Combermere Abbey is hidden away on a 1,000 acre estate on the Shropshire / Cheshire border between Whitchurch and Nantwich, not far from the historic city of Chester and the Welsh Border.

Originally founded as a Cistercian Monastery around 1133 by Hugh de Malbanc, Lord of Nantwich, it was once home to at least 22 monks. During the 16th centuary, the monastery was abandoned and the land was later presented to Sir George Cotton as a reward for his service to Henry VIII. The Cottons owned the property up until 1919 and successive generations added new features and buildings to the estate. Most notable of the Cottons was Sir Stapleton Cotton, a brilliant general, who fought under Wellington at the Battle of Salamanca. He was created a peer for his services, becoming Viscount Combermere, and was also Governor General of Barbados and Commander-in-Chief of Ireland and India.

In 1814, he commissioned the remodelling of the house in the Gothic style so popular at that time. To commemorate the Duke of Wellington's visit in 1820, he built a ballroom for the event and planted an oak tree which is still in the park.

In 1919, Sir Kenneth Crossley, Bt., founder of the Crossley Car and an MP, bought the estate, which was then five thousand acres. In 1992, his great-granddaughter, Sarah Callander Beckett inherited the estate and lives in the Abbey with her husband, Peter.

There is a five acre walled garden just behind the cottages containing a unique fruit tree maze, croquet lawn and all weather tennis court. On the estate itself you can walk, cycle, fish, play tennis and croquet or simple soak up the unrivalled tranquility and beauty of the natural landscape. There are cycles and tennis racquets to borrow and a charming, old (but lovingly painted pink) Wendy house called Briary Cottage and children's playground equipment on the edge of the woods. There are individual barbeques for outdoor eating as well as a very large communal barbeque near the woods.

Erddig Hall, near Wrexham, recently won second place in a contest to find the UK 's favourite stately home. Built in the 1680s, it was further developed in the early 18th Century to become an outstanding country house. It is now owned by the National Trust and has recently undergone major renovation and restoration. There is an unusual and fascinating collection of portraits, photographs and verses recording the lives of those who lived on the estate, including the much-loved servants. There are also state rooms displaying 18th and 19th Century furniture and furnishings, including some exquisite Chinese wallpaper.

Erddig's walled garden is one of the most important surviving 18th Century gardens in Britain . It has rare fruit trees, a canal, a pond and a National Ivy Collection. There is an extensive park with woodland walks. Open from March to November.

Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK , spanning some 80 acres situated above the River Conwy overlooking the Snowdonia range. Divided into two areas, terraced gardens and informal lawns are shaded by trees and a wild garden is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn.

The Dorothy Clive Garden at Willoughbridge is intimate and informal. Set on an inclined site of around seven acres, it embraces a variety of landscape features, including a superb woodland garden, an alpine scree, a damp garden and spectacular summer flower borders. Open from March to October.

The Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom . Over 70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars on an active airfield. The collection spans nearly 80 years of aviation history.

One of Shropshire's top attractions, the Ironbridge Gorge is known as the Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and has been designated a World Heritage site. Ten unique, individual museums chart the development of industry during the 18th Century with working models, live demonstrations and artifacts from the time. Most famous is the original 'Iron Bridge', built by Abraham Darby in 1779, which spans the gorge. Open most of the year from 10am to 5pm.

Nearby towns such as Chester (see page on Cholmondeley Castle) and Shrewsbury are rich in antique shops and art galleries and the whole area boasts a myriad of excellent pubs and restaurants of great character.