Cheshire is filled with hidden gems that are understated, covered up in beautiful far removed spots that most travelers may never discover, until now.
After a long and tedious lockdown, spring is fast approaching, and it’s almost time to enjoy a spring walk with a wild side in the ancient woods of Cheshire, and no place better to get a breath of fresh air than in an uncrowded local gem at Combermere Abby. With acres of rolling landscape, walled gardens, and ancient woodlands alongside terrific Gothic design, charming waters, and a stunning Edwardian Glasshouse, simply hanging tight for you to find them.
Bluebell Walk was postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic, however, it’s reopening to the overall population is one that is welcome as it is an ideal chance for guests to appreciate nature and reset in a bigger and better way than before.
Combermere Abbey, which is located in Whitchurch, previously opened to the public annually for a Bluebell Walk, Abbey tours and garden open days. Due to the pandemic in 2020, the estate was only open during certain periods for guests of the North Wing B&B and self-catering holiday cottages. This year, as restrictions ease, Combermere looks forward to welcoming back local visitors to enjoy the grounds as they begin to blossom and bloom.
In previous years, guests of the Combermere Abbey woodland walks have included the likes of Strictly and I’m A Celebrity star AJ Pritchard and his girlfriend, dancer Abbie Quinnen.
Combermere Abbey plans to open the estate to local residents across South Cheshire and North Shropshire – in line with Government guidance – to enjoy a stroll through the woodlands on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 14th April until the 23rd May, with to the possibility of extending it, should the demand be there. Dogs are welcome (at no charge) and appropriate footwear is required.
Sarah Callander Becket, owner of Combermere Abbey, said:
I am so excited to welcome local people from Cheshire and Shropshire back to Combermere Abbey this year… What a wonderful escape from the past 12 months to come and enjoy the blossoms and bluebells that are just magical this time of year. We are encouraging only local people to travel to Combermere in line with restrictions and Government guidance, but look forward to welcoming people from all over the UK when Abbey tours begin later this year.”
New for this year is online ticketing via the website, offering a limited number of tickets per walk to ensure lots of space and privacy. Tickets will be released 2 weeks prior to each event. Visitors can book either a morning or afternoon walk – The morning slots will allow for walks between 10 am and 12 pm and afternoon slots will follow between 2 pm and 4 pm. Only a limited amount of tickets will be available for each day so early booking is recommended
Park View Café on the Park View Business Park just 200 years from the estate entrance is offering visitors toilet facilities and refreshments either as take out or on their terrace before or after their walk.
The woodland walk tickets are currently available for purchase now (if the date is not available yet, please check back as tickets are to be released two weeks prior to each event), walk-ins are not permitted and you can purchase your tickets online now.
For updates on the woodland walks with bluebells, you can head to their website or simply follow their social media trail via twitter listed in the publication.