Exploring the estate at Calke Abbey

A view of a wide tree with twisty branches and green leaves — The Old Man of Calke | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

A visit to Calke Abbey is a rare opportunity to explore acres of historic parkland, home to bats, birds, butterflies, and ancient trees that predate the house itself. Reconnect with the natural world on a walk in the park, or explore the estate on two wheels to take in this vast and ancient landscape.

Summer in the parkland

Get outdoors and make the most of the good weather at Calke Abbey. Explore the ancient parkland, listen out for wildlife and soak up fantastic views along the way.

Summer walks

Enjoy a summer stroll across Calke’s luscious landscape on a waymarked walk.

Follow the red walk and take in the glorious hay meadows, which are at their best during summer. Stop to see insects, birds and other wildlife collect pollen from a sea of nectar-rich wildflowers.

Download the property map to choose a waymarked walk or step off the beaten track to carve your own route through the estate.

Property map

A group of visitors enjoying a dawn chorus guided walk in the park at Calke Abbey, focused on a visitor using a pair of binoculars to see the birds — See what you spot on a summer walk at Calke Abbey | © National Trust/Susan Guy

Or venture into the wider estate on a walk to Tollgate Brewery's Milking Parlour. Walk along the Tramway Trail and then turn to follow the public footpath highlighted on our property map.

Milking Parlour

Summer wildlife

Calke is home to lots of wildlife, from the herd of red and fallow deer to the smallest insects and beetles.

The meadows come alive over summer, as sheep and Longhorn cattle return to graze on the meadows. They’re a docile but beautiful breed, with impressive horns and brown-and-white colouring.

During June, the fallow fawns and red calves are born. If you’re lucky, you might spot them hiding amongst the bracken until they’re brave enough to explore.

Fallow deer galloping through long grass — Fallow deer at Calke Abbey | © National Trust/Gillian Day

Everywhere you go at Calke, you’ll be followed by the soundtrack of birdsong. A particular highlight in summer is when the swallows return to nest. Listen out around the Stableyards for their chattering call and watch as they flit between buildings.

If you’re looking for a break from the scorching sun, head over to the bird hides in the main car park or at Calke Explore. The feeders attached outside allow you to get up-close to our feathery friends.

Picnic in the park

With acres of nature, why not pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view?

Lay down a blanket in the open meadow at Calke Explore, find a quiet spot in the park, or set up on a picnic bench near the main car park that overlooks the Deer Park or meadows.

Bring along your own or treat yourself to refreshments from the café or restaurant.

Remember to take litter home

Wherever you picnic, help us look after the park by taking your leftovers home and throwing away any rubbish in ones of the bins provided.

Cycling at Calke

Get wonderful views from your saddle as you explore the ancient parkland at Calke Abbey on a leisurely bike ride. The Tramway Trail, a circular, multi-use trail, is perfect for family bike rides – it's relatively flat and there are minimal road crossings.

The best place to park for a bike ride is at Calke Explore, where you can jump straight on the Tramway Trail. You'll find a map of the route here, and outside the Ticket Office.

Two visitors cycling along a gravel path — Visitors cycling along the Tramway Trail | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Cycle hire at Calke Explore

From Saturday 1 March – Sunday 2 November, cycle hire will be available at Calke Explore from 10am to 4.30pm (last hire 2.30pm) every weekend, bank holiday and on select school holiday dates. Please look at the opening times on our homepage to find out when these are.

Prices: £10 per adult bike, £7 per child bike (under 18s), and £7 per trailer (including dog trailers) for 2 hours hire. Balance bikes are free of charge.

All bikes and trailers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Find out more about cycling

Park guided walks

Park guided walks are available from Saturday 1 March until Saturday 1 November.

Whether you're a seasoned walker at Calke or it's your first visit, a guided walk in the park is a great way to explore, and we guarantee you'll discover something you never knew about the estate.

Guided walks take place every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 11am and 2pm (subject to volunteer availability), starting outside the Ticket Office. They're free and flexible, typically lasting around 90 minutes.

Ancient trees and woodland

A third of the historic Calke Abbey Estate is recognised as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. This ancient wood pasture and its historic avenues are home to over 650 veteran trees, more than half of which are considered ancient.

The ‘Old Man of Calke’ is perhaps the most well-known ancient veteran tree. At an estimated 1,200 years old, he certainly earns his title. Follow the pink waymarked walk from the main car park to visit the Old Man.

Many of the trees in the park are thought to be over 400 years old, which means they'd have been over 100 years old during Shakespeare's time. These ancient trees are a mix of species, such as limes, field maples, ash, beech and chestnuts, as well as oak.

Deadwood is good wood

While exploring the parkland, you might notice branches that have fallen and been left on the ground, as well as entire fallen trees. This deadwood provides a valuable habitat and Calke’s parkland is one of Britain's best sites for deadwood invertebrates. Calke is home to over 200 types of beetle that rely on deadwood – such as the wasp beetle, which mimics wasps to avoid predation.

Visiting with a dog?

The park is a great place to walk with your four-legged friend, with miles of woodland walks and open countryside to explore.

Please bear in mind that dogs are required to be on a short lead in areas around the estate. To help you plan your doggy day out, take a look at our dog walking guide below.

Dog walking guide