National Trust - Calke Abbey - Derby

Laura R.

Beautiful place to visit! The gardens are lovely, so much variety. There's lots of paths to walk too. We had a pushchair so couldn't go into the woodlands area, but it looked beautiful, so many people venturing that way.
Really child friendly with a little mouse trail, great baby change facilities and the offer of a carrier and a variety of toys in the house which was a really lovely touch!

Maria S.

Amazing place! Beautiful surroundings, lots to see and do…walk the parkland, see the gardens, the snowdrops are beautiful just now.
The Church is worth a look and the house is interesting, although On this occasion I was happy to be outside.

Delicious scones and lots of other cakes and they do meals too.

I particularly love the bird hide - can’t believe the variety of birds that take advantage of the seeds and other food NT provides for them, so that we get to see them up close.

There were children’s activities in progress and I did ask about organised walks, which take place during the week.

Fab visit!

Marty C.

Very busy on the 1st of March but it was a lovely day and it's a big place so plenty of room for all. Had a pleasant walk with lots of snowdrops in the woodlands. Good lunch in the restaurant then toured the house which is very different in many ways and visited the walled gardens which are huge and very interesting.

Roxana E.

Enjoyed a brief visit here for a couple of hours whilst in the area. Staff at the restaurant were lovely, despite being very busy as the weather was beautiful, they were pleasant, helpful and patient with all visitors.

The grounds themselves were lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed our walk round. We managed to get to the 'Grotto' and 'ice house'. Saw dear and enjoyed the river of snow drops and the walled garden.

Lots of families around enjoying the space, different abilities too.

We are looking forward to visiting again to explore further and spend longer there.

Tina B.

Lovely walk around the grounds and gardens. Beautiful location, loved the old garden tools! Restaurant was a lovely break and very tasty. Will be back to visit the house when it is open.

Paul

Visited here on a sunny Sunday,  very busy but the grounds can take 1000s of cars, so no issue parking. You now pay at a booth on the drive in, which was seamless, then drive down to the house and park. Visited the house some years ago, but there now appears to be more areas to access, lots to look at and many rooms to view. The underground tunnels from the house to the brewhouse are pretty impressive, kids will love them, same for the icehouse near the lake. A great circular walk around the grounds, with views of the deer's grazing. A must visit for tourists in the area.

Nigel S.

Visited Calke Abbey for the Christmas Market and Christmas Light trail. The market was very busy but lots of great local produce and items for sale. Enjoyable walks around the gardens with lights. The house was decorated for Christmas which is great to explore. The knitted mice and decorations were lovely to look at and see. The tunnel was festive and a different experience. A few rooms were closed due to building works.

Antoni S.

Beautiful stately home which is truly different to other "house + gardens" national trust sites thanks to this one being mostly preserved in the way that it was left which gives the house a much more "real" feeling than any other national trust site, orangery and walled gardens are amazing too even during winter. Even have a restaurant, second hand book shop and plenty of seating opportunities so doesn't feel overwhelming even when the place is busy