Accessibility at Calke
Discover the accessibility features at Calke, including our pre-bookable trampers, quiet spaces and Changing Places toilet. The historic house and gardens, sitting within a 1,000 hectare estate, present challenges in creating access for all, but we are taking steps to ensure that as many people as possible can explore Calke. Read more to discover how you can get the most from your visit.
Arrival and parking
- There is a park admission point on the main drive, 0.5 miles from the entrance at Ticknall. At this point, staff will scan National Trust membership cards or take admission for visitors to the park and garden. A separate ticket is available from the main Ticket Office for the House.
- There are two car parks at Calke. The first is located at Calke Explore, 0.3 miles beyond the park admission point at Middle Lodge. There are 10 accessible spaces adjacent to the main facilities.
- The main car park is located near the Stableyards. There are 22 accessible spaces adjacent to the Ticket Office, and a further 10 spaces available for people with limited mobility.
- At peak times and for large events, overflow car parking will be used. Car park attendants are on duty at peak times and will assist you if you need blue badge parking near to the Ticket Office.
Moving around the site
- There is a daily buggy service from 10am to 5pm (March to October), to take visitors between the Ticket Office, House and Gardens.
- There are two buggies available, and one can transport visitors in wheelchairs.
- Powered mobility vehicles cannot be taken on the buggy.
- Wheelchairs and trampers (personal mobility vehicles) are available to borrow from the Ticket Office. Pre-booking is strongly recommended, by calling 01332 863822.
- There are several way-marked routes around the parkland, which are mostly uneven. There are several slopes throughout the estate, some of which are steep.
- The Tramway Trail is a figure of eight route suitable for walkers, cyclists and mobility vehicles. It is between 3.7 and 6.3 miles long depending on the route taken. The route can be accessed from the car park at Calke Explore.
- There are a number of benches and rest 'perch' benches around the parkland and gardens.
- There are information boards at both Calke Explore and the Ticket Office, which include a map of the estate and a summary of the way-marked walks. There are no printed leaflets, but A4 copies of the map are available to borrow from the Ticket Office. Maps of the parkland, gardens and Tramway Trail can also be downloaded from the website in advance.
Moving around the House
- Assistance animals are welcome in the House.
- There is limited phone signal and no public wifi in the House.
- A virtual tour is available at the Entrance Hall.
- A portable induction loop is available on request.
- Light levels are low inside some areas of the House for conservation reasons.
- The House is quietest at the beginning and end of the day.
- A bag store is available at the west side of the House and includes lockers. Visitors are asked to leave larger bags here to help protect the historic interiors or collections. Please speak to a volunteer if you need to keep your bag on your person as you explore the House.
- The ground floor of the house is accessible to wheelchair users. This includes the Entrance Hall, Waiting Room, Lobby and Caricature Room. The Kitchen, Servants' passage and tunnels can be accessed on request.
- Access to the first floor is via the main staircase, which has 26 wide, shallow steps. There is a further, narrower staircase to access the second floor.
- There are wheelchairs available to borrow, on both the ground and first floors, as well as metal walking sticks with adjustable heights.
- Seating is available in all rooms, as a mix of wooden chairs with arms and window seats. Volunteers are on hand to assist with any requests for seating.
- On the second floor, there is a sensory room that includes a black out tent, weighted blankets and sensory toys. Visitors should speak to a volunteer to use this space.
Facilities
- At the main site, there is a disabled toilet and a separate baby changing room. Both are located in the Stableyards, near the entrance to the Restaurant and Shop. There is also an accessible toilet with a drop-down baby changing table in the Garden.
- At Calke Explore, there is a disabled toilet and a Changing Places facility. A baby changing table is also in the disabled toilet.
- In all of the Food & Beverage outlets, there are large-handled cutlery and crockery, and straws.
- There are induction loops at all till points.
- Large print and Braille guides are available for all areas at Calke, and can be borrowed from the Ticket Office.
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Trail
The Tramway Trail at Calke Abbey
The Tramway Trail at Calke Abbey is an accessible, multi-use trail with a figure-of-eight route, so you can explore the wider estate at your own pace.