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.

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.

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?

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.