax

No matter what adventure you choose, we have no doubt that you’ll be pretty exhausted at the end of the day! Return to Combermere, and warm yourself up in front of the fire in your own private self-catering cottage, before rustling up your favourite indulgent dinner in the kitchen. Or perhaps take advantage of the Wellington package and treat yourself to your favourite drinks and nibbles in the North Wing before drawing a hot bath in the luxury suite.

Sound like your kind of mini break? Call us on 01948 871662 to find out more, or you can book direct here.