Things to do in the house at Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey: the 'un-stately' home 

Built on the site of a former priory, Calke Abbey was sold to the Harpur family in the early 17th century, who extended and developed the house over several generations. Sir Henry Harpur, 7th Baronet, also expanded the lime works, a decision that brought him great wealth. The house stayed with the Harpur-Crewes until the National Trust began caring for it in 1985. 

By 1985, many of its rooms had been abandoned for decades and were in a state of decay. We've decided to preserve these rooms as they were found, vividly demonstrating how country houses like Calke Abbey fell into decline.

Visiting the house is journey from grandeur to abandonment. Experience state rooms, peeling wallpaper and vast collections of strange and unique objects – presented and preserved exactly as we found them.

Explore the rooms at Calke Abbey

You'll begin your journey the Entrance Hall and explore the 'stately' rooms at the front of the house, including the Dining Room, the Library and the Saloon, where you'll find plenty of taxidermy, an impressive book collection and grand paintings.

As you make your way towards the servants' quarters, experience a sense of abandonment in the School Room and Sir Vauncey's childhood bedroom, where a great number of belongings were stored, and simply left.

Wandering through the house, you'll discover deep and complex stories of the family who amassed a huge collection of treasures, and who shaped the Calke you see today. Why not speak to a Room Guide to learn more of Calke's secrets?

The Museum Room

Step into the past inside the Museum Room and discover the story of Alice Pearse, a nurserymaid and nanny to Hilda, Winnifred, Richard, Frances, Airmyne, Charles, and Henry, throughout her time at Calke.

Admire collection items not normally on display and unravel Alice’s close connection to the Harpur Crewe family.

Nature's Home

2024 marks 100 years since the death of Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe, 10th Baronet. Known for a keen interest in nature and wildlife, Vauncey’s legacy stands testament to this in Calke Abbey’s collection. 

Through a series of conversations, stories, and events, we’ll be celebrating and exploring nature, indoors and out. 

Take a look below to see upcoming Nature’s Home events. We look forward to you joining us. 

Bird of the Month

Discover the fascinating world of birds through the Bird of the Month display in the Yellow Room. Revisit every month to admire a different specimen from Calke’s extensive collection up-close.

Meet the Taxidermist

Intrigued by Calke's taxidermy collection? Join Sarah Burhouse from Birdhouse Taxidermy, as she demonstrates the process of wiring a specimen into position, adding false eyes, sewing up, posing and feathering in Calke’s striking Saloon.

The tunnels

The tunnels are included in park and garden admission, which is free for members. Enter via the west door to begin your experience in Calke’s twisting tunnels.  

Created as an invisible passage between the brewhouse and the cellar, the tunnels were the perfect way for servants to transport beer barrels without being seen. Venture underground and walk in their footsteps – you can almost hear the clinking bottles and wooden barrels rolling over the bricks.

Emerge into the brewhouse, and admire large mash tuns, which produced copious galloons of beer and ale.

Blossom tunnels

The tunnels have been decked for spring, with handmade blooms mirroring nature's transformation. Visit between 1 March – 30 April to take in the show.