CALKE ABBEY

INFORMATION

Where is Calke Abbey? – the main entrance is in Ticknall on the A514, and there is a charge for non-National Trust members. Before visiting obtain details of times and dates of opening of the house and gardens, from the National Trust. Calke Abbey (SK356240).

What to do? – it is free to walk the footpaths in the park and explore the National Nature Reserve, take a stroll in the beautiful walled garden and visit the house and discover the tales of an eccentric family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures; visit Calke Explore a brand new facility in the park popular with all the family; take a walk around the recently opened Tramway Trail.

Where to eat? – the National Trust Tearooms at Calke Abbey, The Staff of Life public house on Ashby Road at Ticknall as the name indicates bread was once baked there and in the 1800s it was known as ‘The Loaf and Cheese.’ It now concentrates on serving food and drink and providing accommodation.

Other places to visit – Ferrers Art and Craft Centre, located in the Georgian Stable Block of Staunton Harold Hall, where a wide range of goods can be obtained. Food is available here and at the adjacent garden centre complex; on the grounds of the Staunton Harold Hall is the imposing Holy Trinity Church, built-in 1653, with its fine-panelled interior – open to the public on a limited basis.

Calke Park was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1992 and a National Nature Reserve in 2004. Many of the trees at Calke are more than 400 years old, several at least 700 years old and two of the oaks are thought to be more than 1,000 years old. A wide range of birds can be seen in the park, encouraged by the many holes in the old trees that provide ideal nesting places.