An English castle hotel for fun-seekers, Coombe Abbey in the English countryside
Just outside of Coventry and not far from Birmingham is Coombe Abbey, a historic hotel whose structures are a beautiful compilation of historic remnants spanning centuries. Similarly, outside the hotel there are activities to please all types of travellers from those who prefer to feed the swans to those who’d rather plunge off ledges and glide through treetops. I spent two nights at Coombe Abbey along with my husband/partner in adventure to explore both the quiet and the exhilarating features of this unique country getaway.
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A dramatic entrance
I passed through sunlight and laughter spilling in from the park to a darkened medieval scene strewn with fairy lights to check-in at the lobby desk. The effect was nearly cinematic. After a helpful overview and welcome, I left again through the stone arches (the remaining pieces of the original abbey) keys in hand, very excited to explore more.
Lady Craven’s bedchamber
As a lover of traditional details, especially carved wood and four-poster beds, our room’s features delighted me. This was where Lady Craven slept, of the Craven family who owned Coombe Abbey as a private home for 301 years. Its two-level bathroom and palatial raised bed stood out immediately to me, but my favourite room highlight was the position of the chamber centred over the entry. It’s ideal for gazing over the formal gardens and river; something I’ve no doubt Lady Craven did often.
At night I studied the canopy pleats and made up stories about the smiling geishas serenading us from the bed posts with miniature shamisen. A room such as this is meant to spark late-night creativity. But in the morning, my focus turned to something else altogether — it was time for fun.
Nature and thrills
On our first morning at Coombe Abbey, I couldn’t get to the forest fast enough. Sprawling Coombe Abbey Park has several nature trails that wander deep enough that it’s easy to feel one has escaped to-do lists and deadlines, but not so far that it’s not also easy to grab a quick bite when peckish. The park café had just closed as we emerged from the woods after getting lost on purpose, but the Abbey Artisan Market had plenty of snacks. I also noticed an American-style sundae shop on the way out the door of the visitor centre, which was a nice surprise. It’s on my list for next time!
Thrill-seeking at Coombe Abbey
My deep love of roller coasters and ropes courses are all the proof I need that I’d rather write about the glorious past than live in it. The Go Ape course steps from the hotel was the highlight of my Saturday. The air was crisp, but not cold — ideal for racing over precarious boards swinging high in the air while mums towing dogs and pushing prams smiled up at us, clearly thinking we’d gone absolutely mad. Little did they know the fun we were having, especially when stepping off platforms onto nothing at all to zip to the ground in the most exhilarating way possible (without wings).
Garden eating
The service throughout our stay at Coombe Abbey was wonderful, and the wait staff at the Garden Room was exemplary. Our server took care to remember our names and preferences the first night, which made the second night an even greater delight. As did watching the rabbits in the garden dash around for no apparent reason while we enjoyed our dinner, especially the seasonal soup. The freshly baked loaf of bread, though, was so wonderful I made it my main course. In fact, I’d drive to Coventry for no other reason than to have it again.
Where one adventure ends, another begins
Coombe Abbey’s history (did I mention Guy Fawkes and his infamous group planned to kidnap Princess Elizabeth from Coombe Abbey as part of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605?), beautiful grounds, and fantastic variety of things to do make it an excellent hotel choice at any time of year. I recommend it for your next countryside stay in England. Rooms can be booked online on Coombe Abbey’s website.
Thank you to…
Catherine Vonledebur for her kind professionalism and area expertise when arranging my visit to Coombe Abbey.
