Calke Abbey was the backdrop to the recent Peaky Blinders film

Bookmark

Comments

06:30, 19 APR 2026

Bookmark

A stunning sea of indigo is awaiting visitors to a Midlands National Trust site. It’s mid-April and the bluebells are blooming, creating a floral carpet in woodlands around the country.

And if you want to take a wander through a bluebell wood, there’s one not far from Coventry.

Calke Abbey has lots on display in its historic parkland and offers a lovely family day out.

Gardeners at the site say the best displays can be found at Calke Explore, on the Tramway Trail, in Serpentine Wood and the Pleasure Grounds.

And those in wheelchairs or going along with children in pushchairs don’t have to miss out – the Tramway Trail is a multi-use accessible route only a short distance from the car park at Calke Explore.

The parkland is open daily from 8am to 6pm while the Pleasure Gardens are open from 9.30am to 5pm.

Calke Abbey also offers an extra bit of interest for TV fans as it features in the new Peaky Blinders film. The historic property has only undergone minimal restoration, meaning that when it came to filming, the building needed virtually no modification.

How to get there from Coventry

Cake Abbey is in Ticknall, south Derbyshire and it takes just over an hour to get there from Coventry, depending on traffic. Take the M6 to the M42, then continue along the A42 to Ashby. Here, take the A511 towards Swadlincote then turn right along the B5006 to Ticknall.

Take a look through the stunning bluebell pictures below to get a taste of what’s on offer.

1 of 4ShareComments

Comments

2 of 4ShareComments

Comments

3 of 4ShareComments

Comments

4 of 4ShareComments

Comments

Families & Kids

Things to Do Coventry

Peaky Blinders