2027 – A new era
for Combermere’s Pavilion
Discover more Explore the history, discover the changes,
– step inside the new Pavilion.
For 900 years, Combermere Abbey has been carefully tended, cherished and carried forward. At the heart of its Walled Gardens, The Pavilion has been part of that story for years, bringing people together for celebrations, feasts and unforgettable moments.
Now, in early 2027, The Pavilion begins its next chapter.
A considered transformation will bring together sustainability, exceptional craft and a renewed focus on the guest experience, creating a space that feels true to its setting while ready for the future. A respectful evolution from old to new, designed to make extraordinary celebrations feel even more so.
A new Pavilion,
thoughtfully imagined
Closer to the gardens
A completely new Pavilion, created in the same much-loved setting, but now built at ground level to bring celebrations closer to the gardens and create a more natural connection with the landscape.
Comfort in every season
Modern materials, enhanced insulation and thoughtful design come together to create a Pavilion that feels warm, welcoming and comfortable, whatever the season.
“With a stronger connection to the gardens, considered interiors, sustainable materials and thoughtful details throughout, every element has been designed to enhance the experience while respecting the character and heritage of the estate.”
– Vicki, Interior Designer
Seamless service, behind the scenes
A state-of-the-art finishing kitchen has been designed to bring a new level of precision and efficiency to service, helping the team deliver exceptional food and seamless experiences from first course to last.
Interiors with a sense of place
A fresh new interior style, thoughtfully designed to complement the character, heritage and natural beauty of the Combermere estate.
A new space to gather outdoors
A beautiful new terrace and generous paved area will extend the Pavilion into the gardens, creating an effortless setting for drinks, dining and those all-important moments between.
The heart of your wedding day
The Pavilion is where your wedding day truly comes to life. Located within Combermere’s historic Walled Gardens, it brings the beauty of the surrounding landscape indoors. From dinner to dancing, The Pavilion sets the stage for celebration, and the setting itself has quite a story to tell.
The ground beneath The Pavilion has been cultivated, cherished and transformed over three centuries. The Walled Gardens date back to the 18th century, originally tended by a large team who grew flowers, fruit and vegetables for the main house, and later turned over to grow produce during wartime scarcity.
When Sarah Callander-Beckett returned to the estate in 1992, the revival began. The maze was planted in 1994, the gardens were carefully brought back to life, and the Pavilion found its home at the heart of it all.
“Heritage should be lived, felt, and carried forward”
Stewardship in action
The new Pavilion is not a cosmetic refresh; it’s a considered act of stewardship. New sustainable climate control, a state-of-the-art kitchen and thoughtfully designed interiors, all crafted to honour the character of the estate. The Pavilion itself is placed sympathetically at ground level, transient by design, sitting lightly on the land it calls home. In time, it could be lifted away without leaving a trace. The result will be a space that feels timeless and elevated, while remaining entirely and unmistakably Combermere.
A vision taking shape
We’re delighted to share the first interior mood boards for our new Pavilion, offering an early glimpse into the vision behind the space. While these aren’t the final designs, they capture the look, feel and atmosphere we’re creating.
Inspired by the woodlands, gardens, lake and historic surroundings of Combermere Abbey, the Pavilion will feature a soft, natural palette, elegant finishes and light-filled interiors. The result will be a welcoming space that feels beautifully connected to the gardens, allowing the stunning views to become part of every celebration.
Lounge – Mood board
Dining – Mood board
Bar & Dancefloor – Mood board
Bathrooms – Mood board
The project timeline
The next chapter in a 900-year story
Phase 1 – Preparation
May – November 2026
This phase is all about planning and preparation. We’re busy behind the scenes getting everything in place before the build starts in November. Weddings, events, and visits are taking place as normal.
Phase 2 – The build
November 2026 – March 2027
The main build runs from 1st November 2026 to March 2027. We’ll share updates throughout the process on our socials. Show rounds continue throughout, and we warmly welcome visits – there is nothing quite like seeing it take shape in person.
Phase 3
Spring 2027
900 years in the making. Brand new today. The new Pavilion opens, the terrace comes together, and every detail is in place. The wait is over.
Phase 1 – Preparation
May – November 2026
This phase is all about planning and preparation. We’re busy behind the scenes getting everything in place before the build starts in November. Weddings, events, and visits are taking place as normal.
Phase 2 – The build
November 2026 – March 2027
The main build runs from 1st November 2026 to March 2027. We’ll share updates throughout the process on our socials. Show rounds continue throughout, and we warmly welcome visits – there is nothing quite like seeing it take shape in person.
Phase 3
Spring 2027
900 years in the making. Brand new today. The new Pavilion opens, the terrace comes together, and every detail is in place. The wait is over.
Here is everything you need to know
It’s completely natural to want to know more about the changes happening at Combermere Abbey and the exciting plans for the new Pavilion. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you through what’s changing and what to expect. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch — our team will be happy to help.
Already have a forthcoming celebration with us?
Your wedding day is completely unaffected by the development works. The build takes place within a defined window (1st November 2026 – 31st March 2027), and everything outside of it continues exactly as planned.
We are committed to keeping all booked couples informed as the project progresses, so keep your eyes on your email for regular updates. Once the Pavilion is complete, we will invite you back to visit, to be one of the first see the changes for yourself. We look forward to sharing the transforamtion with you and our team are always here to help with you if you have any questions we can answer for you.
Why you should book
the new Pavilion
Be among the first
Be one of the first couples to celebrate in the new Pavilion and experience a brand-new chapter in Combermere Abbey’s story. Combining a spectacular new space with the timeless beauty and history of the estate, your wedding will be part of something truly special.
More flexible way to pay
We’ve introduced a new payment schedule for new Pavilion weddings, giving you greater flexibility when it comes to planning and paying for your wedding.
Secure your chosen 2027 date now with an initial deposit, with nothing further to pay until next year.
Save on the venue hire
To celebrate the launch of the new Pavilion, you can save £1,000 on venue hire when you book any remaining 2027 wedding date, leaving you with more room in your budget for the details that matter most to you.
Questions frequently asked
When will the development work be taking place?
1st November 2026 to 31st March 2027.
Where will the new Pavilion be located?
It will be in the same location as the current Pavilion, in the Walled Gardens. The interior footprint will remain the same.
Can we still come and visit Combermere whilst the building work is taking place?
Yes! We will be holding regular show rounds, allowing you to experience the venue in-person and see the work we’re undertaking. You can also stay the night in our on-site holiday cottages, giving you the opportunity to explore the estate at a relaxed pace.
Will we still be able to book our wedding date?
Yes! You can book your wedding for any time after March 2027.
Are there issues with the current Pavilion? Why are you making changes if couples already love the Pavilion?
The decision to update the Pavilion is part of a long-term investment in the future of weddings at Combermere Abbey. The new Pavilion will be a thoughtful evolution of the existing space, designed to improve sustainability and ensure we can continue delivering weddings to the highest standard for years to come.
How will the new Pavilion differ from the current Pavilion?
The new Pavilion will be a thoughtful evolution of the existing space, designed with sustainability, guest comfort and the future of weddings at Combermere Abbey in mind.
It will be a completely new structure, in the same much-loved setting, and will be created at ground level to improve the overall flow and connection with the surrounding gardens. The outside paving and terrace area will also be updated but carefully designed to remain in keeping with the character and setting of the venue.
While the overall atmosphere of the Pavilion will feel familiar, the new design will enhance the guest experience in several ways. It will be built using modern materials to make the space better insulated, cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, with more efficient heating and a more sustainable approach.
The new Pavilion will also feature a more refined interior and improved kitchen facilities to support smoother service.
The aim is to retain everything couples love about the Pavilion, while elevating the experience even further for future weddings and events.
Will the Pavilion still feel like Combermere Abbey?
Absolutely. The new Pavilion is being designed to retain the atmosphere, charm, and character couples associate with Combermere Abbey, while enhancing comfort, sustainability, and the overall guest experience.
Will the outside appearance of the Pavilion change significantly?
The Pavilion will remain in the same location and continue to sit naturally within the gardens and estate. The new Pavilion will be at ground level, helping to create a smoother connection between the indoor space and the surrounding gardens. The outside paving and terrace area will also be updated, creating a new space for guests to gather and enjoy the setting.
Any changes to the exterior, including the new terrace area, are being designed carefully to complement the existing surroundings and remain in keeping with the character of Combermere Abbey.
Will the layout/functionality change?
The layout of the Pavilion isn’t changing; it will still be where you hold your Wedding Breakfast and evening.
Will the ceremony space or flow of the day change?
No. The Pavilion will continue to function in the same way for wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations, and the overall flow of the day will remain familiar.
Will I be able to invite more guests?
The maximum number of guests will remain at 150 for the daytime and 190 for the evening.
Will weddings still be exclusive-use?
Yes. Weddings at Combermere Abbey will continue to be exclusive-use, just as they are now.
Will the Pavilion still work well in winter and summer?
Yes. One of the aims of the redevelopment is to improve comfort and sustainability all year round, while maintaining the light, garden-connected atmosphere couples love.
The new Pavilion will be built using modern materials to make the space better insulated, helping it feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It will also benefit from more efficient heating, supporting both guest comfort and a more sustainable approach for the future.
Will I be able to look at the changes before my wedding?
Absolutely. We would be delighted to arrange a visit for you to see the progress of the new Pavilion during the build, or once the new spaces are completed.
We want you to feel excited and confident about the changes, and we’ll be happy to show you how the new Pavilion is evolving ahead of your wedding day.
What will the interior look like?
We are still finalising the exact look and feel of the Pavilion, but we will update all of our couples and provide more information as soon as we can. The dining furniture will remain. Please keep an eye on our social channels and website.
Are you keeping the furniture the same inside?
We are still finalising the exact look and feel of the new Pavilion, but the dining furniture will remain, helping to retain a familiar feel within the space. In the meantime, please keep an eye on our website and social channels, where we’ll be sharing updates as the project progresses
What sustainability improvements are being made?
The new Pavilion is being designed with sustainability, comfort and longevity in mind, helping to reduce environmental impact while ensuring the venue can continue hosting exceptional weddings long into the future.
It will be built as a new structure using modern materials, with improved insulation to help keep the space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The design will also support more efficient heating, making the Pavilion more comfortable for guests throughout the year while taking a more sustainable approach overall.
Will the new Pavilion have wheelchair access?
Yes. The Pavilion will remain fully accessible.
Can we still book weddings during the redevelopment period?
Yes. Our team will continue conducting show rounds and taking bookings throughout the redevelopment period.
Can we come and see the venue whilst the building work is taking place?
Yes. We will be holding regular show rounds so you can see the work we are undertaking and find out more from our team on-site
