'The un-stately home'

As I have previously mentioned this year we become members of the National Trust, so wanting to get the most out of them we decided to take my Dad and his partner out for the day to Calke Abbey.

It is often difficult choosing places that we all would like to go,  so we often look for events that are on that Titch would enjoy.  This time its was 'Apple Day,' and anything to do with food would interest him.  We also had read the reviews and descriptions on the National trust web site and seemed an interesting place to visit, especially being called 'Un-stately.'

As with most National trust places the grounds were superb and got a thumbs up from Titch due to the fact the the trees made good climbing ones- it really isn't hard to please my child.

Entrance into the house was timed so we took the opportunity before our time slot to explore the grounds and visit the ' Apple day' activities.

We had the opportunity to taste and buy the different varieties of Apples that are grown on the grounds and Titch made himself an apple spiral of which he was extremely proud of.

By the time we had done all of these, it was time to visit the house.  It was definitely different to the other places we had visited and it is understandable why it is called the 'Un-stately home'.  And a word of warning, if you don't like Taxidermy do not go - the house is full of it.

Titch though did enjoy waling through the cellars and paths under the house.

This time we didn't take a picnic with us so we ate in the Cafe in the stables. The food was reasonably priced and tasty too.

All in all a great Autumn day out.