Calke Abbey

At Calke Abbey, discover the tales of an eccentric 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.

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.

Find out about the Summer Nights Film Festival 2015 taking place at Calke Abbey this Summer

The Striking Orchids of Calke Abbey

4 Jul 2019

Take a walk through the Calke Estate and discover stunning orchids in the historic Limeyards.

Garden of Imagination

15 Jul 2019 - 23 Aug 2019

The walled kitchen garden has been transformed into the Garden of Imagination.

Archaeology Live Day

27 Jul 2019

Get stuck in and make fantastic discoveries at our Archaeology Live Day.

'50 things' Bear Hunt

30 Jul 2019 - 31 Jul 2019

The Calke Abbey bears are out and about with their '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' scrapbooks. Come and join them to tick off some of your '50 things'!

Bohemian Rhapsody (12a) - Part of the Summer Nights Film Festival

1 Aug 2019

This foot-stomping biopic is a romp through the years leading up to Queen’s career rejuvenating performance at 1985’s Live Aid.

On the Trail of Ale Walk

1 Aug 2019

A fascinating walk to the hidden Tollgate brewery, where you'll learn about past and present brewing on the Calke Estate.

The Greatest Showman (PG) - Part of Summer Nights Film Festival

2 Aug 2019

With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate.

Dirty Dancing (12A) - Part of Summer Nights Film Festival

3 Aug 2019

“Nobody puts Baby in the corner!” Drama, music and romance are the order of the day for Frances “Baby” Houseman as she spends summer in a holiday camp and falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze).

Country Food and Drink Fair

1 Sep 2019

Celebrate local food that's grown, raised, baked or caught within a 30-mile radius of Calke.