Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey is a Grade I listed historic building in Calke, cared for by the National Trust. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey near Ticknall in Derbyshire is a Grade I listed Baroque mansion built between 1701 and 1704.

Despite its name, it was never an abbey; the site was originally an Augustinian priory founded in the 12th century before the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The Harpur family held the estate for nearly 300 years and renamed it Calke Abbey in 1808.

Facing death duties, they passed the house to the National Trust in 1985 in lieu of inheritance tax.

The National Trust calls it the un-stately home because many rooms are preserved exactly as they were found, with peeling paint and stacked crates left in place rather than restored.

The surrounding parkland includes Calke Park National Nature Reserve and a network of estate tunnels once used by servants, which visitors can explore.

History of Calke Abbey

The site began as an Augustinian priory founded in the 12th century, suppressed under Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The Harpur family held the estate for nearly 300 years and renamed it Calke Abbey in 1808, despite having no monastic use by that point. Facing crippling death duties, the family passed the house to the National Trust in 1985 in lieu of inheritance tax.

Architecture of Calke Abbey

The house is a Grade I listed Baroque mansion built between 1701 and 1704, its restrained stone exterior giving little hint of the decline preserved inside.

Gardens & grounds at Calke Abbey

The surrounding parkland includes Calke Park National Nature Reserve, alongside walled gardens and a network of estate tunnels once used by servants.

Facilities

Parking Café Toilets Shop Picnic area Restaurant Cycle parking Baby changing

Plan your visit to Calke Abbey

Address: DE73 7LE

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Nearest station: Willington Rail Station (5.8 miles)

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Places to visit near Calke Abbey

Melbourne Hall

historic house 1.8 miles

View Melbourne Hall on heritage map

Ashby de la Zouch Castle

castle 3.8 miles

Visit Ashby de la Zouch Castle View Ashby de la Zouch Castle on heritage map

St Michael's Church, Stretton en le Field

church 7.7 miles

View St Michael's Church, Stretton en le Field on heritage map

Whatton House

historic house 7.8 miles

View Whatton House on heritage map

Radbourne Hall

historic house 9.5 miles

Visit Radbourne Hall View Radbourne Hall on heritage map

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Calke Abbey (DE73) there are 2 historic properties, including 1 castle and 1 historic house, across English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.

1 English Heritage

1 Historic Houses

1 Castle

1 Historic house

See these 2 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Calke Abbey (DE73) there are 5 historic properties, including 3 historic houses, across Historic Houses, Churches Conservation Trust and English Heritage sites.

3 Historic Houses

1 Churches Conservation Trust

1 English Heritage

3 Historic house

1 Church

1 Castle

See these 5 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Calke Abbey (DE73) there are 17 historic properties, including 6 historic houses, 5 historic buildings and 3 churchs, across Historic Houses, English Heritage and National Trust sites.

5 Historic Houses

4 English Heritage

4 National Trust

3 Churches Conservation Trust

1 Independent

6 Historic house

5 Historic building

3 Church

2 Castle

1 Archaeological site