Our beautiful county of Derbyshire is filled with pretty places, stunning spaces that make great visits out, especially on a warm summer’s day.
One such place that is not on many people’s radar is Ticknall.
Quirky name aside, Ticknall is a South Derbyshire village just 12 miles and 30 minutes away from Derby city centre.
The characterful village set in an unspoilt country location has a rich history.
Ticknall had a flourishing pottery industry for two hundred years, from approximately 1500 to 1700.
Competition from neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent was the final nail in the coffin on the Ticknall pottery industry that was already on its knees.
The final Ticknall pottery shuttered in the late 1800s.
Today, if you spot any pottery emblazoned with Ticknall Ware you could own a slice of Derbyshire history.
As well as offering jaw-dropping views across Derbyshire, quirky Ticknall boasts an enchanting fairytale country home with a twist.
Calke Abbey is a striking National Trust country house estate set among 600 acres of countryside and lush greenery.
A day out at Calke Abbey will undoubtedly be like no other thanks to the fascinating heritage of the building.
Step foot in Calke Abbey and you will feel magically transported back in time.
Unlike your usual grand country house that has been lavishly decorated, Calke Abbey’s elegant decline means peeling paintwork and crumbling plaster sits comfortably next to rooms that have had the 21st century treatment.
It can often feel as if you are in the ancient castle of Beauty & The Beast where time has stood still in the 18th century fairytale by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.
Great pains have been taken to preserve the past.
This is evidenced by personal family belongings lying in rooms as if inhabitants had only just left the room - not three decades ago.
Here is a selection of photos from Calke Abbey, have you visited yet? We would love to hear your thoughts, get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll take a look.
. Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey may look somewhat neglected compared to the likes of Chatsworth, but the grand country house near Ticknall provides a fascinating insight into the lives of some of Derbyshire’s wealthiest figures. There is also an outdoor recreation area - Calke Explore - situated in the grounds. Photo: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Alan Murray-Rust - geograph.org.uk/p/5860693
1. Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey is an historic country house estate which is proud of its heritage, cleverly melding grandeur with decaying gentility. | Ria Ghei
2. Calke Abbey
There are over 4,000 books in the library at Calke Abbey. | Ria Ghei
3. Calke Abbey
The Church of St Giles tucked away on the grounds of Calke Abbey is a pretty building with stunning stained glass windows. | Ria Ghei
4. Calke Abbey
The 18th century Chinese bed locked away in a glass case for preservation is a captivating focal point inside Calke Abbey. | Ria Ghei