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Silk, Stitches and Status at Calke Abbey: BSL Tours

Uncover the secrets in the seams of the clothing collection at Calke Abbey on a new tour.

  • Booking essential
  • Admission applies

Join us for an exclusive tour revealing rarely seen garments. From elegant gowns to servants' uniforms, each one is stitched with history and the stories of those who wore them. The tour will take you across all three floors of the House, exploring the lives of the family, staff and the world around Calke through the clothing worn and collected - much of which has never been on display before.

There will be a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter for this tour.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £5.00
Child £2.50

Event additional prices

Ticket typeTicket category
NT Member£0.00
Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Children are welcome, though the tour content is aimed at adults.

Meeting point

Meet outside the Entrance Hall for the start of your tour. For tours in February, you'll need to head to the West Door instead.

What to bring and wear

Wrap up warm and we'd recommend warm footwear with a good sole, as it can be chilly inside.

Accessibility

This tour has BSL interpretation. Tours access the second floor of the House via four flights of stairs, though not all in one go. Seating is available along the route. Light levels may be lower than usual, and temperatures can be cold.

Other

Assistance animals only.

Upcoming events

Nature's Home: Bird of the Month display at Calke Abbey 

Discover the fascinating world of birds through our Bird of the Month display inside the house.

Event summary

on
9 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 24 other dates or times

Harvest Celebration in St Giles Church 

Celebrate the season with an autumnal display at St Giles Church.

Event summary

on
11 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 16:30
+ 22 other dates or times

Bat Discovery Half Term Trail 

We've gone a bit batty at Calke this October half term! Using your echolocation skills, explore the world of bats. There are ten to discover around the Stableyards and the Pleasure Grounds. Some of them call Calke 'home', others come out...

Event summary

on
18 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
09:30 to 17:00
+ 15 other dates or times

Spooky Tunnel at Calke 

Travel underground through the twists and turns of the Spooky Tunnel - this year, a hidden forest, home to lots of different creatures. How many can you see or hear? Can you make it through without jumping or screaming?

Event summary

on
18 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
12:00 to 16:30
+ 15 other dates or times