Project

Calke Abbey car park project

Aerial view of Calke Abbey and Staunton Harold reservoir, Derbyshire — Aerial view of Calke Abbey and Staunton Harold reservoir | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

We're improving car parking at Calke to provide more reliable year-round access to the estate, with increased all-weather parking capacity and improved drainage to help us adapt to changing weather conditions.

What does this mean for your visit?

Main car park

While work is taking place, the overflow car park will be closed.

When the main car park reaches capacity, you'll be directed by members of our team to park on the meadow. Accessible parking spaces remain available as usual. Visitors who require an accessible space should make themselves known to the team managing the car parks, who'll be able to assist and direct them accordingly.

There may also be limited capacity for larger vehicles, including campervans, while work is underway.

Please follow any temporary signage and directions from the team during your visit. These arrangements are in place to help us manage parking safely and efficiently, and we're grateful for your patience and cooperation while the improvements are carried out.

Calke Explore

Parking arrangements at Calke Explore will change while work is underway, from Monday 22 June.

Visitors wishing to access Calke Explore should park at Ragg's Close, the grassed parking area located just beyond the Middle Lodge arch and the park admission point. Temporary signage will be in place to help direct you, and it's a short walk from Ragg's Close to the facilities at Calke Explore.

Accessible parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points at Calke Explore will remain open throughout the works, though capacity will be limited.

If parking at Calke Explore is full, visitors will need to continue along the one-way system to the main car park. From there, Calke Explore is approximately a 15-minute walk away.

Looking through the archway of Middle Lodge at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire — Looking through the archway of Middle Lodge at Calke Abbey | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Project updates

9 June 2026

Planning permission granted

Planning permission has been granted for improvements to the main car park and Calke Explore. Work is expected to be delivered in phases, with updates shared here as the project progresses.

An aerial view of the House and Stableyards at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire — An aerial view of the House and Stableyards at Calke Abbey | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Frequently asked questions:

In recent years, wet weather has frequently made overflow parking unusable, particularly at busy times. This means car parks can fill quickly and the estate sometimes has to close at short notice. These improvements will provide more reliable, all-weather parking so visitors can access and enjoy Calke throughout the year, while also improving drainage and helping the estate adapt to changing weather conditions.
We recognise that summer is one of our busiest times of year and have carefully considered the timing of the project.

Following planning approval, we wanted to begin work as soon as possible so that the improvements can be completed and available for visitors sooner. Carrying out the work during the drier months also allows us to use temporary meadow parking more effectively, with the ground better able to withstand and recover from use.

Starting the project in summer also reduces the risk of construction taking place throughout the winter months, when poor weather can affect ground conditions, disrupt works and lead to delays. Beginning now gives us the best opportunity to complete the project as efficiently as possible while maintaining visitor access to the estate.
We understand that any changes to the landscape are important. The project has been designed to minimise impact and is focused on improving existing parking areas that are already used by visitors. While a small number of young trees will need to be removed as part of the works, replacement planting will be carried out in line with planning requirements.

The improved parking areas will retain their grassed appearance where possible, helping them remain integrated within the wider landscape. By providing more reliable year-round access, the project will also help more people experience and enjoy the nature, beauty and history of Calke throughout the seasons.

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Calke Abbey car park project