Calke Abbey DE73 7JF
Free for NT members
Open: Seasonal - See website
Dogs: On lead
Reviews: 0
About:
With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. The house and stables are little restored, with many abandoned areas vividly portraying a period in the 20th century when numerous country houses did not survive to tell their story.
Discover powerful stories of a family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures. Visit the beautiful, yet faded walled gardens and explore the orangery, auricula theatre and the kitchen gardens. Escape into the ancient and fragile habitats of Calke Park and its National Nature Reserve.
Calke Abbey stands on the site of a medieval religious house. People first came to live at Calke in the 12th century, initially as a small, independent community until Calke became a ‘cell’ of Repton Priory in 1172.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII brought insecurity to Calke. It’s mother priory Repton was dissolved in 1536 and then reinstated the following year on payment of a large fine. It was surrendered for the final time in 1538, when the freehold of Calke transferred back to the Crown.
In 1537 a 99-year lease for Calke priory was negotiated by John Preste, a Master Grocer of London, with 59 years prepaid to reflect the fine John had lent to reinstate Repton Priory. John converted the priory at Calke into a Tudor house, and left the lease to his youngest daughter on his death. But, instead, Calke passed through several lawyers’ hands for their own benefit, going against the terms of John’s will and several court rulings.
In 1622, Sir Henry Harpur bought the estate for £5,350. It stayed in the Harpur family until the National Trust began caring for Calke in 1985.
Dog Friendly:
Dogs are free to roam the parkland under close control. They're welcome in the stableyards, gardens, restaurant, shop and second-hand bookshop, provided they're on a short lead.
Entry Charge:
See website
Parking:
The main car park is adjacent to the Ticket Office. There is an additional car park at Calke Explore.
Electric vehicle charging points
Facilities:
Check website for opening hours
Toilets
Cafe
Bookshop
Plant Shop
Shop
Kiosk
Restaurant
Notes:
Entrance to the restaurant and café both have a level path.
Tramper available for use throughout the gardens and areas of the parkland; however, it's strongly recommended that you pre-book.
In the Kitchen Garden, orchard area of the Physic Garden and park, there are areas of uneven terrain. The house and orangery both have steps, and the grotto and ice house are not wheelchair accessible.
Contact:
Tel: 01332863822
Email:
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Reviews:
