National Trust - Calke Abbey — Attraction in South Derbyshire

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 the place and family in broad strokes, and will tell you what you're going to see on the first floor particularly. And sure enough, many of the rooms are in a derelict state, filled with furniture, toys and stuffed animals lumped carelessly together. Most of the ground floor is in pretty good condition though, like you'd come to expect from visiting other stately homes. Kitchen, Grand Hall, private rooms. And, oh, those taxidermized animals: Never in my life have I seen so many stuffed animal carcasses in one place. It's rather ghoulish if you think about it. The estate also includes the former stables, which you're free to roam among. There are also cellars and tunnels under house that you can explore: I followed one of them and ended up back at the stables! They were dressed in Halloween decorations for the season. The entry price was UKP 10 for the house and gardens (adult ticket), which seemed very reasonable to me. There are discounts for families and disabled people, obviously. After the visit you can relax at either the café or the restaurant, which in all honesty looked very similar indeed. Had a scone there, nice. Do yourself a favour and travel by car if at all possible. I took the bus and, from the closest stop, had to walk 1.5 miles to the house (and back) along rather attractive Derbyshire fields on a slightly muddy path. So if you want to visit a stately home that is different from all the other ones in England (that I've visited), this place is highly...

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 you're rummaging around someone's house after they have left, in fact this is exactly what you are doing. The decay is controlled for safety and I am sure it takes more money to keep the place in a state of disrepair than it takes to restore it. The good thing is that in the rooms that have been restored, it's more a case "make it stable" than full restoration with the exception of the bed chamber that is controlled. This is what happens to house when the money runs out and death duties catch up on you. The whole place is stuck in a time warp from the fine art and furniture to mundane 1960's kitchen sink and dodgy electrics. Unlike a lot of stuffy old NT houses, this one shows warts in all so you can see the peeling wallpaper and paint peeling off the doors and shutters, rooms just abandoned with furniture piled up, cracks in the ceiling, coving falling apart and creaking floorboards. The basements and undercrofts are an absolute must on the way out if you are prepared to do it. Also the small church is worth the hike up the hill. I sort of get the impression the staff who work here actually like it for once and there are some elderly ladies helping out who are the best to talk to as they obviously know their stuff. Even kids will like this place as it's packed with nooks and crannies. It really is worth the entry.... No photos to show.... go and look for yourself!! I am amazed it only Grade 1 listed and not a...

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 gardens and grounds were a delight, with stunning plants and flowers in full bloom, creating a vibrant backdrop to the historic architecture. As I wandered the estate, I was also fortunate enough to spot the beautiful deer grazing peacefully nearby—such a lovely touch that truly added to the magical ambiance of the place.

The staff were incredibly knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into the history of the estate, and it was clear that everyone involved takes great pride in maintaining such a wonderful place. It wasn’t just about the history; it was about the entire experience—walking through the picturesque gardens, spotting wildlife, and soaking in the serenity of the place.

What stood out to me the most, however, was the sense of community at Calke Abbey. The visitors, staff, and volunteers all seemed to share a genuine appreciation for the place, and it made the whole experience feel even more special. The deer, the gardens, the friendly atmosphere—everything came together to create a truly remarkable visit.

Because of this incredible experience, we’ve decided to join The National Trust and look forward to exploring more historic sites like this one. If you’re looking for a peaceful day out with beautiful surroundings, fascinating history, and a welcoming atmosphere, Calke Abbey is definitely...