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Family-friendly things to do at Calke Abbey

Family playing on a giant pop-up bed in a field of long grass.
Make the most of the long days this summer | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

From wild adventures in the woods to family bike rides around the estate, there are lots of ways to make great memories as a family at Calke Abbey. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and all the information you need to plan your day out.

Planning your family visit

If you're planning a family day out at Calke Abbey, here is some useful information at a glance:

Download the property map to find your way around Calke.

Family sat in long green grass enjoying a picnic
Family enjoying a picnic at Calke Explore | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

Family friendly events

Summer of Play 

Enjoy a jampacked summer of play at Calke Abbey from 12 July – 3 September.

With plenty to see and do all summer long, discover fun family days out, go on exciting adventures, and make lasting memories together.

The Garden of Imagination returns to the Kitchen Garden with endless opportunities of play. Over at Calke Explore, you can build your confidence on two wheels on a balance bike course or in a private lesson. 

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Child looking up at a colourful obstacle course.
Discover The Garden of Imagination at Calke Abbey | © National Trust/Sue Richardson

Things to do at Calke over summer for...

Keep flying objects away from historic buildings

Help us look after Calke by not playing with footballs, frisbees or other flying play equipment near the House, Stableyards or Garden buildings. If you’re looking for a kick about, there’s lots of open space at Calke Explore or at nearby Foremark.

Useful things to know

Accessiblity

To help you plan your visit this summer, take a look at our accessibility article below.

Children standing on a colourful stage in fancy dress putting on a performance
Children putting on a performance in The Garden of Imagination at Calke | © National Trust/Steve Franklin

Weather-proof activites at Calke

We know that the weather can be a little unpredicatable but you shouldn't let that spoil the fun! Here's a roundup of our top activites you can enjoy at Calke, no matter the weather. 

What to do when it's raining

When it's pouring with rain, what could be better than chucking on your wellies and waterproofs and splashing around in the puddles? See how many you can jump across, as you splish around the gardens or splosh around the park. 

Take refuge in the bird hides in the main car park and at Calke Explore, and get up-close to our feathery friends. 

Enjoy board games in the Restaurant and colouring in the Café. 

What to do when it's hot

Stay cool in the historic House with hundreds of treasures to discover inside. Little ones can also enjoy dressing up, jigsaws and reading in the Nurseries.

Step through the west door of the House and venture underground to explore the twisting tunnels that linked the brewhouse and the cellar. 

Enjoy natural play in the woodland at Calke Explore, with shade amongst the trees.

Children balancing on a big tree trunk in the woods
The natural play area at Calke Explore | © National Trust/James Dobson

Top things to look out for across the estate

There's lots of family-friendly things to see and do in the House, Gardens and across the Park at Calke Abbey. Whether you're short of time or staying for the day, add these highlights to your family adventure list.

A view of the west side of the house and  a glimpse of the Pleasure Grounds through trees on a sunny day at Calke Abbey

Discover more at Calke Abbey

Find out when Calke Abbey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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