United Kingdom England South DerbyshireNational Trust - Calke Abbey

National Trust - Calke Abbey

Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF, United Kingdom

4.6(4K)$$$$

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Cultural

Outdoor

Family friendly

Pet friendly

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Phone

+44 1332 863822

Website

nationaltrust.org.uk

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Sat8 AM - 6 PMClosed

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jeremys.food.tourjeremys.food.tour

Calke Explore * Calke Explore has a fantastic outdoor adventure area. Just remember that you need to go to the Calke Explore car park as you can’t double back once you’ve gone past it. * This is a small part of Calke Abbey! It’s free for National Trust members or £7.50 adults, £3.75 for children with under 5s going free which includes the gardens and Calke Explore. Parking is free. Toilets and baby change facilities with a refreshment kiosk and picnic area. * Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby, DE73 7JF, * #CalkeAbbey #familydaysout #daysoutwithkids #thingstodo #derby #fyp

Jim StringerJim Stringer

Extraordinary is the first word I think of when describing Calke abbey. The building as we see it was built in 1702, but, the former house here was created between 1575-1585, although there had been monastic buildings here as early as the 12th century. The Harpur family, who bought the land in 1622, lived here until 1991. Sadly, because of constant debts, heavy taxation & very hefty death duties, the upkeep of this grand stately home became impossible, a lot of the land was sold, originally over 30,000 acres, also a significant amount of the collections, most of which were acquired by the 10th & last Baronet, Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe, who died in 1924. What was left of the family, gifted the abbey to the National Trust in 1985, since then a lot of funds have been spent on the house, not necessarily on refurbishment, although a new roof was necessary, but, the delapidation within the house, ie, cracked plaster work & peeling paint etc, will not be replaced but maintained as it is, which is a specialised job. Everthing in the house is original & has been left in the exact same place from when the house was last occupied, it's a virtual timecapsule. There is still a deer park here & several extensive walking routes around the estate. You can look at St Giles church, plus there is also a walled garden. Within the large stable block there is a fine cafe with outdoor covered seating, plus an indoor restaurant, both are excellent, there is also a sizeable shop. Calke is a thoroughly fascinating place to visit & although it doesn't have the finery of other stately homes, it is after all known as "an unstately home", it's still no less wonderful. I thoroughly recommend a visit.

The Red Fox District - Cycling WorkshopThe Red Fox District - Cycling Workshop

Calke Abbey: A Unique Day Out with History, Local Shops, and Festive Fun Calke Abbey in Derbyshire is one of the National Trust’s most unique properties. Known as the “un-stately home,” the Abbey preserves rather than restores, offering a fascinating look into a once-neglected estate that feels like stepping back in time. The main house, with its peeling wallpaper, worn rooms, and eclectic collections, tells the story of a reclusive family and invites visitors to imagine its past. The surrounding grounds are equally captivating, with picturesque meadows, ancient trees, and woodland trails that make for scenic walks. Beyond the historical charm, Calke Abbey boasts a lively array of local mini shops, each adding its own special touch. Here, you’ll find diverse offerings like gourmet cheeses, Italian foods, and savory pork products for food lovers, as well as beautiful crafts and handmade jewelry. Nature lovers will appreciate the flower stalls, and those seeking a sensory treat can explore candles, soaps, and bath bombs with delightful scents. During the Halloween season, the Abbey adds an extra thrill with a creatively decorated tunnel experience. Spooky yet family-friendly, the tunnel features themed lights and decorations, making for a memorable, festive end to the visit. In short, Calke Abbey perfectly blends history, nature, and local culture, creating a memorable day out with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re there for the unique history, artisan finds, or seasonal festivities, Calke Abbey stands out as a must-visit in Derbyshire.

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Reviews of National Trust - Calke Abbey

4.6

(3,999)

5.0

This palatial mansion is unique among English stately homes in that National Trust decided to preserve it in the dilapidated state it was in when the organization took over control from the owners in the 1980s. Hence, only a few of the rooms, mostly on the ground floor, are still habitable and orderly. The original owners, the Harpur Crewe family, no longer had had the funds to maintain Calke Abbey. Upon entry you're greeted by a friendly volunteer who will inform you about the history of...

5.0

20w

Out of all the NT properties I have visited over the years this one is still by far the best place to visit for everyone albeit the layout can be difficult for the less able. But if you can do it, it's worth the struggle. I was fortunate to see this place after it's change of ownership in the early 1980's and been back twice over the years. Every time you find something different. It's a bit like Urbex meets Chatsworth (Calke is 100 time better than Chatsworth). You sort of feel like...

5.0

35w

A Wonderful Visit to Calke Abbey

I had the pleasure of visiting Calke Abbey today, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the warm and welcoming staff and volunteers, all of whom made the visit even more enjoyable. Their kindness and helpfulness added so much to the day.

The Abbey itself is amazing, steeped in history and charm. The atmosphere was peaceful and inviting, and I found myself immersed in the beauty of the surroundings. The...

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Calke Explore

4.7

(188)

Open 24 hours

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