Calke Explore at Calke Abbey Estate, Derbyshire
Explore ancient woodlands, accessible trails, and natural play areas at Calke Explore, the perfect outdoor adventure base within Calke Abbey’s historic estate.
Calke Explore is a tranquil outdoor adventure hub nestled within the vast 600-acre historic parkland of Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. It offers accessible walking and cycling trails, natural play areas, and facilities for all ages to reconnect with nature. The site serves as the ideal gateway to explore ancient woodlands, wetlands, and the wider Calke Estate, renowned for its ancient veteran trees and rich wildlife.
A brief summary to Calke Explore
- Derby, Ticknall, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekends or school holidays to enjoy guided walks and cycling hire available at Calke Explore.
- Use the Tramway Trail for a flat, family-friendly cycling or walking route that connects to wider estate paths.
- Take advantage of accessible facilities including wheelchair-friendly trails and Changing Places toilets.
- Bring binoculars to spot deer, birds, and butterflies in the National Nature Reserve areas around Calke Explore.
- Pick up a map at Calke Explore to discover hidden natural features like the ancient Limeyards and wetlands.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Derby city center takes approximately 25–35 minutes via the A514. Ample parking is available at Calke Explore, including accessible bays. Note that some minor roads are narrow and rural, so drive cautiously. Parking is free for National Trust members; non-members pay a modest fee.
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Bus
Bus services from Derby to Ticknall run several times daily, with a journey time of about 45–60 minutes. From Ticknall village, it is a 20–30 minute walk along footpaths to Calke Explore. The terrain is mostly flat but may be uneven in places.
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Bicycle
Cycling from Ticknall village to Calke Explore takes around 10–15 minutes on quiet country roads and estate paths. The Tramway Trail at Calke Explore offers a flat, accessible route ideal for all cycling levels, with cycle hire available on weekends and school holidays.
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Walking
For those staying nearby, walking to Calke Explore is possible via well-marked public footpaths. Depending on your starting point, expect 20–45 minutes on mostly flat terrain with some natural surfaces. Suitable footwear is recommended.
Calke Explore location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Calke Explore
A Gateway to Historic Parkland and Nature
Calke Explore is situated in the heart of the Calke Abbey estate, a sprawling 600-acre landscape of historic parkland, ancient woodlands, and wetlands. This area invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature, with well-maintained walking and cycling routes that traverse meadows, veteran trees, and secluded ponds. The estate is famed for its ancient oak trees, including the legendary ‘Old Man of Calke’, estimated to be around 1,200 years old. Calke Explore acts as a welcoming base for outdoor adventures, offering access to the multi-use Tramway Trail, a flat, circular route ideal for families and cyclists alike.Engaging Outdoor Activities for All Ages
Families and nature enthusiasts can delight in the natural play areas tucked within the woodland at Calke Explore. Children can explore the human-sized badger sett, balance on large tree trunks, and create dens from fallen branches, fostering imaginative play in a natural setting. The site is open year-round and encourages visitors to engage with the environment through activities aligned with the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ initiative. Seasonal events and school holiday activities further enrich the experience, making Calke Explore a lively and fun-filled destination.Accessibility and Facilities
Calke Explore is designed to be inclusive, featuring a short wheelchair and mobility scooter-friendly trail and accessible parking bays close to the facilities. Amenities include a car park, toilets, a Changing Places toilet for visitors with additional needs, and a refreshments kiosk. The Tramway Trail’s hard surface makes it suitable for all abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the estate’s natural beauty. Informative maps and signage help visitors navigate the area and discover points of interest such as the once-industrial Limeyards and ancient woodland.Conservation and Natural Heritage
The Calke Abbey estate is a designated National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, reflecting its ecological importance. The ancient wood pasture supports a diverse range of wildlife, including bats, birds, butterflies, and deer. Conservation efforts focus on protecting veteran trees and maintaining habitats that have existed for centuries. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment by not foraging and instead capturing memories through photography, helping preserve the estate’s delicate ecosystems.Connection to Calke Abbey and Surroundings
Calke Explore complements the broader Calke Abbey experience, which includes a Baroque country house, historic gardens, and a deer park. The estate’s rich history spans centuries, with the house famously preserved in a state of gentle decline, offering a unique glimpse into aristocratic life. After exploring Calke Explore, visitors can extend their visit to the walled gardens, orangery, and the house itself, or enjoy refreshments at nearby cafes and tearooms. The nearby village of Ticknall adds a quaint rural charm to the setting.Seasonal Appeal and Visitor Experience
Open throughout the year, Calke Explore offers different experiences with the seasons—from vibrant spring wildflowers and summer greenery to autumnal colours and winter tranquility. The site’s natural play areas and trails remain inviting in all weather, with the Tramway Trail providing a reliable wet-weather route. Whether seeking relaxation, family fun, or a nature escape, Calke Explore provides a peaceful yet engaging environment to discover the heritage and natural wonders of Derbyshire.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Ashby de la Zouch Castle
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East Midlands Aeropark
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Coopers Square
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Alvaston Park
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Derbion
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Sinai Park House Trust
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Derbion shopping centre
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Cathedral Quarter Derby
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Derby Museum & Art Gallery
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Reform Bill Heads (Friar Gate Heads)
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Pickford's House
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Essential places to dine
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The Boot Inn
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Craig Riley @ Donington Manor Hotel
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The Royal Oak
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Emily's Steakhouse
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Carnero Lounge
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The Dining Room
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Darleys Restaurant & Terrace
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La Rock Restaurant
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Dovecote Restaurant
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The Tasting Club Restaurant
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The Windmill Inn
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The Restaurant at Horsley
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Shop
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Park Farm Shopping Centre
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- National Park
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
