Business
Calke Abbey
Poised somewhere between gentle neglect and downright dereliction, Calke Abbey is unlike other great country estates.
About
Poised somewhere between gentle neglect and downright dereliction, Calke Abbey is unlike other great country estates. Entering along the historic driveway offers views of the historic parkland, home to ancient oaks, secluded ponds and miles of woodland walks. The National Nature Reserve awaits discovery, while Calke Explore provides the perfect base to begin exploring the wider estate, with a natural play area, refreshment kiosk, cycle hire and access to walking and cycling routes.
Peeling paintwork and abandoned rooms tell the story of a country house in decline, while a vast collection reveals the varied interests of a loving family who never threw anything away. The walled gardens offer moments of reflection, including a domed Orangery and faded Glasshouses, and beds bursting with seasonal produce and colour echo the history of Calke’s working garden.
Highlights throughout the year include the underground tunnels, a rare surviving auricula theatre in the Flower Garden, and an array of wildlife roaming the parkland – from a herd of red and fallow deer to a rare-breed Portland sheep flock. A great place to walk your dog, Calke has plenty of waymarked walks suitable all year-round. The circular Tramway Trail is a multi-use accessible route for walkers and cyclists, taking you on a scenic journey through the wider parkland.
With plenty of refreshment outlets, a gift shop and second-hand bookshop, there’s lots of places to refresh, refuel and relax. For full opening times and prices, visit the Calke Abbey website.
Our Facilities
- Changing Places
- Mobility Scooter Hire
- Wheelchairs available
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Children welcome
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
- Venue approved for civil marriage
- Wedding receptions
- Free Parking
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Onsite Catering
- Public toilets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
How To Find Us
Follow Us
Interested in...
Events
Outdoor Cinema Spooktacular at Calke Abbey
Wrap up warm and enjoy a Halloween movie in the beautiful surroundings of Calke Abbey.
Events
Guided Tours of Staunton Harold Church
Every Sunday morning at 10.30am, join your volunteer guide to explore inside Staunton Harold Church. Hear stories of the Shirley family and see the…
Events
Park Guided Walks at Calke Abbey
Explore Calke's ancient parkland with your very own park guide.
Events
Garden Tours at Calke Abbey
Join a garden guide to discover the hidden history of the walled gardens.. Tours available every Tues, Wed & Thurs until the 31st October, no need to…
Nearby businesses
Staunton Harold
A pleasant, relaxing site next to the Calke Estate (National Trust) forming the South Derbyshire/Leicestershire border and within The National Forest.
Open today: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Business
The Bay Tree
Stylish, long-running restaurant for champagne breakfasts, cocktails and European/Asian fusion food.
Open today: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Business
Melbourne Hall Tearooms
A traditional Tea Room offering breakfast, light lunches and afternoon teas in the grounds of Melbourne Hall
Open today: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Foremark
A beautiful sight in South Derbyshire and The National Forest with areas of woodland, grassland, heath and wetland, for you to explore along…
Open today: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sign up to our newsletter
Receive the latest news, special offers, ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox by signing up to the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire e-newsletter.
