There are few places that manage to honour their past while continually looking towards the future. Too often, heritage becomes something preserved rather than lived; a story admired from a distance instead of one that continues to unfold. At Combermere Abbey, the opposite has always been true. For more than 900 years, the estate has quietly evolved, each generation leaving its own mark while protecting everything that makes this remarkable place so special. That philosophy has never been about standing still. It has always been about thoughtful progress, about embracing new ideas with purpose and creating experiences that feel every bit as timeless as the landscape itself.

Summer has a wonderful way of bringing that philosophy to life. The woodland bursts into colour, the gardens become places to linger rather than simply admire, and the mere reflects long evenings that seem reluctant to end. Guests arrive expecting peace and tranquillity, and they find exactly that. Yet they also discover something else – a place that feels alive. A place that encourages you to explore a little further, stay a little longer and reconnect with the simple pleasures that modern life often pushes aside.

Today’s luxury is no longer measured by extravagance. It is measured by time. Time spent outdoors instead of behind a screen. Time gathered around a table with family and friends. Time walking ancient woodland with your dog before breakfast or sitting beside the water as the sun begins to disappear beyond the trees. It is these moments that define a stay at Combermere, and it is why so many guests return, season after season, year after year.

This summer also marks an exciting new chapter in the estate’s story with the arrival of Park View Padel. Introducing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports into one of England’s most historic estates may seem unexpected, yet it perfectly reflects everything Combermere stands for. Evolution has always been part of our story. Park View is not here to change the estate; it is here to enrich it. It offers guests, families, couples and groups another way to experience Combermere, bringing together movement, laughter, competition and connection in a setting where wellbeing has always come naturally.

Imagine beginning your day with coffee overlooking the estate before heading onto the court for an hour of friendly competition. Spend the afternoon wandering through the gardens or exploring the woodland trails before returning to your cottage as the evening settles across the mere. Perhaps you’re escaping for a romantic weekend, celebrating with friends, enjoying a family break or simply looking for somewhere that allows you to switch off completely. Whatever brings you here, Combermere has a remarkable ability to make time feel different. Slower. Richer. More meaningful.

Our accommodation has always been at the heart of that experience. Beautifully restored Victorian stable cottages provide warmth, comfort and character, while the elegant North Wing apartments offer uninterrupted views across the mere and a unique opportunity to stay within the Abbey itself. Many of our cottages are dog-friendly, making them the perfect base for discovering hundreds of acres of beautiful countryside together, while larger properties create memorable spaces for family celebrations, reunions and special occasions. Every stay has been carefully considered, balancing heritage with contemporary comfort so that guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.

This is what Combermere has become known for. Not simply offering somewhere beautiful to stay, but creating experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left. It is why guests become members of The Combermere Club, returning to enjoy exclusive benefits, special offers and the opportunity to remain connected to an estate that continues to evolve alongside them. It is not simply about rewarding loyalty; it is about recognising that once you’ve experienced Combermere, you become part of its story.

As we look towards the future, our ambition remains exactly as it has always been: to continue evolving without ever losing sight of what makes this place extraordinary. From carefully restored accommodation and beautiful gardens to new experiences such as Park View Padel, every decision is made with the same intention to create something that future generations will value just as much as those who came before.

This summer, there has never been a better time to discover Combermere Abbey. Whether you’re searching for a peaceful countryside escape, a romantic retreat, a family holiday, a weekend with friends or simply somewhere that feels refreshingly different, you’ll find more than a place to stay. You’ll find space to breathe, time to reconnect and memories that have a habit of drawing you back.