Guided tours at Calke Abbey

Calke Unlocked: a house tour with a twist 

Select dates in Oct, visit the What’s On page for details 

Do you drift off during guided tours? Feel overwhelmed by reams of information and dates? LOVE Calke Abbey but fancy something a bit different? Calke Unlocked is the solution you didn't know you needed!  

Our unique tour leaders are experts in the obscure and collectors of hidden stories. Together you’ll uncover behind-the-scenes snippets, share scandalous secrets and backstories, and explore the forgotten nooks and crannies of the un-stately home. These tours are high-energy, interactive and just a little bit naughty – so come and play games, take photos and learn some tasty anecdotes to wow your mates at the pub. 

Where to meet: Meet us at the Ticket Office at the start time; your friendly Tour Guide will be the one waving madly. Tours last around 45 mins–1 hour. 

Booking: This is a VIP experience so pre-booking is essential, and tours are limited to 2 parties per tour. Give us a call on 01332 695310 to book your place, and let us know if you can't make it anymore. 

Price: £7.50 per person, park admission fee applies to non-members. No house ticket required. 

What to bring: We'll bring the fun – you bring a smartphone, bags of energy and a little sense of humour. 

Perfect for: Singles, couples, friends and small groups. Age 14+ (some stories may get saucy so keep an eye out for family tours in the future). 

Accessibility: due to the slightly wonky nature of the house, unfortunately this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, and only assistance dogs can come along. 

Garden tours

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11.30am and 2pm 

Ever wondered what secrets are buried in Calke’s gardens? Join a garden guide to discover the hidden history of the walled gardens, tucked away in the wooded pleasure grounds – from its faded glasshouses and boiler buildings, to the abundance of vibrant flowers and colourful produce overflowing from the beds. 

Where to meet: Tours start at the front of the house by the sundial – look out for our garden guides in red shirts. Tours last approximately 45–50 minutes.

Booking: Not needed, although tours are limited to 15 people to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

What to bring: Please wear suitable clothing for this outdoor tour, and consider bringing a brolly in case of wet weather. We’re not deterred by a bit of rain!

Accessibility: The garden paths are accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, although there are some steps into the glasshouses. A tramper is available to book during your visit. 

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join a garden tour. 

Park guided walks

Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 11am and 2pm 

If only these trees could talk... Calke’s ancient parkland is steeped in history, from its roots as a religious ground to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve. So what stories does this vast landscape have to tell? Join our knowledgeable park guides to find out – whether you’re new to Calke or a seasoned walker, we guarantee you’ll discover something new on these fascinating rambles.  

Where to meet: Tours start outside the Ticket Office – look out for our park guides in red shirts. Walks last around 90 minutes. 

Booking: Not needed, although groups are limited to 20 people on a first come, first served basis.  

What to bring: We recommend wearing sturdy footwear, such as walking boots or comfortable wellies, and suitable clothing for the weather. On hot days we recommend bringing plenty of drinking water. 

Accessibility: There may be steps, uneven ground and hills, so these walks aren’t suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs – but we can be flexible and tailor walks to suit your ability. Speak to a park guide for more information.  

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead, except in the Deer Park – ask a park guide if today’s walk is suitable for dogs.