Combermere Abbey Tours

Combermere Abbey, the medieval and Gothic country home steeped in a thousand years of history on the Cheshire and Shropshire border, have launched their 2018 tours.

Combermere Abbey was built as a Cistercian monastery in 1133, before Sir George Cotton was gifted the estate following Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 and a Tudor manor house was added to the original building. Throughout the years, the house was remodelled in the Gothic and Jacobean style, making the Abbey a jewel of historic interest and living timeline of English style.

Combermere Abbey experienced both times of prosperity and hardship, until current owner Sarah Callander Beckett rescued the estate upon inheritance in 1992, a project which restored all the listed buildings on the estate as well as the main house.

Before guests even step foot in the house, they will take in the acres of rolling countryside and mere as they enter the Combermere gates and make their way to the Abbey. Led by the knowledgeable Myra, guests will enter another world, experience and learn the Abbey's secrets, and about parts otherwise closed to the public. Individual tours will see the famous Gothic exterior of the house, the Porter's Hall, the grand Hallway and, the most important room in the house, the Library – a breath-taking wood panelled room, brimming with centuries of British history with original paintings and family crests revealing the house's varied and rich stories from throughout years. Combermere is also home of the internationally famous ghost photograph taken by Sybille Corbet!

Group tours will experience the same tour, but will also be treated to refreshments in the Dining Hall and the renovated North Wing (subject to availability) with its mystical power stone – an ancient marker which is believed to have created a strong spiritual force – and beautiful Tudor Study boasting original beams.

Individual tours will run until 5th July on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday, lasting up to an hour costing £7 for adults and £4 for under 16s -- and must be pre-booked through the Estate Office. Group tours require a minimum of 20 guests and maximum of 30; lasting almost 3 hours are available on weekdays, year-round, by prior arrangement and cost £12 per person (including light refreshments).

For further information or to book your tour, please call the Estate Office on 01948 662880 or email estate@combermereabbey.co.uk.

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