This weekend we headed over to Calke Abbey. It had been recommended to us by a few people, so it seemed the perfect place for us to head to as a family for a nice day out and end of summer picnic.
As you pull into Calke Abbey, it is a one way system. You drive down a narrow lane with green fields to your left and right with sheep grazing. You then come to the paying kiosk, a shed where you can pay for entry into the grounds, which includes Calke Explore. New for 2019 and a fantastic area for children and families to spend quality time.
You continue down the path to get to this section. We parked on the grass on the right just after the pay kiosk, but if you continue in the car on the road and turn right on the next road, you can park at the Calke Explore. We enjoyed the short 100m walk to get there from where we parked. We even got to see a bird hide (although my girls couldn’t quite grasp the idea that we were meant to sit quietly to watch the birds).
We also found a Bug hotel.
Calke Explore
This is new for 2019 (I’m told – I hadn’t been before) and is a great place for outdoor adventures.
It is a natural play area with lots of activities inside. You could even borrow a backpack gilled with games and binoculars to become a true explorer.
The girls absolutely loved it. There was so many things to have a go on. Helping to develop balance, confidence, imagination and a love of the great outdoors.
We had so much fun, rope swings, table tennis, climbing, balancing, natural art, mirrors, tunnels to climb through. It really was a well thought out area.
Calke Explore has a brand new cafe and picnic area too, so it is a perfect place to spend the morning or afternoon.
We then walked back to the car and drove a further mile or so down to the Central area where you can find Calke Abbey, Squirts Stable, Riding School, Childrens Play Area, Restaurant, Shop, Second Hand Book Store and the access to the main grounds including the Gardens, Ice House, St Giles Church, Thatch House Pond, Deer Shelter and Mere Pond. I have probably missed lots off. This National Trust venue has over 600 acres of land – so plenty to explore.
Calke Abbey
This huge Baroque house was built on the site of a former priory, completed in 1704 for Sir John Harpur. History saw the family name change firstly to Crewe and then to Harper Crewe. With the family wealth a result of clever marriage and the proceeds of land ownership. It is now known as the un-stately home as it is being kept by the National Trust as an example of ‘the decline of the great country house’ that occurred during the early to mid-twentieth century.
We sat and had a picnic in front of the house, before embarking on our walk around the inside. The girls were able to run around and play on the grass while we had a short rest (who am I kidding, it was windy and we were chasing bits of our picnic that the wind kept blowing away).
There are various rooms to explore and the game in this house for children is to find all 10 toy birds hidden in different rooms. A great way to keep the children entertained, whilst parents can read up on some of the history and enjoy the sites.
There are a few boxes around the house for little hands to explore and touch. The girls especially enjoyed the box found in The Saloon where they could put shells to their ears and ‘hear the sea’.
We really enjoyed the tunnel which was around 100m in length with very low lighting.
Squirts Stable
This was the location of a perfect play area for children. Open during school holidays and at weekends, this room is full of traditional play, made into different sections. Each stable section is home to a different scene.
You had the scouts section:
The dressing up section:
Toy section:
And other sections:
There was also a craft table where children could do number 16 of the 50 things to do before you are 11 and 3/4.
Matilda made a crown.
Children were able to immerse themseves in make believe play and use their imaginations, which is lovely to watch.
Shop, Restaurant and Ice Cream
In the central area you can visit the large National Trust shop, the second hand book store, the restaurant or the ice cream stand.
The girls (and their Daddy) enjoyed ice creams outside in the sun.
Outdoor Play Area
This was a great end to our trip out, burning off the last of the childrens energy before our 40 minute drive home.
There is plenty of equipment to play on for ages 1 year and above.
Conclusion
We had a fantastic day out here at Calke Abbey and plan to come back again soon as we are pretty sure we have loads more to see and do here.
Prices:
Park Only:
Adult £4.20.
Child £2.10
Family Ticket £10.50
Garden, Stables and Park Only:
Adult £9.70 (£10.70 gift aid)
Child £4.85 (£5.35 gift aid)
Family £24.20 (£26.70 gift aid)
Full House:
Adult £15.00 (£16.50 gift aid)
Child £7.50 (£8.25 gift aid)
Family £37.50 (£41.25 gift aid)
Opening Times:
Please do check online for exact timings for different days.
House: 11:00 – 17:00
Calke Park National Nature Reserve: 07:30 – 19:00
Garden: 10:00 – 17:00
Restaurant: 10:00 – 17:00
Shop: 10:00 – 17:00
Stables: 10:00 – 17:00