A Season to Slow Down, Stay Longer and Discover More

There is something rather special about autumn in the English countryside. The moment the landscape begins to change, the air becomes a little cooler and the long, golden evenings of summer give way to crisp mornings, rich colours and the unmistakable comfort of coming indoors after a day spent outside.

At Combermere Abbey, autumn is not simply a change of season. It is a change of atmosphere, a chance to experience the estate in an entirely different light and perhaps one of the most beautiful times of year to discover everything this remarkable place has to offer.

Set on the Cheshire and Shropshire border, surrounded by ancient woodland, beautiful gardens and the tranquil waters of the mere, Combermere has spent more than 900 years evolving with the seasons and the generations who have called it home. Its history is extraordinary, but what makes Combermere truly special is that its story has never stood still.

Today, the estate continues to embrace new ideas, thoughtful improvements and experiences that bring people together. From beautifully restored accommodation to the exciting addition of Park View Padel, Combermere offers something increasingly valuable in modern life: the opportunity to escape the everyday without feeling disconnected from it.

The Beauty of Slowing Down

Autumn has a wonderful way of reminding us to appreciate the smaller things.

The sound of leaves beneath your feet. The early morning mist rising gently from the mere. The changing colours of the woodland, where familiar paths take on an entirely new character as the landscape moves from green to gold, amber and deep copper.

There is something wonderfully restorative about wrapping up warm and heading outside on a bright October morning, particularly when there is no great urgency to be anywhere else.

At Combermere, these moments come naturally. The estate’s gardens, woodland walks and open countryside invite guests to explore at their own pace, while the abundance of wildlife provides a constant reminder that nature has its own rhythm.

And as the afternoons shorten and darkness arrives a little earlier, there is equal pleasure in returning to the warmth and comfort of your accommodation, making something delicious for dinner, opening a bottle of wine and settling in for an evening with absolutely nothing on the agenda.

Sometimes, the greatest luxury is simply having time to enjoy it.

A Stay That Feels Like So Much More

The beauty of Combermere is that no two stays need to be the same.

Our collection of beautifully restored Victorian stable cottages offers a wonderful balance of heritage, character and contemporary comfort. Thoughtfully furnished and individually designed, they provide the perfect setting for romantic weekends, family gatherings, celebrations with friends or a peaceful escape from the demands of everyday life.

For those travelling with four-legged companions, our dog-friendly accommodation makes autumn adventures even more enjoyable. After all, few things compare to a countryside walk on a fresh morning with your dog exploring happily beside you.

Stone Lodge offers an additional sense of privacy, while the elegant North Wing, within the Abbey itself, provides a truly distinctive experience, combining historic surroundings with beautiful interiors and views across the mere.

Whether your idea of the perfect autumn escape involves long woodland walks, lazy breakfasts, cosy evenings or simply the pleasure of being somewhere beautiful, Combermere gives you the freedom to make the experience your own.

A New Energy on the Estate: Park View Padel

While autumn naturally encourages us to slow down, it is also a wonderful time to try something new.

The arrival of Park View Padel introduces an exciting new dimension to life at Combermere, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports into the heart of this historic estate.

It is an addition that perfectly captures the Combermere philosophy: respecting the past while confidently embracing the future.

Padel is sociable, energetic and accessible, making it a brilliant activity for couples, friends and families looking to add something different to their countryside break.

Imagine spending the morning enjoying breakfast in your cottage before heading to Park View for a game of padel. Afterwards, perhaps a walk around the estate, an afternoon exploring the surrounding countryside or simply returning to your accommodation to unwind.

It’s the balance that makes the experience so appealing. The freedom to be active when you choose, to relax when you want and to enjoy the very best of both worlds.

Park View represents more than another facility on the estate. It reflects our ambition to continually improve, innovate and introduce experiences that make every visit to Combermere even more memorable.

Discover Nantwich and the Best of Cheshire

Of course, part of the pleasure of staying at Combermere is discovering everything that lies beyond the estate.

Just a short drive away, the historic market town of Nantwich offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the character, hospitality and independent spirit of Cheshire.

With its beautiful black-and-white timber-framed buildings, charming streets and rich architectural heritage, Nantwich is a town that rewards taking your time.

Spend a morning browsing its independent shops, discover local produce, enjoy coffee in one of its welcoming cafés or settle into a traditional pub for a leisurely lunch.

Autumn brings its own atmosphere to the town, with cooler mornings, seasonal menus and the unmistakable charm of a historic English market town preparing for the winter months.

For guests staying at Combermere, Nantwich provides the perfect complement to the tranquillity of the estate. A little culture, a little shopping, wonderful food and a chance to experience the local community before returning to the peace of the countryside.

It is this combination of experiences that makes a stay here feel so complete.

Always Evolving, Always Combermere

For more than nine centuries, Combermere Abbey has witnessed extraordinary change. From its beginnings as a Cistercian monastery to the remarkable country estate it is today, its story has been shaped by vision, resilience and a willingness to embrace the future.

That spirit remains as important today as it has ever been.

We believe the responsibility of caring for somewhere with such a rich history is not simply to preserve what exists, but to ensure it continues to thrive.

It means investing in our accommodation, protecting the natural landscape, introducing thoughtful new experiences and finding ways for more people to discover what makes Combermere so special.

The introduction of Park View Padel is another example of that commitment. So too is The Combermere Club, our exclusive loyalty programme for guests who have previously stayed with us, offering special discounts and carefully selected offers that make returning to the estate even more rewarding.

Because we believe the relationship with our guests should extend far beyond their departure.

A stay at Combermere should be the beginning of a connection, not the end of a booking.

Our history gives us our identity. Our ambition for the future ensures that identity continues to grow.

Fall Into Combermere This Autumn

As the leaves turn, the mornings become beautifully crisp and the evenings invite us indoors, there is perhaps no better time to escape to the Cheshire countryside.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a dog-friendly autumn break, a gathering with friends or a few well-deserved days away, Combermere Abbey offers the perfect combination of beautiful accommodation, remarkable surroundings and experiences worth travelling for.

Explore the estate, discover Nantwich, enjoy a game at Park View Padel or simply settle into the comfort of your cottage and watch the season unfold around you.

Because at Combermere, we believe a stay should offer more than somewhere to sleep. It should offer the space to reconnect, the freedom to explore and the opportunity to create memories that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

This autumn, fall into something wonderful. Fall into Combermere.

Book Your Autumn Escape Today

Discover why Combermere Abbey is so much more than a place to stay