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Festival of Archaeology at Calke Abbey

Come and join us as we celebrate the Festival of Archaeology at Calke, sharing the untold stories of discoveries made by Calke’s own archaeology volunteers.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Did you know that Calke was once home to a bosquet garden (a formal plantation of trees) just outside the House? Or how about a booming industrial site supplying the estate and surrounding area? Evidence of these features and many others have been lost over time, in an ever-changing landscape, until now.

Through resistivity and LiDAR surveys, looking at the surface of the ground and beneath it, Calke’s archaeology volunteers have uncovered a fascinating hidden history of the estate.

Discover these findings and research from the last six years by the East Lawn outside the House. On select weekends, the volunteers will help bring their discoveries to life through pop-up walk and talks.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Meeting point

The East Lawn outside the House

Accessibility

To get to the East Lawn, there is a steep gravel slope down to the House. A buggy service is available from the Ticket Office to the House for visitors with mobility needs.

Other

Dogs are welcome on short leads.

Upcoming events

Event

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
11 Jun to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 144 other dates or times
Event

Pop-up history talks at Calke Abbey 

Discover fascinating stories about Calke on a pop-up history talk in St Giles Church.

Event summary

on
14 Jun 2025
at
11:00 to 11:30
+ 5 other dates or times
Event

Wander for wildflowers walk at Calke Abbey 

As colourful wildflowers spring up from the ground, soak up the sight on a guided walk across the park.

Event summary

on
19 Jun 2025
at
13:00 to 15:00
Event

Summer solstice yoga at Calke Abbey 

Celebrate the longest day of the year with a special yoga workshop in the Slip Garden.

Event summary

on
21 Jun 2025
at
09:00 to 11:00