I’ve never thought about visiting Coventry, it’s just never been on my radar, so when I was invited to visit Coombe Abbey Hotel, a 12th-century historic hotel surrounded by 500 acres of Warwickshire countryside, my interest was piqued.
Originally founded as a monastery in the 12th century, the hotel is part of a magnificent estate with something to discover around every corner.
As I trundle across the car park with my pull-along toward the hotel reception, the sun creeps around the clouds and captures the light perfectly in the dancing waterfall that greets guests to this anything-but-ordinary hotel.
My friend and I are on a girl’s weekend in early May and we have lucked out with the weather by the time we are checked in to our, quite frankly, glorious ‘bed chamber’. Each room within Coombe Abbey is a unique treasure chest of history and I think we bagged the jewel in the crown, The Lady Craven Suite. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views to die for across manicured gardens, I was in awe of the palatial accommodation that was to be our home for the next 24 hours! Unbelievably opulent, with a magnificent four-poster bed ensconced in sumptuous drapery stealing central stage, the suite boasts a split-level bathroom where one could in fact enjoy a bubble bath with a glass of fizz whilst keeping an eye on the gardening staff…
This is without a doubt the most regal of any suite I have ever stayed in and I am left with my imagination running wild as to who may have spent a night in this room in years gone by – after all, the hotel has housed royals, been part of the Gunpowder Plot and was even surrendered to King Henry VIII as part of the dissolution of the monasteries – staying at Coombe Abbey is akin to living within a page of a historical novel. The hotel has meticulously preserved its historical essence while incorporating contemporary luxuries, ensuring each guest experiences both the allure of yesteryear and the comforts of today.
Ahead of dinner plans later on we decided on drinks in the garden to take advantage of the unseasonably good weather, followed by a wander around the spectacular grounds. The formal gardens here were originally landscaped by Capability Brown, the famous English gardener and landscape architect. With something to see around every turn, the manicured lawns and flower beds give way to surrounding woodland bursting with life. For the adventurous among you, there is actually a Go Ape park nestled within the tree tops, I’m sure this would get the adrenaline pumping but alas, my friend and I are not that way inclined on this occasion so we head on back to take a punt on the waterways.
Yes, you read that right. If you don’t fancy zip-lining through the forest, you can opt for a more sedate activity, punting along the waterway from a secret grotto beneath the hotel.
This was my favourite part of our stay, the gods were smiling on us with the weather as we were taken on a magical tour of the grounds via the water, around mermaid statues and underneath weeping willows all whilst sipping on crisp Champagne, simply delightful – if you are a fan of Bridgerton, then you will love this. Punting is offered (weather permitting) separately from your stay at the hotel (for a reasonable fee) and is bookable via abbeypunts.com. There are plenty of options, you can even arrange a romantic proposal onboard, but since we are already happily married ladies, we opted for a simple (full bottle) of Champagne and a sing-song in the grotto with our rather talented host. An unmissable experience, and one neither of us will forget.
Dinner at the hotel is a lavish affair with a beautiful conservatory-style restaurant offering elegant surroundings in which to enjoy the sumptuous dining offering. Fresh, seasonal and local ingredients are whipped up into well-thought-out dishes with contemporary flair. The kitchen team know their onions and we were delighted with our succulent lamb dish and tender sirloin steak with all the trimmings. There are plenty of options and dining is not to be missed, but by the time mains were over we were ready to retire. The sunshine, Champagne and excitement of the day had caught up with us and we were ready to sleep like royalty in our bedroom fit for a King.
I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed our stay at Coombe Abbey Hotel, at every turn there is something wonderful to see and so many pleasant things to do. The hotel offers themed banquets reminiscent of medieval feasts where guests can partake in courses served as they might have been hundreds of years ago—complete with traditional entertainment and period costumes—to fully transport diners back in time.
Of course, this hotel also offers wedding packages and I cannot imagine a more wonderful backdrop if you are currently pondering forthcoming nuptials, but if you just fancy a break, somewhere out of the ordinary, somewhere that will delight the senses and spark your imagination, Coombe Abbey Hotel offers a sanctuary where one can not only unwind but also connect with England’s vibrant past.
My advice? Pick up the phone and book your stay at this ‘anything-but-ordinary hotel, you will have an unforgettable stay.
Tell them I sent you.
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith
Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB.
Tel.: +44 (0) 2476 450 450.
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