Shades of autumn in the gardens at Calke Abbey

Flower Garden at National Trust Calke Abbey in Derbyshire

There’s plenty to enjoy in Calke’s gardens at this warm and colourful time of year. Make the most of the remaining summer colours in the Flower Garden and look out for bursts of vibrant orange in the pumpkin display.

An apple a day

An autumn highlight, the Orchard is a haven of peace at this time of year. Take a stroll through the trees to discover local and historic apple varieties, or take a seat to admire the trees in full fruit. 

When the apples are ready they will be available to take home for a donation, make yourself an apple pie for your own taste of Calke. 

A healthy harvest from Calke's orchard
Calke Abbey, Midlands, apple day
A healthy harvest from Calke's orchard


Autumn colour

Among the last bursts of summer colour, you’ll start to see the rich shades of autumn taking over the garden this season.

Look out for a mix of edible pumpkins, squashes and marrows, with lots of hard-skinned ornamental gourds. There's a beautiful autumnal display on the auricula theatre in the Flower Garden which makes for a great photograph.

Home-grown pumpkins and gourds displayed on the theatre
Calke Abbey, Midlands, autumn pumpkins gourds auricular theatre
Home-grown pumpkins and gourds displayed on the theatre

Delightful dahlias

Don’t miss the dahlia border in Central Yard, which promises a medley of colour in the autumn. The dahlias are planted in summer and by this time of year, they're looking rather spectacular.

When you come to experience the changing seasons, it helps us to keep Calke's gardens bursting with colour.