Combermere Abbey
A former Cistercian monastery situated on the shores of a large mere in Cheshire and set in 1,000 acres.
Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 4AJ
Facilities
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Free parking
Please note: the most important room in the house is on the first floor and it is not possible to accommodate visitors with severe mobility problems or wheelchairs.
Please ensure that suitable footwear is worn as the tour includes outside areas. This includes a period of walking across the lawns which may be uneven in areas.
Combermere Abbey was originally a Cistercian monastery dating from 1133. It became a Tudor manor and was then re-modelled in 1820 in the Gothic style for Viscount Combermere, one of Wellington’s favourite generals. It was bought in 1919 by Sir Kenneth Crossley, the Manchester car manufacturer, and is now owned by his great granddaughter and her family.
Go on a tour of the main house, including the grand first floor hall of the Abbot’s house (now known as The Library). Subject to availability, the restored North Wing interior rooms will also be included. A walk around the exterior façade of the Abbey will also include the service buildings including Game Larder and Clock Tower, with views of the William Emes parkland.
Invitation to View owner-led tours
Join Sarah Callander Beckett for a tour of her family home and learn about the long restoration project, between 1992 and 2016, which has uncovered fascinating aspects of the earlier Tudor manor house.
Tours that are scheduled will be listed below. If none are scheduled yet, please check back later, or find other tours you might enjoy on our tours listing page here.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Combermere Abbey offers a variety of tours, events, and experiences throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of the available options:
Public Abbey Tours
Public Abbey Tours are available from Thursday, 26th March 2026 to Tuesday, 30th June 2026, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the afternoon. Tours are limited to 20 people and must be booked online. Admission prices are £12.50 for adults, £6.00 for children aged 10-16, and free for children under 10. Historic Houses members receive free entry.
Group Tours
Group Tours are available year-round for groups of 12 to 20 people. These tours last approximately 3 hours and include refreshments in the Dining Room. Admission is £20.00 per person. Tours must be booked in advance.
Invitation to View Tours
These special tours, in partnership with Historic Houses, include a guided tour by the owner, Sarah Callander Beckett, followed by refreshments. The next available date is Thursday, 11th December 2025, at 4:30 PM. Admission is £25.00 per person.
Garden Open Days
The Walled Gardens at Combermere Abbey will reopen for Garden Open Days in 2026. Specific dates will be announced in the new year.
Seasonal Chef’s Table Events
- Winter Chef’s Table: Friday, 27th February 2026
- Spring Chef’s Table: Thursday, 14th May 2026
- Summer Chef’s Table: Sunday, 12th July 2026
- Autumn Chef’s Table: Sunday, 14th November 2026
Each event offers a themed fine dining experience.
Winter Breaks
From late November to 21st December, Combermere Abbey offers winter stays in their self-catering cottages and North Wing B&B suites. Guests can enjoy nearby festive attractions, including Christmas markets, light trails, and more.
For more information or to book any of these experiences, please contact Combermere Abbey directly.
Open days: £12.50 per adult, £6 per child (aged 10-16), tour lasts approx 1.5 hours. Pre-booking is essential here or through the Estate Office – 01948 871662 (Ext 1).
Free entry to our Public Abbey Tours for Historic House Members – pre-booking essential
Group tours: £20 per person including refreshments, tour lasts 2.5-3 hours. To book a group visit, or for more information, please ring Pat Jacobs on 01284 827087 or email [email protected].
Invitation to View tours led by the owner: £25 per person including refreshments, tour lasts 2.5-3 hours. Click here for more information about Invitation to View tours of Combermere Abbey.
Group tours take place all year round and must be arranged in advance.
- Group tours cost £20 per person and last approx. 2.5 hours, including refreshments
- The minimum number is 12 people, maximum 20 people
- Group visits are not available on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays
To book a group tour, or for more information, please ring Pat Jacobs on 01284 827087 or email [email protected].
Please note: the most important room in the house is on the first floor and it is not possible to accommodate visitors with severe mobility problems or wheelchairs.
Please ensure that suitable footwear is worn as the tour includes outside areas. This includes a period of walking across the lawns which may be uneven in areas.
Getting here
Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 4AJ
Combermere Abbey sits on the Cheshire/Shropshire border between Nantwich & Whitchurch. Due to the rural location, travel by car is highly recommended.
Sat Nav Friendly Postcode: SY13 4AN, which takes you to barn conversions opposite the estate’s main entrance.
Upon entering the estate, please follow the driveway for approximately 1 mile, then bear left. You will see the front of the Abbey straight ahead; continue straight on and park outside the front of the abbey.
What3Words Abbey Entrance: ///standards.rails.paused
An award-winning estate with seven listed buildings now all restored after a 25-year programme, it has diversified into tourism with 10 self-catering cottages and a luxury B & B in the North Wing of the Abbey; corporate event management and weddings; a location for film, TV and advertising; business park and an organic farm.
Well recognised as a centre of excellence in South Cheshire, it has won many awards including the Historic Houses/Sotheby’s Award in 2016 for the restoration of the Abbey.
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