Silk, Stitches and Status at Calke Abbey
Overview
Another in our series of National Trust property visits.
Join us for a fascinating glimpse into Calke’s hidden wardrobe! This brand new tour will take you beyond the seams of their collection revealing rarely seen garments. From elegant gowns with intricate embroidery that once displayed wealth, to servants' uniforms, each one is stitched with history and the stories of those who wore them.
This public tour will take you across all three floors of the House, exploring the lives of the family, staff and the world around Calke through the clothing worn and collected - much of which has never been on display before.
Wrap up warm, step inside and explore a world of fashion, fabric and family history. After our tour, we will visit Calke Abbey Cafe where we can enjoy a well earned cuppa and cake.
Entry is free if you are a National Trust member. Please make sure that you book the correct ticket type and if you have a National Trust card you will need to bring it with you on the day.
Includes
- Entrance to Calke Abbey
- Guided Tour
- A small admin fee
- A warm welcome from your Spice Volunteer Coordinator
Extras
- Any purchases from the shop or cafe after our tour
About Calke Abbey: Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, is a remarkable social document reflecting three centuries of country house life. Owned by the Harpur (later Harpur Crewe) family from 1622, each generation left their mark on its buildings, garden and park. Repaired, but not fully restored by the National Trust, the house and its substantial collection offer an evocative encounter with Calke's past.
With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. The house and stables are little restored, with many abandoned areas vividly portraying a period in the 20th century when numerous country houses did not survive to tell their story.
Discover powerful stories of a family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures. Visit the beautiful, yet faded walled gardens and explore the orangery, auricula theatre and the kitchen gardens. Escape into the ancient and fragile habitats of Calke Park and its National Nature Reserve.
Location & Itinerary
Tours access the second floor of the House via four flights of stairs, though not all in one go.
Seating is available along the route.
Light levels may be lower than usual, and temperatures can be cold.
By Road: Calke Abbey is on the A514 at Ticknall between Swadlincote and Melbourne. Access from M42/A42 exit 13 and A50 Derby South. Entry via Ticknall main entrance only.
Sat Nav: If using SatNav please use postcode DE73 7JF
By tbrain: Nearest stations are Derby - 9½ miles or Burton-on-Trent - 10 miles
By bus: From Burton-upon-Trent (High Street): Midland Classic to Swadlincote Bus Station (Routes 4, 9, 19) and then Arriva (Route 2) and alight at Ticknall (Calke Abbey Entrance). From Derby Bus Station: Arriva (Route 2) and alight at Ticknall (Calke Abbey Entrance). From the entrance, it's a 1½ mile walk through the park.
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Member National Trust Cardholder | £2.00 | Available |
| Member without NT Card | £15.00 | Available |
| Guest National Trust Cardholder | £4.00 | Available |
| Guest without NT Card | £17.00 | Available |
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Host & Everything Else
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