Farewell to Cossington Park – Four Centuries of Happy Memories
After more than 400 years as a cherished family estate and 28 years of welcoming guests, Cossington Park will close its doors on 5th April. This beautiful home has been a place of laughter, celebration and togetherness – creating memories that will remain long after its gates close.
While regular bookings will end in April, there may still be opportunities in the future for previous guests to stay in Cossington Park Cottage, our award-winning 3-bedroom home adapted for those with special needs.
As we reflect on the estate’s rich history, we want to share just a few of the wonderful stories and moments that have made Cossington Park more than just a place – but a home with over four centuries of happy memories.
A Legacy of Community and Local Support
Throughout our history, Cossington Park has always been at the heart of the local community in Cossington.
Our wonderful staff have come from Cossington and neighbouring villages. We’ve also hosted numerous charity events, raising funds for vital local causes and have been privileged to host life celebrations for some of our nearest neighbours.
Eid at Cossington Park
In 2021, Saba Rafiq and her family celebrated Eid al-Adha during their stay at Cossington Park. Wanting to make the festival even more special, Saba asked if we could arrange a freshly baked cake. Our wonderful team member Jess not only created one of her signature Victoria sponges with fresh Cossington Park strawberries, she also enlisted a friend to bake a spectacular Red Velvet Cake.
Saba was deeply touched by their kindness:
“The cakes were absolutely delicious, especially the Victoria sponge which proved so popular I struggled to save a couple of slices for my son who was arriving later. Jess and her friend truly went the extra mile – it really showed us what a loving and caring family the Cossington Park community is.”
In a beautiful gesture of gratitude, Saba made a generous donation to the Bridgwater Food Bank, a charity suggested by Jess.
A Day of Adventure for Kendleshire Kids Foundation
We were privileged to host a group of young people from troubled backgrounds through the Kendleshire Kids Foundation, led by Dawn Ward, whose husband Gary had previously organised a stay at Cossington Park for the Gloucestershire Golf Union during a major county tournament. The Kendleshire children enjoyed a day filled with outdoor activities, creativity, and exploration.
Highlights included:
·Strawberry picking in the newly renovated walled garden.
·A competitive football match in the meadow.
·Artistic and life-skill activities led by the Cossington Park team.
Here’s what Dawn said about their stay.
“Ten young people from the Foundation enjoyed a wonderful day. We were welcomed by the fantastic members of the Cossington Park team who had organised a range of activities, developing artistic and life skills whilst experiencing the great outdoor space that this lovely country estate has to offer.
“Our young people also explored the newly renovated walled garden, with it’s extensive range of home grown produce. They were clearly impressed with seeing the fruit and vegetables growing, rather than sitting on supermarket shelves.
“Picking strawberries appeared to be the highlight of the garden experience, followed by eating a wonderful pudding made from the strawberries. Delicious!
An 80th Birthday Surprise to Remember
In 2018, Clare orchestrated an unforgettable surprise birthday celebration for her 80-year-old mother. With family spread across Ireland, Germany and the UK, bringing everyone together in secret was no small feat.
Clare recalls:
“We arranged for my mum to visit me in Somerset, telling her we would have a simple family meal. Little did she know that over 20 of her siblings, children and grandchildren were flying in and traveling by train to surprise her at Cossington Park.”
As they arrived, the family gathered in the garden for a cream tea in the spring sunshine, waiting for the guest of honour. When Clare brought her mother into the garden, she initially recoiled, thinking she was intruding on other guests’ holiday. But as she recognised her sister from Ireland, the surprise dawned on her – leaving her speechless with joy.
The family spent the weekend exploring Glastonbury, Wells and making full use of the estate’s communal spaces, gardens and games areas.
Clare later shared:
“Cossington Park was the perfect place for a large family reunion. From the spacious kitchen to the beautiful grounds, it gave us everything we needed to celebrate and reconnect.”
Patter of Tiny Feet: Montessori Children’s Visits
Cossington Park welcomed the Cherrytrees Montessori Nursery for a special outdoor adventure. The children, along with their parents and guardians, enjoyed a treasure hunt through the estate’s gardens, picnic sites and wooded areas.
Montessori Manager, Margaret Dobbs, expressed her gratitude:
“The children loved exploring the beautiful trees, running through the meadow and enjoying stories in the shade. The estate offers such a rich outdoor learning experience – from goal posts and nature trails to the walled garden where the children have now planted their own vegetables and flowers.”
Following this event, Cossington Park provided a permanent space for the children within the Walled Garden where, with a little adult help, they designed and built a shed, surrounding fence and vegetable and flower plot.
Erasmus+ Students Discover Somerset
In collaboration with Bridgwater & Taunton College, Cossington Park hosted international Erasmus+ students from the Netherlands, Spain and Finland.
During their stay, the students participated in a week-long problem-solving challenge while enjoying the estate’s communal living spaces. Cooking, dining and working together, they gained valuable life skills and built lasting friendships.
The week was a wonderful example of cross-cultural exchange and learning – all made richer by the unique setting of Cossington Park.
And Some Famous People Too!
As well as people with special needs, Cossington Park has welcomed the rich and famous, from Lord Carnarvon, who flew in by helicopter, to the Danish pop group Aqua, who stayed for 10 weeks and recorded their last CD, Aquarius, within Cossington Park House; the coming and going of their Ferraris was a popular local sight!
A Heartfelt Thank You and Farewell
As we prepare to close this chapter, we are deeply grateful for the memories, friendships and connections that Cossington Park has fostered.
From surprise family reunions and milestone celebrations to supporting young people and welcoming international students, the estate has been a place of love, kindness and community spirit.
Special thanks to all the local people that have worked over the years at Cossington Park, suppliers of apple juice and specialities in our welcome hampers, and builders and tradespeople of all kinds.
And very special thanks to each and every guest who has brought life and laughter to Cossington Park. It has been our greatest privilege to share this special home with you.
