Old Man of Calke, Derbyshire

National GeographicSep 29

Plan a woodland escape in this lush and little-visited corner of the Midlands — a riot of red, yellow and orange leaves come autumn.

One of the UK's oldest surviving oak trees

10 things in this story

Calke AbbeySight18th-century estate left as found, with taxidermy
Old Man of CalkeSightOne of the UK's oldest surviving oak trees
Elsewhere
Ferrers Centre for Arts and CraftsSightStaunton Harold, United KingdomFormer stables house open studios and a model workshop
StablesCaféStaunton Harold, United KingdomCafe known for its toasties
Staunton DeliBakeryStaunton Harold, United KingdomOffers local produce including artisan charcuterie
Mount St Bernard AbbeySightLeicestershire, United KingdomMonks produce the UK's only Trappist beer
Griffin InnPubSwithland, United KingdomServes dishes inspired by countries where cricket is played
The Spirit VaultsPubMelbourne, United KingdomMicrobrewery with four characterful doubles
Horseshoe Cottage FarmHotelBradgate Park, United KingdomSelf-catering timber-beamed property with hot tub
Hoar Cross HallHotelStaffordshire, United KingdomAdults-only spa hotel in a 19th-century manor

Old Man of Calke