One of the only traditional country house estates left over in a state of paused decay as a reminder of the rural English household that used to exist. The Baroque mansion originally built sometime in between 1701 and 1704 is a lively location, hosting activities of all kinds at weekends. Some of the long list of activities include food festivals, nature walks, carpentry workshops and fright nights attracting all sorts.
The Calke Abbey estate includes a spacious garden, Calke park, and the mansion in the middle of it all. The garden is split into subsections that had gradually appeared through time. For example it was not until the 18th c. AD that the physics garden where they grew herbs and medical plants was founded. Similarly Calke park hosts enough wildlife that earned it its National Nature Reserve status. Its venues are also open for hire, transforming the area into a very special location for weddings and banquets.
It is a little bit tricky to get to Calke Abbey. You can access it from the A42 from exit 13, or the A50 Derby South. Both exits should direct you toward Ticknall, where entry is available from the main entrance only. Parking is available in abundance.
Go dine has compiled a comprehensive list of the finest dining you can find around Calke Abbey. The Abbey is quite secluded in its natural setting, which is why Godine has put special care in creating these lists of restaurants nearby. Just like the Abbey, you will find the flavors in these restaurants to be naturally fulfilling and traditionally beautiful.
Did you know that Calke Abbey was in fact never an Abbey, but rather had gained its name for an unknown reason in 1808? Perhaps it was something to do with the Priory that sat in its location before the mansion was built.