Staunton Harold Reservoir, created in 1964, plays a vital role in supplying water to communities in Leicester and the East Midlands. Managed by Severn Trent and the National Trust, this 209-acre reservoir evolved from one of Calke Abbey’s six ponds. The reservoir offers picturesque walks, ideal for leisurely strolls or more energetic hikes to Calke … Read more
The Smithy in Calke Abbey offers a glimpse into the estate’s working past. Once needed to keep farm equipment, tools, and horseshoes in good repair, the ancient forge is fitted out with original bellows, an anvil, and a much-worked hearth. Look inside and imagine the smell, noise, and sensation of the blacksmith’s work, where iron … Read more
Calke Abbey’s Deer Park, a sprawling historic landscape, offers a captivating journey into nature. Home to herds of red and fallow deer, it provides a glimpse into a traditional parkland setting. Ancient trees dot the landscape, creating a haven for wildlife. Visitors can explore the walking trail around the deer park witnessing seasonal changes and … Read more
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, 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
Serpentine Wood, nestled within Calke Abbey’s vast Deer Park, offers a captivating natural experience. Wander through ancient woodlands, particularly stunning during spring’s bluebell bloom. The Deer Park, home to red and fallow deer, provides a glimpse into a historic landscape. Observe these magnificent animals within their natural habitat. Explore diverse trails, encountering veteran trees and … Read more
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