Calke

Settlement in Derbyshire South Derbyshire

England

Calke

Calke is a small village located in the county of Derbyshire, England. Situated within the National Forest, it lies approximately eight miles south of the city of Derby. Calke is known for its picturesque countryside, charming cottages, and historical significance.

The village is most famous for being home to Calke Abbey, a stately home that dates back to the 18th century. Calke Abbey is a Grade I listed building and is renowned for its unique state of preservation, presenting a snapshot of a decaying country house. It offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Harpur-Crewe family, who resided there for over 300 years. The extensive gardens and parkland surrounding the abbey provide opportunities for leisurely walks and picnics.

In addition to the abbey, Calke boasts an array of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The National Forest offers ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, with its diverse flora and fauna. The nearby Staunton Harold Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and sailing, attracting water sports enthusiasts.

The village itself is small but charming, with a selection of local shops, pubs, and cafes catering to visitors and residents alike. It maintains a peaceful and rural atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway.

Overall, Calke is a delightful village that combines history, natural beauty, and a sense of tranquility. Whether exploring the grandeur of Calke Abbey or immersing oneself in the idyllic countryside, visitors are sure to find something to captivate them in this charming Derbyshire village.

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Calke Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.794136/-1.448814 or Grid Reference SK3721. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Calke Abbey

AJD

Bluebells at Calke Park

The Bluebells this year are very good. There are lots is several areas of Calke Park.

Malcolm Neal

Bluebells at Calke Park

A closeup of the flowers shown in SK3522 : Bluebells at Calke Park at Calke Park. This is a National Trust property. When we arrived quite early there were about 12 cars in the main car park. After our walk the car park was full and the overflow car park was filling up.

Malcolm Neal

The view from the entrance

Looking out from Calke Abbey towards the gardens which are up the hill and to the left.

Malcolm Neal

The court yard at Calke

Not originally entirely enclosed but according to the guide different sides were built in different centuries.

Malcolm Neal

Seventeenth century arches

This is the oldest part of the court yard at Calke Abbey.

Malcolm Neal

Out buildings at Calke Abbey

These are stables and other out buildings at Calke.

Malcolm Neal

The garden at Calke

This is the ornamental garden at Calke. To the left and over the wall is the vegetable garden which, to me, is far more impressive.

Malcolm Neal

The ornamental garden

A view in the opposite direction from SK3722 : The garden at Calke.

Malcolm Neal

The vegetable garden at Calke

A very extensive and well tended garden, with a huge variety of different garden vegetables and fruit on show.

Malcolm Neal

The lavender path

With the lavender in full flower there were a lot of insects around including a Humming Bird Hawk Moth which is quite a rare insect.

Malcolm Neal

Fallow Deer at Calke

There were two small groups of Fallow Deer. This one with them all sitting down, the other group were all standing.

Malcolm Neal

Fallow Deer at Calke

There were two small groups of Fallow Deer. This one with them all standing grazing, the other group were all sitting in shade.

Malcolm Neal

The Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold

The former stable block of Staunton Harold Hall now hosts a variety of craft shops, studios, and a café.

David Robinson

Staunton Harold Hall (Rear)

Grade I listed country house, current form from a rebuild in 1763. The house was built by the Shirley family, the Earls Ferrers, and remained in the family until 1955. Subsequently a care home, the house returned to private ownership as a family home in 2003. The grounds are open to the public (except for a private family area) and contain a grade I listed C17th church.

David Robinson