Staunton Harold, its Ponds and Church of the Holy Trinity

Staunton Harold Hall Fish Pond

The Fish Pond at Staunton Harold The Fish Pond on Staunton Harold Estate offered a beautiful composition on this particular Sunday afternoon. The soft winter light created an almost mirror-like reflection of the surrounding trees on the water’s surface. The subtle colours and textures of the landscape, along with the human element of the walkers … Read more

Calke Abbey in Early Spring

Calke Abbey in the Early Spring Sunshine

Calke Abbey, a National Trust gem in Ticknall, Derbyshire, offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. This ‘un-stately home’ is preserved as found, showcasing the fascinating decline of a country estate. Explore its unrestored rooms, discover hidden collections, and wander through its beautiful, yet faded, walled gardens and orangery. With its vast parkland, Calke … Read more

Autumn in Ticknall

Ticknall Village Hall Gardens in Autumn

Ticknall, nestled in South Derbyshire, is a village steeped in history. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it flourished as an estate village serving Calke Abbey. Its past is rich with industry, from lime quarries to potteries, leaving a legacy of heritage. Today, Ticknall offers a peaceful retreat with its historic architecture and scenic surroundings. Visitors … Read more

Melbourne Hall and Pool

Melbourne Pool and Melbourne Parish Church

Melbourne Pool Melbourne Pool, dating back to 1845, is a picturesque mill pool landscaped for Lord Melbourne. Overlooking Melbourne Hall, this 20-acre pool offers scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. It is a place to feed the ducks, admire the scenery, and enjoy the historic setting. The pool provides a beautiful foreground to Melbourne Hall … Read more

Ghosts at Calke Abbey?

Ghosts in the Stables at Calke Abbey?

Calke Abbey, steeped in centuries of history, holds an atmosphere that many find profoundly evocative. Within its preserved, time-worn walls and sprawling grounds, visitors have reported a sense of lingering presence. Feelings of unease, unexplained sounds, and even sightings of shadowy figures contribute to the abbey’s reputation as a place where the past seems unusually … Read more