Visiting Calke Abbey from Burton upon Trent: Guide

Discovering Calke Abbey: The Un-Stately Home

Located just a short drive from Burton upon Trent, Calke Abbey stands as one of the most intriguing and atmospheric National Trust properties in the United Kingdom. Unlike the immaculately restored stately homes that dot the English countryside, Calke Abbey tells a very different story. Preserved in the condition in which the National Trust acquired it in 1985, this Grade I listed country house in Ticknall, Derbyshire, offers visitors a rare, authentic glimpse into the slow, dramatic decline of an aristocratic family estate.

For travellers based in Staffordshire or Derbyshire, visiting Calke Abbey makes for a memorable and rewarding day out. When planning your excursion, the Three Queens Hotel in Burton upon Trent provides a comfortable, convenient base located within easy driving distance of the estate.

What Makes Calke Abbey Unique?

Rather than restoring the property to a specific golden age, the National Trust took the pioneering decision to preserve Calke Abbey in decline. As you walk through its echoing halls and dimly lit rooms, you will witness faded grandeur, peeling wallpaper, abandoned furniture, and vast collections accumulated over generations by the eccentric Harpur-Crewe family.

Key highlights inside the mansion include:

• The Natural History Collection: Sir Vauncey Harpur-Crewe was a passionate collector, leaving behind rooms packed with thousands of preserved bird specimens, minerals, shells, and taxidermy displays.
• The State Bed: Hidden away for decades in packing crates, this remarkably preserved 18th-century silk embroidery state bed is one of the grandest surviving examples of its kind in Britain.
• The Abandoned Rooms: Peep into rooms left untouched, where stacks of old books, abandoned toys, and covered furniture create a tangible sense of suspended time.

Exploring the Parklands and Walled Gardens

Calke Abbey is set within a sprawling 600-acre historic estate, featuring an ancient deer park, centuries-old oak trees, and picturesque walking trails. Whether you are an avid walker, a nature photographer, or simply looking for fresh air, the grounds offer plenty to discover.

Some of the estate's finest outdoor features include:

• The Ancient Trees: The park is home to some of Europe's oldest oak trees, including the famous 'Old Man of Calke', believed to be over 1,000 years old.
• The Walled Kitchen Gardens: Explore the restored Georgian orangery, the working kitchen gardens, the auricula theatre, and the rare surviving 18th-century deer shelter.
• Calke Explore: A dedicated outdoor hub featuring natural play areas, cycling routes, and extensive trails through native woodlands and pasture.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes open for the red and fallow deer herds grazing in the park, as well as woodpeckers, buzzards, and rare woodland fungi.

How to Reach Calke Abbey from Burton upon Trent

Calke Abbey is located approximately 9 miles east of Burton upon Trent, making it exceptionally easy to visit during a weekend getaway or mid-week break.

• By Car: The drive takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. From Burton town centre, follow the A511 east towards Ashby-de-la-Zouch, before taking the B5006 north towards Ticknall. Clear brown tourist signs will guide you directly to the estate entrance (DE73 7LE).
• By Bus: Local bus services connect Burton upon Trent and nearby Swadlincote with the village of Ticknall, from where the pedestrian entrance to the estate is a short stroll away.

Dining in Burton and Around Ticknall

After spending a full morning or afternoon wandering through the estate, you will find plenty of great spots to eat. The picturesque village of Ticknall features traditional country pubs offering hearty lunches and local ales. Alternatively, you can head back into Burton upon Trent town centre, just a 5-minute walk from the Three Queens Hotel, where you will find an extensive variety of independent eateries, modern bistros, classic pubs, and international restaurants.

Your Comfortable Base at Three Queens Hotel

When you are looking for comfortable accommodation near Calke Abbey, the Three Queens Hotel on Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent is an ideal choice. Situated along the convenient A38 corridor and just one mile from Burton train station, our hotel makes travelling across Staffordshire and Derbyshire effortless.

We offer 62 well-appointed rooms suited for every kind of traveller, from solo visitors and couples to families and groups. Our room choices include Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, Quadruple, a Mews Apartment, and an elegant four-poster Suite. Take a look at our full selection of hotel rooms in Burton upon Trent to find the right space for your stay.

Every room is en-suite with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and a direct dial phone. Guests also benefit from:

• Free on-site parking (perfect for leaving the car when walking into town or returning from a day at Calke Abbey)
• Free high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel
• Daily housekeeping services
• 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service
• Reception staffed from 8am to 10pm, with a dedicated night porter available from 10pm to 8am

Ready to explore the fascinating history of Calke Abbey and the surrounding National Forest? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel today to secure the best rates direct.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.