National Trust Calke Abbey

Looking for the ultimate guide to one of the National Trust's hidden gems? Calke Abbey is a unique place to visit with your kids. Expect walled gardens, an overgrown courtyard, country houses left in their 20th-century state and heaps of cool trails spread across the ancient parkland. 

Festive Joy At Christmas

Make magical memories at Calke Abbey this Christmas. As darkness settles, see Calke lit up in festive lights and visit the Stableyards for more family fun. Have a go on the carousel, play in the shadow puppet theatre and then grab something warming from the refreshment pod.

Go on a family adventure on the 12 Days of Christmas trail, take a trip down the ice tunnels, stop by the Christmas markets in the Riding School, and bump into Father Christmas and Mrs Claus on your travels!

Looking for a quieter Christmas experience? Bring along your little ones for a visit during the day and soak up the festive period, with plenty to see and do.

The History of the Calke Estate

With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey, the un-stately home, is unlike other great country estates. Inside the Baroque mansion, you’ll find a contrast between decadence and dereliction, echoing the story of a country house in dramatic decline.

There’s always something new to discover, with a vast and unique collection at Calke Abbey and new displays on show throughout the year. Visit the Calke Abbey website to find out what’s on.

Parkland & Gardens

But it is far from a place where time stands still: the historic parkland is home to woodlands, wetlands, hay meadows, and areas of the National Nature Reserve. The parkland supports an array of different wildlife, including Calke’s herd of red and fallow deer and a flock of rare-bread Portland sheep. There are lots of ways to explore the parkland with a variety of waymarked walks to choose from, including short circular walks and longer hikes around the wider estate.

Discover the walled garden, with new displays to admire every season. Visit the Physic Garden and take in beds bursting with seasonal produce and colour, a glasshouse vinery, and a productive orchard, echoing the history of Calke’s working garden. Other highlights include a rare surviving auricula theatre, a Georgian Orangery, and faded glasshouses.

Are you ready for an afternoon of play? Head to Calke Explore for a bigger adventure and go wild in the natural play area. Spend the afternoon climbing, swinging, and spinning! Or hire a bike from cycle hire and enjoy a smooth ride along the multi-use Tramway Trail, perfect for all ages and abilities.

With acres of ancient parkland, there’s plenty to see and do every season. Go on an adventure and follow a waymarked walk or step off the beaten path and discover scenic views wherever you look. As you explore, keep an eye out for wildlife which call Calke Park their home.

Food & Drink

There’s plenty of places to refuel after your adventure, with a shop, second-hand bookshop, restaurant, café, and refreshment kiosk at Calke Explore available. Where you'll find a range of hot and cold meals and drinks, sandwiches, light snacks, and sweet treats.

Accessibility 

- There is accessible parking in the main car park at Calke and Calke Explore. A buggy service is also available for visitors with mobility needs or wheelchair users, providing access to the front of the house and gardens from the ticket office.

- There are accessible toilets available in the Stableyards, Gardens and at Calke Explore.

- Dogs on short leads only are allowed to enjoy the gardens, restaurant, cafe, shop and second-hand bookshop.

- Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house and tunnels.