Exploring the estate at Calke Abbey

Image shows two visitors walking on a path near a tree through the estate. The ground and tree is covered with frost. — Visitors exploring the estate | © Chris Lacey

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.

Winter in the parkland

Wrap up warm and explore Calke’s historic parkland on a winter walk. Discover ancient trees, listen out for wildlife and enjoy the cool, crisp air.

Winter walks

Pull on a woolly hat, lace up your walking boots and explore Calke’s inspiring parkland this winter. Download the property map and follow the waymarked walks or step off the beaten track to carve your own route through the estate.

The Tramway Trail is suitable all year round, offering fantastic views of woodland, pasture, and parts of the historic horse-drawn Tramway.

Property map

Landscape image of a tree in the winter on a frosty morning — Stretch your legs this winter | © National Trust/Chris Lacey

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

Winter wildlife

Even in winter, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot as you explore the expansive estate.

Bird spotting

The bird hides at the far end of the car park and Calke Explore are at their busiest during winter, with many birds eating to maintain their fat reserves.

Spot redwings, fieldfares, siskins and bramblings up-close, as they appear by the feeders for a morning snack.

A close-up of two birds eating at a bird feeder — Get closer to nature this winter | © National Trust/Gillian Day

Visit the Deer Park

A National Nature Reserve in itself, Calke’s 67-acre Deer Park is home to a herd of red and fallow deer.

Relax on a bench in the corner of the main car park to observe the herd or take a walk around the purple route. The stags look particularly stunning at this time of year, with handsome neck manes and thick winter coats.

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 adults and a child cycling in parkland at Calke Abbey — Family cycling in parkland at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Find out more about cycling

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