Last weekend we visited National Trust property Calke Abbey and had an absolutely fantastic day out. We only live about visited before when we had National Trust membership. It is a beautiful place to visit and I would highly recommend it. There is always lots going on at Calke Abbey especially during the summer holidays. The kids will definitely not be bored.
This visit is the first time we have used the restaurant at Calke Abbey and the food was absolutely delicious! I had sausages and mash, which you can see in the collage above and it was amazing, J had mackerel salad which he said was light, fresh and delicious. The kids enjoyed getting a pail and choosing their lunch from a section of lunch box items for £3.50. I can’t not mention the fresh cream and jam scones either as they were heavenly!!
They also sell those most amazing ice cream at Calke Abbey, if you live around Derby area you may have heard of Bluebell’s Dairy – if not you need to try it. We are very lucky that our local park sells it too!! Yum!!
As well as a restaurant Calke Abbey also has a cafe and a barbecue selling burgers etc at lunch time too. So there is lots of delicious food to choose from. There is also a really nice gift shop selling lots of lovely toys, gifts and some food products too. I can never go home without visiting the shop 😉
The kids favourite part of our day out was The Garden of Imagination, which is full of things for the kids to explore, you can dress a scarecrow, explore the giant beehive, play the drums, make natural art in the meadow or just sit in one of the deck chairs and watch the tall grass blowing in the breeze. It is such a wonderful place and the kids would have spent all day there if they could.
We also went round the house for the first time, the kids were given treasure hunts to do which kept them busy so Mum & Dad could have a good look round. It is a very interesting property filled with hundreds of stuffed animals and other treasures. I could have spent hours just wandering around taking in everything.
Also at Calke Abbey during the summer is Calke Explore which is a woodland adventure, we didn’t get to visit this as we didn’t realise it was there on the way in but I have heard from friends that it is a must visit! So if you are visiting Calke Abbey this summer make sure you stop of at Calke Explore first as it is on your way in just after you pay to enter the grounds
My favourite part of our visit is when J and the kids were kite flying, I got to sit on the grass and watch them and take it the beautiful scenery. It was a gorgeous, warm and breezy day and I felt so happy and relaxed. We can’t wait to go back and do it all over again
Kite Flying, bug hunting, bird watching, tree climbing, drum playing, tree hugging, scarecrow dressing, treasure hunt and the list goes on! Such a fab day out!
* We received free entry, a lunch voucher and a goody bag for the kids – all words and thoughts are my own and completely honest.
Oh wow what a wonderful looking place to spend some time, beautiful photographs.
Sarah Bailey recently posted..The impact behind texting while driving.
We are NT members and adore exploring their properties and everything they have to offer. It does look very beautiful here, shame its so far away for us
Kara recently posted..Silent Sunday – 9th August 2015
We’ve visited there with the in-laws, but I think the house was shut up for the winter. Time for a return visit.
Erica Price recently posted..Three Places To Enjoy In Birmingham
It sounds and looks like a lovely place to visit. Gorgeous photos x
mama syder recently posted..Camp Bestival 2015 Review
I love National Trust properties, this one looks amazing and beautiful! What great fun!
I love National Trust properties, but we only really have one within an hours frive of us. It sounds like tou had a great time
Oh it sounds wonderful at Calke Abbey. We’re huge fans of the National Trust and are lucky to have loads of places to visit in Surrey. Craving a bit of NT action at the moment to be honest, must get outdoors for a wander! x
Charly Dove recently posted..Matcha Green Tea Powder | Tasty cocktails
What lovely photos, this looks like a brilliant day out. We are huge NT fans too and have visited Calke Abbey as I remember all the stuffed animals! The Garden of Imagination sounds fab we will have to go to see this. x
Louise Edwards recently posted..Let’s go fly a kite (and other cool stuff!) #education @nationaltrust @ntclumberpark #loveclumber #50things #summer
It looks a lovely place, I so wish I had little ones to visit. I love seeing the world through their eyes, stroppy teenagers are such fun xx
Sara recently posted..The real cheats?
Sounds like an amazing day out and we intend to visit shortly. Live the kite photos Sis xx
Cathy Glynn recently posted..Black Forest Muffins
This looks a really wonderful place to go for a day out – with lots to do and explore and great food too. The Garden of Imagination sounds particularly special.
Sarah Ebner recently posted..Playing Games at The National Video Game Arcade!
National Trust properties make a brilliant day out with kids. We became members when my daughter was a toddler… But it has lapsed in recent years! Must get back into it!
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill recently posted..Street Style Mums: Vicki Psarias-Broadbent