Disclosure: We were invited to explore Calke Explore by the National Trust. We received free entry, a goody bag and a voucher for lunch however all opinions are my own.
If you read this blog regularly or follow us on social media then you will know that one of our favourite National Trust properties is Calke Abbey so we were very excited to go and explore the newly opened outdoor hub… Calke Explore. Calke Explore is a brilliant new addition to Calke Abbey making it even better for families who are wanting to spend more time outdoors.
You will find new facilities including a car park, toilet facilities, a Changing Places toilet and a Food and Beverage kiosk as well as a play area, the Tramway Trail and lots of parkland to enjoy. We headed to Calke Explore on a wet September day and even though we got a bit wet, we had a great time. If you are a National Trust member then entry to the park is free otherwise standard family entry is £10.50.
We were lucky enough to be given a voucher for lunch so we all enjoyed their delicious toasties while Bugs enjoyed one of the fab kid’s 5 item lunch boxes. The food was really good, perfect for a quick lunch before exploring.
There is plenty of outdoor seating available near the food and beverage kiosk.
Calke Explore is just a small part of Calke Abbey.
The whole family enjoyed the new play area at Calke Explore. Lots of climbing and balancing to be done.
There is even a human sized badger set which I think was the highlight for all the kids there!
The badger carved in to the tree trunk was just incredible.
Bugs liked exploring the parklands, he said it was just like being in the jungle 🙂
The Tramway Trail is perfect for walkers and cyclists to enjoy. The shortest distance that you can go is 2.7 miles and the longest is 6.3 miles so it makes a really great place for a family cycle.
We enjoyed a walk on The Tramway Trail this time but will be taking the bikes next time we go.
A bit of rain never stops us!
Whatever the weather there is always time to stop for an ice cream 🙂
There is still work being done at Calke Explore so make sure you check out the website for more information if you are planning on visiting soon! We will definitely be back again soon to explore more and see how it is getting on. Calke Explore is a fantastic addition to our favourite National Trust property 🙂
Take a look at our travel blog if you’d like to see more of our National Trust adventures.
8 Comments
We are big national trust fans here too. I’ve not visited Calke yet however have had lots of recommendations so will be adding it to our list. I always love a NT lunch, they do the best tea and cake don’t they!
Oh how cool, looks like you all had a great time. A fab way to enjoy the outdoors that is for sure xx
It looks really lovely there! I must visit another National Trust property soon, especially with all the changing colours of Autumn!
Oh how lovely! We love the national trust sites, we have been to so many over the years but never heard of this one! Its definitely one to visit if we are in the area!
Oh wow this place looks amazing. My daughter would love to explore lots of adventures in this little place. Brilliant photos.
This looks like such a great place to explore. The food doesn’t look expensive either!
We loved Calke when we visited earlier this year but this looks fantastic, glad we now have an excuse to go back!
Oh wow, Calke Explore sounds like a really lovely place to visit. It does sound like a lovely way to get the kids outside exploring and having fun. Mine would probably go hunting for bugs.