Family-friendly things to do at Calke Abbey

A father on a bicycle with two children on scooters on a trail through autumnal woods — A family bike and scooter ride in autumn at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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:

There are two car parks at Calke:

Parking in the main car park offers access to the House, Gardens, Stableyards, Restaurant, Café, Shop, Second-hand Bookshop, and many of the waymarked walks around the park.

Car parking is also available at Calke Explore (look out for signs for a right turn after passing the admission hut), where you'll find the natural play area, cycle hire, the Tramway Trail, kiosk and toilets (including a Changing Places facility).

If the Calke Explore car park is full, it's a 10-minute walk from the main car park. Accessible routes are available.
Lockers are available near the Entrance Hall, to store large bags as you explore the House. Small shoulder bags are available to borrow, so that you can carry your essential belongings with you.

Hip carriers are available to borrow for use around the House (subject to availability) – just pick one up from inside the Entrance Hall.
The multi-use Tramway Trail provides a level, buggy-friendly route around the parkland. With hard paths and the choice between a shorter or longer route, it's perfect for a family walk all year round.

Admire colourful displays in the Gardens, with wide paths and step free access. There is a slope on the walk up to the Gardens and a few narrow paths in the Physic Garden you may wish to avoid.

There’s space to leave pushchairs outside the House and Tunnels if you’re going inside, but this is not undercover.

We reccomend visiting the café with a buggy when it's busy, as there's more space between tables.
Enjoy a range of drinks and refreshments in the Restaurant, Café and at the Calke Explore kiosk.

Grab a children's ‘pick and mix’ style picnic box from the restaurant. Choose a sandwich, drink and a selection of three snacks for £5.50.

Highchairs are available to borrow in the Restaurant, Café and at Calke Explore.
Baby changing facilities are available near the Restaurant, in the Garden toilets and in the accessible toilet at Calke Explore.
Breastfeeding is welcoming anywhere at Calke.

For those that would prefer some privacy, there is a chair within the main baby changing facilities.

We went mainly for the park this time - had a great walk around. We watched two herds of deer, the kids explored the outside tunnel and loved it. Then we had a fantastic hot chocolate - it's a great way to finish a lovely day!

A quote by Young family, visiting in December 2024

A girl playing in leaves and winter lights at Calke Abbey — Explore the Pleasure Grounds bathed in festive lights at Calke Abbey | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Family friendly events

Christmas at Calke, 28 November to 23 December

Step into the sparkle of Christmas at Calke, where festive magic fills every corner. Wander through twinkling tunnels, follow glowing pathways and discover the festive market on Fridays to Sundays - creating special memories together beneath the lights.

During the week, enjoy a quieter visit as the House shimmers with trees, garlands and glowing fires, each room dressed for the season. Little Explorers will love visiting on Fridays for a touch of Christmas wonder before the holidays begin - and don't forget to post a letter to Father Chrsitmas in the Stableyards post box.

Find out more

Useful things to know

Calke Map

Download the property map to find your way around Calke.

Property map

Accessiblity

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

Accessibility at Calke

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.

Fun in the outdoors play area at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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 colouring in the Restaurant and board games in the Café.

What to do when it's windy

Blow away the cobwebs with a blustery walk through the parkland, where you might spot deer grazing in the wider estate.

Step inside the historic House to explore Christmas decorations with a twist - open daily from 28 November to 23 December.

Seek out sheltered spots in the Pleasure Grounds or Kitchen Garden to enjoy the colours of the season without the full force of the wind.

Head to Calke Explore for outdoor fun - little ones can run, climb and play in the woodland, with plenty of trees offering protection from the gusts.

A mum and son walking through a brick archway — Enjoy a family day out at Calke | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

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.

Warm up with a family adventure at Calke this winter. Pick up a hot drink or a comforting treat from the café before finding a sheltered spot to enjoy it — whether that’s in the peaceful Kitchen Garden, near the Stableyards, or at Calke Explore after a bracing walk. Remember to take your litter home and help us care for this special place.

Bring your bike and follow the Tramway Trail for a refreshing ride through the wintry parkland. With its gentle slopes and wide paths, it’s ideal for families and four-legged friends alike. Or simply stretch your legs on foot, taking in frosty views, misty mornings and the quiet calm of nature at rest.

Don’t miss the ever-changing displays in the auricula theatre — a charming backdrop for family photos that capture the beauty of Calke through the seasons. Share your moments by tagging @NTCalkeAbbey on Facebook and Instagram.
Say ‘hello’ to the sheep, longhorn cattle and deer in the parkland, and see which birds you can find from the hides near the main car park and Calke Explore.

In the Gardens, look closely for frosty cobwebs and glittering ice crystals, and shout into the Icehouse and hear it bounce back.

Listen for the chatter of robins and wrens, or the rustle of squirrels searching for food in the woodland. Watch out for puddles that crunch underfoot.
Set off on a winter adventure to spot the willow horse in the Stableyards and find the hidden grotto in the Pleasure Grounds.

Explore frosty paths and have running races through the parkland, and see how many animal tracks you can find along the way.

At Calke Explore, balance on big tree trunks and explore inside the human-sized badger sett in the natural play area.

Tiptoe into the bird hides and see which winter birds are visiting - from noisy rooks to flashes of bright robins.
Follow the pink arrows on a parkland adventure to spot the deer herd, and don’t miss the Old Man of Calke, a mighty oak that’s thought to have stood for 1,200 years.

Capture seasonal magic with your camera or phone - frosty mornings, quiet woods and dramatic winter skies.

Take a peek inside history on a 'Silk, Stitches and Status' tour of the House and discover how fashion has changed over the centures compared to what you wear today.

My husband and I brought two of our grandchildren - they were really absorbed in the history of Calke Abbey. We had a lovely meal in the restaurant and made memories. We did visit when they were a lot younger and have wonderful photos of them playing and a smashing photo of one of the horned cows stood right behind my husband.

A quote by Teen family, visiting in September 2025