Half term at Calke Abbey

Family fun half term activities National Trust Calke Abbey in Derbyshire — Family fun half term activities at Calke

From wild adventures in the woods to family bike rides around the wider estate, there's lots of opportunities for you to get outdoors and active this half term. Here's some handy inspiration for your visit to Calke.

1) Go wild in Calke Explore

Calke Explore is open all year round for a family adventure in the woods. With a natural play area, giant bug hotel and lots of things to climb on, the kids can go wild in nature while you relax with a cuppa.

The facilities at Calke Explore will be open every day, including the toilets, Changing Places toilet and Food and Beverage kiosk (weather dependant).

2) Enjoy two-wheeled adventures on the Tramway Trail

Park at Calke Explore to pedal straight onto the Tramway Trail, Calke's accessible multi-use trail. With a figure-of-eight route and relatively flat terrain, you can enjoy a long or short ride through the countryside – the perfect bike ride for beginners and families.

Also open this half term is Calke's cycle hire facility, with bikes available to hire for adults and children. Take a look at the cycling page to find out more about hiring bikes and cycling at Calke.

The Tramway Trail cycle route at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire

Cycling at Calke Abbey

Embark on a two-wheeled adventure around the estate at Calke Abbey.

3) Stretch your legs on a walk in the park

This half term, why not explore the ancient parkland on one of the suggested routes, or discover your own adventure on paths not marked on a map.

Serpentine Wood is a popular route winding through woodland, and you can follow the way-marked route to see the deer in all their magnificence. Why not stop off to build a den in the woods along the way? For more walking inspiration, download a route from the link the below.

Sunrise over the pond at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

Walking trail

Walking at Calke Abbey

Everyone needs a place to escape to. Immerse yourself in nature on a peaceful walk in over 600 acres of inspiring parkland at Calke.

Top walking routes

4) Discover weird and wonderful wildlife

As spring begins its turn into summer, you will find that new life has popped up all over the park. From bluebells to lambs, birds and other animals – what can you spot?

Wander over to the Deer Park to watch the red and fallow deer roaming free, walk by the ponds to see pond life in action, and don't forget to check into the bug hotel at Calke Explore to see what you can find nestled among the leaves.