Visiting Calke Abbey from Burton upon Trent | Travel Guide

Discover Calke Abbey: The Un-Stately Home

Tucked away near the village of Ticknall on the edge of the National Forest, Calke Abbey stands out among National Trust properties. Unlike many grand country estates restored to sparkling period perfection, Calke Abbey tells a very different story. Known famously as 'the unstately home', this sprawling Baroque mansion was handed over to the National Trust in 1985 in an advanced state of decay. Rather than undertaking an extensive restoration, the decision was made to preserve the house exactly as found, creating an evocative time capsule of a reclusive family and an era slipping away.

For visitors staying in Burton upon Trent, Calke Abbey makes for a rewarding day excursion. Located roughly ten miles east of the town centre, the estate can be reached in approximately twenty minutes by car, making it an effortless addition to any itinerary in Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.

What to See at Calke Abbey

A day trip to Calke Abbey provides a fascinating blend of architectural intrigue, quirky natural history collections, and picturesque walking routes. Here is what you can look forward to exploring during your visit:

• The House Preserved in Decline: Wander through rooms frozen in time. Peeling wallpaper, faded fabrics, and stacks of abandoned books and personal belongings paint a vivid picture of the eccentric Harpur-Crewe family, who withdrew from high society and hoarded vast collections of taxidermy, geological specimens, and household ephemera.
• The State Bed: Don't miss the remarkably preserved 18th-century silk embroidery state bed, which spent centuries packed away in chests and retains vivid colours that defy its age.
• Walled Gardens and Auricula Theatre: Stroll through the historic walled gardens, complete with a restored orangery, kitchen gardens, and the rare 19th-century Auricula theatre, built specifically to display potted primula blooms.
• Ancient Parkland and Deer Park: Calke's wider estate spans over 600 acres of wood pasture and parkland, home to red and fallow deer herds and ancient oak trees, some of which are believed to be up to 1,200 years old.
• Walking and Cycling Trails: Follow waymarked trails that meander around ponds, through woodlands, and connect with the nearby Staunton Harold Reservoir.

Getting to Calke Abbey from Burton upon Trent

Reaching Calke Abbey from Three Queens Hotel is straightforward. From our location on Bridge Street, head east towards Ashby-de-la-Zouch via the A511 or take the scenic rural lanes passing through Newton Solney, Repton, and Ticknall. The drive takes around twenty to twenty-five minutes through charming countryside.

Upon arrival at the estate, National Trust members can park for free, while non-members pay a site admission fee that covers parking and grounds access. If you plan to visit the main house, it is advisable to check opening times in advance, as house entry is occasionally managed with timed tickets during peak seasons.

Dining Options in Burton upon Trent

After a full day wandering the woodlands and draughty corridors of Calke Abbey, you will likely return to Burton with a hearty appetite. While the hotel does not provide food or drink on site, our location on Bridge Street places you just a five-minute walk from the heart of Burton upon Trent.

As the historic brewing capital of the world, Burton is home to an outstanding selection of traditional pubs, historic taverns, craft ale brewhouses, and international restaurants. Whether you are looking for classic pub fare, a freshly baked pizza, an authentic curry, or contemporary British cuisine, you will find plenty of independent eateries and dining spots within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Your Comfortable Base: Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

When planning your trip to Calke Abbey and the surrounding countryside, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge provides practical, welcoming accommodation. Located close to the A38 corridor and just one mile from Burton railway station, our hotel makes regional travel simple.

We offer 62 well-appointed bedrooms tailored to every type of traveller. Browse our wide range of comfortable rooms, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, as well as our spacious Mews Apartment and a classic four-poster Suite. Please note that the hotel is arranged over multiple floors accessible by stairs only.

Every guest room features:

• An en-suite private bathroom with complimentary toiletries
• Tea and coffee making facilities to help you refresh at any time
• A flat-screen television with Freeview and digital radio
• A direct dial telephone and hair dryer
• Complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout your stay

Guests travelling by car benefit from our secure, free on-site parking, removing the hassle of finding town centre spaces after a long day of sightseeing. Our reception desk is open daily from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, supported by an overnight night porter between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am to assist with late arrivals or early departures. We also provide daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service for added convenience during longer stays.

Plan Your Derbyshire and Staffordshire Getaway

Whether you are visiting Calke Abbey for its storied architecture, taking in peaceful woodland walks, or exploring the wider National Forest area, Three Queens Hotel provides a quiet and convenient place to rest your head. Ready to arrange your stay? Book your room online today or reach out to our team at 01283 523800 or via email at frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk.

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