Staying At The Historic Coombe Abbey Where A Royal Kidnap Plot Was Hat

Staying At The Historic Coombe Abbey Where A Royal Kidnap Plot Was Hatched

A reporter visits Coombe Abbey near Coventry, a 12th century monastery linked to the Gunpowder Plot that now operates as a luxury hotel set in 500 acres.

NationPulse Desk

Nov 1, 2026 · 8:00 PM 3 min read

Key takeaways

Coombe Abbey was built by Cistercian monks in 1150 as the biggest abbey in Warwickshire.

Conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot planned to kidnap nine-year-old Princess Elizabeth from the estate.

The hotel is set in 500 acres of parkland and offers rooms starting from £110 for a night with breakfast.

St Mary's Guildhall in Coventry reopened following a £6.2 million refurbishment.

A historic country estate located 100 miles from the Houses of Parliament nearly became part of the Gunpowder Plot while Guy Fawkes prepared an explosive attack against King James I.

Princess Elizabeth, the nine-year-old daughter of James, resided at Coombe Abbey close to Coventry, and conspirators led by Robert Catesby intended to abduct her for a puppet throne.

A secret note exposed the London plot, prompting the Warwickshire conspirators to drop the abduction upon learning of the collapse.

Bonfires and fireworks continue to mark the blocked conspiracy every November 5.

Coombe Abbey now operates as a luxury hotel reflecting its royal past.

Cistercian monks established the building in 1150, making it the largest abbey in Warwickshire before the crown acquired it during the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII.

Noble resident John Harington purchased the property and served as Elizabeth's guardian, providing her upbringing and education there.

Four centuries later, Kit Harington, an actor known for Game Of Thrones and a descendant of Catesby, portrayed his ancestor in a BBC One drama titled Gunpowder.

Visitors crossing the old moat today walk through original stone cloisters containing a surviving pulpit.

Guests may sit on an elaborate throne chair, view hanging wall decorations and marble sculptures, or look at the resting place of murdered monk Abbot Geoffrey, whose ghost allegedly walks the grounds.

The designated room for the night was named The Princess Elizabeth, featuring rich mulberry and gold tones alongside a wooden four-poster bed raised on a platform.

Heavy drapes matching the heraldic wall coverings boost the regal atmosphere, and a bathroom containing a roll-top tub and brass fixtures contributes to the theatrical style.

The property sits within 500 acres of grounds that will host a mile-long illuminated winter trail throughout December.

Children can visit the Hermit's Hollow play area, and visitors can participate in Go Ape activities.

The nearby city of Coventry features medieval architecture and stone streets.

World War Two bombing destroyed a 14th century cathedral, leaving ruins preserved next to a newer structure as a monument of reconciliation and peace.

Coventry Transport Museum displays numerous bicycles and transport machines that influenced global history, including ThrustSSC, holding the record as the fastest vehicle.

St Mary's Guildhall offers striking architecture while remaining less famous.

Craftsmen and merchants erected the hall during the 1340s, and the building reopened following a £6.2 million renovation project.

Kings and queens have visited the Great Hall, which features detailed glass windows and carved wooden ceiling details.

A rare nine-metre wall hanging from the early 1500s portrays Henry VI, who shifted his royal court to Coventry and temporarily turned it into the capital of England.