Explore Calke Abbey, the un-stately home

Sir Vauncey's bedroom at Calke Abbey, Midlands

When the house was handed to the National Trust in 1985, many of its rooms had been adandoned for decades and were in a state of rapid decline. We've decided not to restore these rooms, but rather preserve them as they were found.

A time capsule

Calke Abbey is the house where time stood still, vividly portraying a period in the twentieth century when many country houses did not survive to tell their story.

Rather than restoring Calke to its former glory, we've undertaken necessary repairs to halt the decay of the house and its collections. As you wander through the mansion, you'll discover abandoned rooms, peeling wallpaper and a vast collection of strange and unique objects – presented exactly as we found them.

Discover a sense of abandonment in the Servant's Hall
The Servant's Hall at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire
Discover a sense of abandonment in the Servant's Hall

A house of hidden stories

Discover deep and complex stories of a family who amassed a huge collection of hidden treasures. Learn the history of these fascinating and often strange possessions, which includes stuffed animals, family portraits and the stunning state bed.

Begin your journey in the entrance hall and explore the well-kept rooms at the front of the house, including the grand dining room, the library and the saloon, where you'll find an assortment of fascinating objects.

As you make your way towards the servants' quarters, experience the sense of abandonment in the school room and Sir Vauncey's childhood bedroom. Discover hidden stories and forgotten spaces in this unique house.

Broken chairs are still upturned in the kitchen at Calke Abbey
Areas of the dilapidated kitchen at National Trust Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Broken chairs are still upturned in the kitchen at Calke Abbey

Spring visits to the un-stately home

The house is open from 11am–5pm every day. From 11am–4pm, explore HumanKind in the family apartments, an immersive exhibition sharing new stories about six members of Calke's household (keep scrolling for more info). The main house opens at 12.30pm, last entry at 4.15pm.

Admission is by timed ticket, so pop into the Ticket Office when you arrive to avoid long waiting times. Members will also need a timed ticket to go inside the house. To help us protect this historic building, please leave large bags in your car and be prepared to leave pushchairs in the entrance hall – we'll lend you a baby carrier or hip-seat to make your visit easier.

The garden is open from 10am–5pm. The admission fee paid at the park entry point includes the gardens, so don't leave your ticket in the car! You'll need to show this (or your membership card) on the way to the gardens.

Your visits to Calke Abbey help us to preserve the un-stately home for many generations to come. Thank you.