Autumn is here, and along with it, the potential for a second coronavirus lockdown. Not to be a negative Nancy or anything.

There are certainly some positives for the arrival of October and the looming winter months. For one, I actually really enjoy the changing of the seasons as it means digging out my winter wardrobe which basically means I can start wearing turtle necks again - huzzah! Secondly, despite the second lockdown gloom, autumn brings the chance to go outside in crisp sunny weather whilst the leaves fall and before the ice cold of winter sets in. Basically it’s the perfect time of year to get away, and what better place to go, than our very own mountains green. So pack up your picnic baskets, put the prosecco in the cooler and load up the car, because staycation season has arrived!

Where to go though?

Well, lucky for you, we’ve got the answer. Cheshire.

Or more specifically, the Combermere Abbey based in the heart of the British countryside between Cheshire and Shropshire. So Cheshire-agacent.

The Combermere Abbey is actually a pretty luxurious choice of staycation, boasting an estate of rolling hills and 10 self-catering country cottages (think Kate Winslet’s house in The Holiday), as well as two B&B suites at the North Wing.

Whether you’re looking to get away with a partner, or a group of mates (adhering to the rule of 6 whilst you’re at it), the cottages can sleep up to ten people, so you’ll have BAGS of room. Worth noting that if there are only six of you, the price gets reduced. If it’s a family getaway you’re after though, the cottages are an ideal location to bring the kids, possibly during the upcoming October half term and all cottages are dog friendly - so ALL the family can come along.

Or for those looking for somewhere special to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, perhaps the North Wing 12th century B&B rooms are more your style. History and luxury combined, what a combo. And just look at that bath…

I think the whole concept of Combermere Abbey, may be to relinquish your ties with the modern world, and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (even if that hustle and bustle is now just the sheer amount of Zoom calls you now have to take part in). It’s clearly a beautiful place for some peace and quiet, and dare I say some self-reflection. It helps then that you can also play tennis, go on a bike ride, try your hand at fishing, dare to dip in the water for a wild swim or rack up your steps with a woodland walk. And if the weather turns, there’s always a variety of board games in each of the cottages to keep the competitive spirit alive.

All in all, many things can be said as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, but a prevalence for more staycations and a further appreciation for the British countryside has definitely become more widespread. Maybe it’s the realisation that there are some pretty amazing places here, that have been right on our doorstep this whole time. I don’t know about you, but the prospect of immersing myself back in nature, the childish joy of kicking a gigantic pile of orange leaves for no other reason than fun, and curling up by a fire with a glass of smooth red wine has me rouging with desire. Combermere, here I come.