First Autumnal Weekend - Calke Abbey

Last weekend C's mum came to stay and we decided to explore Calke Abbey, a local National Trust property. Whilst there I managed to convince C to get joint membership, finally - I've been trying for years! Calke Abbey isn't actually an Abbey itself, but a stately home built on the site of a former religious house by the Harpur family

The house had the most beautiful grounds, which  we explored before heading to the house. It felt lovely and autumnal as we wandered around the various paths, gardens and buildings

The house itself was extraordinary - it's been left in the state of slight neglect in which it was passed to the NT, as a monument to the struggles of the large stately houses mid-twentieth century. One of the previous Harpurs was obsessed with natural history, and a large portion of the rooms were filled with glass cases of dead animals. It was a bit eerie to be honest.

My favourite room was the library, look at all those books!

After our visit to the house we went back to the gardens and had a wander around the kitchen garden. I loved the scarecrows!

As always a brilliant day out with the National Trust - looking forward to making the most of the membership!!!