Ticknall retains the character of an estate village in an unspoilt rural setting. Its cultural highlights range from Ticknall Ware, known across the Midlands, to historic buildings and traces of a former horse-drawn tramway. The Ticknall Limeyards add grassland flora that thrives on limestone. For planning your trip, the routes described here differ mainly in their starting points, landscapes and focus. The Ticknall Village Trail Walk begins in the village, while the Tramway Trail starts at Calke Explore.

Village history and former transport routes

Ticknall’s parish church was completed in 1842 and designed by Derby architect H. I. Stevens. The churchyard contains remains of the former church, as well as a simple medieval cross. Here, a 19th-century building, the remains of an earlier church and a medieval monument stand together.

Another aspect of the village’s history is reflected in the polygonal lock-up by the main road. It was formerly used to house vagrants and drunkards. Ticknall Arch is also part of the local history of the horse-drawn tramway: at this landmark, the former tramway crossed the A514. Ticknall Ware was known across the Midlands.

Routes with different points of interest

The Ticknall Village Trail Walk starts in the village of Ticknall on the A514 between Swadlincote and Derby. Free parking is available for this walk at the Ticknall Village Hall car park. If you plan to take this route, you have both a named starting point in the village and a specific car park to use.

The Tramway Trail starts at Calke Explore and passes through woodland, arable land and pasture. Along the way, you can see sections of the old horse-drawn tramway that connected Ticknall with Ashby.

The Tramway Trail is relatively flat and suitable for families and beginners. It is also suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. These details offer specific guidance if you want to take the route’s character into account when planning your trip.

Ticknall Limeyards and seasonal flowering

The Calke Park to Ticknall Limeyards Walk leads to the Ticknall Limeyards, which are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Limeyards are managed to allow limestone-loving grassland flora to thrive. Alongside the historical highlights, this provides a distinct focus on the area’s plant life.

The orchid species known as spotted orchids in the Ticknall Limeyards reach their peak flowering period from late June to early July. The timing can vary from year to year. If you want to include the orchids in your plans, treat this period as flexible rather than expecting them to flower on a fixed date.

Discover more destinations

Earl Sterndale, Hardstoft, Hathersage, Alfreton, Draycott, Birch Vale, Codnor, Newton Solney

For the broader travel overview: Derbyshire.