Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire DE73 7LE
(Note this postcode is for Calke Abbey not the Bunkhouse)

Bunkhouse on left (where volunteers are heading). Warden’s house on right.

1. From the A42 exit onto the A511 towards Ashby de la Zouch.
2. Continue past several roundabouts and then at one take the B5006 to Ticknall.
3. At Ticknall turn right through village and turn right into Calke Abbey.
4. Follow signs for Calke Abbey and proceed along the one way system for nearly 2 miles. Involves speed restrictions and changes of direction, especially near the House., where you turn right towards exit, avoiding car park.
5. Continue past the estate church on a small hill.
6. Home Farm is accessed via a triangular junction just after cattle grid, before you leave the park.
7. Notice a duck pond on the right and further on the right is the basecamp.
8. Park in front of the opposite stable building block.
9. Note: When the park is shut (at dusk or earlier in summer) you will need access code for gate. The leader should give this to you. Access is more direct from Calke village (LE65 1RR), but is not signposted, and you will drive the wrong way along the one way system for a short while. Only use in late evening when public have left, and will need access code for gate.

The basecamp has been established in the former redundant brick built dairy, attached to the estate Home Farm. The farm is occupied by the Head Warden and his family. What’s now a fully functional kitchen has iron hooks in the beams overhead that were once used for hanging food for the house, in front of the large inglenook fireplace where visitors now sit to eat.  An original iron range graces the lounge too, and a pair of original coppers sit unused in the drying room next door – this building really is a museum piece that few people get to see.
In spite of a wealth of original features, the refurbishment has been carried out to a high standard, with the two main dormitories on the upper floor. A small cosy lounge is also provided, plus a separate drying room. The kitchen / dining room features twin cookers and a fridge freezer. There is electric heating throughout for those colder nights.