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The Wonderful outdoors at Combermere Abbey
Inspiration – 12.05.25
Nature at its Finest – Peace, Privacy and Tranquillity
If you’re looking to escape the noise of daily life, Combermere Abbey offers nature at its finest. Set beside a large mere and surrounded by rolling parkland and ancient trees, the Abbey’s peaceful setting gives visitors a true sense of calm and space to breathe. It’s unspoilt, private, and feels like a world away from the everyday. We’ve even created special areas for our guests to relax and take in the beauty of the natural environment around them. Keep reading to discover what makes Combermere Abbey so special and why it’s the perfect place to unwind.

The Pleasure Garden
Originally planted in the 1870s, the Pleasure Garden was designed as a peaceful escape and remains one of the estate’s most enchanting spots. It features a remarkable collection of specimen trees, including cedar of Lebanon, Wellingtonia, and Swamp Cypress, each contributing to the garden’s unique character and seasonal beauty.
Framing this serene space is Pempe’s Pavilion, an elegant Georgian building with decorative tiled floor and views to the lake sitting on the pinnacle above the Garden Wood Named after the owner’s mother, it is a place celebrating reflection where nature and stillness come together in perfect harmony.


The Garden Wood
The Pleasure Garden gently leads into The Garden Wood, an equally peaceful space that has been lovingly restored in recent years. Winding pathways guide you beneath the tree canopy and towards the edge of the mere, inviting visitors to slow down and explore at their own pace.
Thoughtfully placed seating areas offer the perfect spot to pause and take in the view. From here, you can watch the gentle movements of the water, spot the remarkable selection of resident waterfowl, and enjoy the sights and sounds of local wildlife. So take your binoculars! Whether you’re an avid nature lover or simply seeking a moment of calm, this space invites you take a picnic and relax.

The Walled Gardens
The beautiful Walled Gardens are representative of a productive time when manpower supported the big house! Each garden supplying all the fruit and vegetables for the tens of estate residents. Just think of Downton Abbey servants hall! Combermere had 18 gardeners and groundsmen before WW1. Beautifully restored with great care over 30 years, they are now reserved for those marking life’s most special moments. While general access is limited and strictly by appointment, the gardens are back in full use, a hidden jewel within the estate, offering a private and unforgettable experience.
With nearly six acres, the grounds unfold across three distinct garden spaces, each with its own charm and seasonal character. A graceful avenue leads you through the gardens, guiding your gaze and footsteps toward the striking early 20th century Glasshouse at its apex. Fan-shaped and architecturally elegant, the Glasshouse sits on its original footprint and blends historical charm with contemporary design. Popular for events, wedding or private celebration, this unique space creates special memories.


The Geometric Garden
The Geometric Garden is a one of a kind space, thoughtfully designed by Peter Beckett in 1993. The largest of the three spaces, this beautiful garden is made up of a series of uniquely shaped garden rooms, each with its own atmosphere, planting scheme, and sense of quiet seclusion.
Every pathway in the Geometric Garden reveals something new. Whether it’s a quiet bench beneath trailing greenery or a burst of colour in a secluded corner that creates an immersive experience that’s both visually striking and incredibly photogenic. With its thoughtful blend of structure, symmetry, and natural beauty, this unique space offers an elegant backdrop for reflection and celebration, inviting visitors to wander and pause.
The Pavilion Garden
The middle-walled garden is home to The Pavilion, the dedicated reception space for onsite weddings and events. Surrounded by open lawns and neatly edged with topiary, the Pavilion Garden is ideal for entertaining.
It’s a space where guests can relax in the sunshine, sip cocktails, and enjoy lawn games, creating a joyful, laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements any celebration.
The Fruit Maze
In 1992, Combermere Abbey worked with renowned maze designer Randoll Coate to create something unique – the world’s only fruit tree maze. Designed around the Glasshouse, it’s a stunning design encompassing symbols of the minotaur and fruit. Here couples exchange vows and friends gather to celebrate, or guests enjoy drinks and canapes. The fruit from the maze is pressed into juice locally and included in our breakfast hampers, adding a unique touch to your stay.
After five years, we’re delighted to be opening the gates once again and inviting the public in to experience the beauty of Combermere Abbey’s gardens. On Tuesday 13th May and Tuesday 17th June 2025, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore ten acres of restored gardens and woodland, from the 19th-century Pleasure Gardens and historic Walled Gardens to the tranquil edge of the mere. Homemade scones and freshly brewed coffee will be available in the Pavilion, and our knowledgeable gardening team will be on hand to answer questions throughout the day.
Pre-booking is essential, and with limited availability, we expect these special open days to sell out quickly – book now via the link below
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