Calke Abbey is nestled in the the quaint village of Ticknall just 4 miles away from the main town of Swadlincote.  It was owned many years ago by Harpur family until it was given to the National Trust in 1985 in lieu of death duties.   It was built circa 1701/1702.  It is a fantastic place to visit with it’s hugely popular underground tunnel.  One thing that will clearly be seen is a beautiful house demonstrating the decline in country mansions and is referred to as ‘the un-stately home’ but is definitely one house to take a peek around (there’ll be a separate blog on this).  There are also lots of events there during the year with a little something for everyone.

It boasts a great wildlife conservation area housing Red and Fallow deer and is popular too with a large array of birds who love the feeding station just situated in the compound viewable by a hide. Woodpeckers are frequent visitors as a Goldfinches, squirrels and the fox.   By all accounts it is a very popular place with the public for those wanting walks, to explore or like me, to just get away from it all.

So Why do I love Calke Abbey?

Easy really, it’s one place I can escape too that isn’t miles away from home as it is pretty much on my doorstep.  Once there I can think, take a walk, sit in the hide or go around the gardens when they are open as I usually go early evening when the house and gardens are closed.  This park is just wonderful and I love walking around it. never tiring of it’s views.  I generally always take a camera as I never know what I’m going to see.  I love the deer here. It’s just a really interesting place for me anytime of the year!

So here is a selection of photos I took on my last visit.  There are a few rutting ones as it’s Deer Rutting Season right now.