The Riding School
- Venue hire and use of 600 acres of spectacular grounds and gardens, including the enchanting orangery for photographs
- Professional, experienced and knowledgeable wedding co-ordinators to support you through your planning process
- Full set up and coordination of your special day
- A joint, one-year National Trust membership
The Riding School is corkage free, and an extensive drinks package is also available.
- Ceremony Capacity : 160
- Dinner Capacity : 160
- Standing Capacity : 240
- Licensed For Marriage : Yes
- Catering : In-house
- Bar : In-house
- Accommodation : Sleeps 28
- Child Friendly : Yes
- Pets Welcome : No
- Licensed Until : 11pm
- Exclusivity : Yes
- Disabled Facilities : Yes
Derby
DE73 7LE
The Setting
The Riding School is at the heart of the picturesque and historic Grade I-listed Calke Abbey estate. The estate is set within 600 acres of rolling Derbyshire countryside. It is surrounded by unique courtyards, exquisite gardens, and an enchanting orangery that all lend themselves to being the perfect botanical backdrop for your incredible wedding photographs.
The Calke Abbey estate is on the Derbyshire, Leicestershire border and is within easy reach of major road networks, including the M1, A50, and M46 / A46 and is within 15 minutes of access by rail and air.
The Vibe
Nestled in the heart of the historic Calke Abbey estate, The Riding School effortlessly blends rustic allure with timeless elegance. With original features, exposed bare brick walls and oak beams felled from the estate over 400 years ago, this venue is full of history and throws its doors open for you to become a cherished part of it.
Surrounded by 600 acres of natural splendour, The Riding School offers a romantic atmosphere that begins inside its charming walls and unfolds into the courtyards that echo whispers of bygone eras to gardens that paint an ever-changing living canvas. From the perfectly manicured, scent-filled floral borders to the greenhouses and the enchanting orangery, the wider estate offers the most incredible botanical backdrops for your wedding photography.
When the sun begins its descent over the estate, casting a warm glow across the meadows, you are invited to take some time out and stroll hand in hand for some of the most romantic photographs of you during the golden hour before your evening reception begins, and you get to dance the night away.
What sets the Riding School apart is the variety of catering options and the freedom it offers each couple, allowing you to create bespoke menus as individual as you are. A celebration where you have the flexibility to bring your vision to life, collaborating with an incredibly talented catering team that can transform your ideas into a delicious reality, leaving a lasting impression on all of your guests.
To truly personalise your day, the Riding School is delighted to offer a corkage-free period during your special day, allowing you to bring your favourite beverages to toast to your love. This unique offering further allows you to add your personal touch to your celebration, ensuring that every sip reflects the two of you. From cocktails to bottled beer, it’s always about making the day all about you and creating memories that last a lifetime.
The Riding School is not your average wedding venue; it’s a beautiful, captivating wedding venue full of possibilities and the perfect blank canvas for you both to personalise your day with your style and unique touches. Whether you envision an intimate affair or a lavish gathering, The Riding School adapts to suit you both, ensuring you have the most beautiful and memorable day surrounded by the people you love most.