Serpentine Wood and the Deer Park at Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey Deer Park in December

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

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

Weird and Wonderful Trees at Calke Abbey

This ancient, weathered tree trunk has naturally formed shapes that resemble two creatures.

Ancient trees, with their gnarled bark and twisting branches, often invite pareidolia. We see faces, figures, and creatures within their forms, a testament to our brain’s pattern-seeking nature. These veteran trees, witnesses to centuries, become canvases for our imaginations. In woodlands, each knot and burl can transform into a story, blending natural history with the … 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

Ticknall Scarecrow Festival 2009

Homer Simpson Ticknall Scarecrow Festival 2009

Ticknall, a charming village nestled in Derbyshire, England. It is renowned for its vibrant Scarecrow Festival. Each year, the village transforms into a whimsical wonderland, with many creatively crafted scarecrows adorning gardens, fields, and even rooftops. This unique community event attracts visitors from far and wide. They come to celebrate creativity, local talent, and the … Read more