The Staff Of Life Hotel Ticknall Exterior photoThe Staff Of Life Hotel Ticknall Exterior photoThe Staff Of Life Hotel Ticknall Exterior photo

The Staff Of Life, Ticknall

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From$132 /night
Check-in
02Sept
Check-out
03Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

7 High Street, Ticknall
-
Close to Calke Abbey
Perfect
9.0
/10
4.8
4.4
/5

4-star Country Inn with On-site Dining in Ticknall

Amenities

The Staff of Life offers a traditional pub experience with real cask ales and quality home cooking. Guests have access to a well-appointed beer garden, perfect for enjoying local brews in a scenic setting. The establishment also hosts events such as quiz nights and catering for special occasions.

Rooms

The hotel includes 8 individual en-suite bedrooms, each with private entrances allowing for added privacy. Enhanced comfort in the rooms comes from original features, such as pine ceiling beams and high ceilings with visible timbers. Pet-friendly accommodations are available, with one ground floor room accommodating dogs.

Location

Situated in Ticknall village, the country inn is a short distance from the stunning grounds of Calke Abbey and Gardens. Easy access to East Midlands Airport and Donington Racing Circuit makes it a convenient choice for travelers. Local attractions and several walking trails invite exploration of South Derbyshire's picturesque landscape.

Dining

The on-site dining options focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a straightforward menu. Signature dishes such as outstanding pies demonstrate the commitment to quality home cooking. A children's menu is available, providing nutritious options for younger diners.

Pet-Friendly Features

The Staff of Life welcomes well-behaved dogs with a designated pet-friendly room equipped for comfort. A dedicated dog-friendly area caters to canine guests, accommodating gatherings of up to 10 people. This makes it an enjoyable experience for both guests and their pets.

Highlights

Location: Short distance from Calke Abbey and Gardens

Rooms: 8 individual en-suite bedrooms with private entrances

Dining: Focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients

Pet-Friendly: Designated pet-friendly room available

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the serene Calke Abbey gardens for stunning views.
  • Savor a traditional Bakewell tart at The Old Barn Tea Room.
  • Visit the fascinating Ticknall Heritage Centre for local history.
  • Take a scenic walk along the nearby Staunton Harold Reservoir.
  • Explore the charming village of Melbourne and its historical landmarks.

Select your room type

The Staff Of Life offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Superior Double Room
    2 persons
    20 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    15 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Single Room Shower
    2 persons
    10 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Staff Of Life offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

The Staff of Life invites guests to indulge in a delightful dining experience that celebrates traditional British cuisine with a modern twist. With a focus on family-friendly ambiance, it offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, catering to diverse dietary needs throughout the day.
  • The Staff of Life

    British
    Ambiance
    Family-friendly, traditional setting perfect for all occasions
    Key Offerings
    Enjoy hearty British fare, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, along with perfectly conditioned real ales on tap, including the gold medal-winning Timothy Taylor Landlord. All wines are available by the glass for a customized pairing.
    Reservation
    not needed
    Monday to Friday: 11:30 - 14:30 & 17:00 - 21:00, Saturday: 12:00 - 21:00, Sunday: 12:00 - 16:00

The Staff Of Life Location

7 High Street, Ticknall
Explore Ticknall
Explore Ticknall
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey
7 minutes' walk
Calke Abbey offers stunning gardens and historical architecture, perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst natural beauty.
Foremark Reservoir
Foremark Reservoir
25 minutes walking
A scenic spot for walking and wildlife spotting, featuring a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful water views.
Melbourne Hall The Gardens
Melbourne Hall The Gardens
45 minutes walking
Known for its exquisite gardens and historical significance, this venue often hosts seasonal events and guided tours.
Dimmingsdale Nature Reserve
Dimmingsdale Nature Reserve
35 minutes walking
A lush reserve ideal for hiking, with diverse flora and fauna, providing a peaceful escape in nature.
Hiking at Dimmingsdale
35 minutes walking
Enjoy scenic hiking trails in Dimmingsdale, with routes for all skill levels in a tranquil natural setting.
Fishing at Foremark Reservoir
25 minutes walking
Fishing opportunities available at Foremark, where both beginners and seasoned anglers can relax by the water.
Yoga Classes
10-minute drive
Local studios offer various yoga sessions, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploration.
The Staff Of Life Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
This cozy pub features traditional British dishes and local favorites, perfect for a casual meal with rustic charm.
The Old Talbot
10-minute drive
Charming gastropub known for its hearty meals and seasonal menu, recommended for family gatherings or romantic dinners.
The Courtyard
10-minute drive
A vibrant cafe with light bites and delicious coffee, ideal for a casual lunch or a quick snack.
Ticknall Village Hall Events
6 minutes' walk
Family-friendly events and community gatherings at the Village Hall, hosting diverse activities throughout the year.
The Bonnington Theatre
10-minute drive
Local theatre featuring regular performances, from plays to music shows, providing engaging entertainment for all ages.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ticknall 5 min  ·  1400 ft
  • Airports
    East Midlands (EMA) 22 min  ·  8.8 mi
    Nottingham (NQT) 63 min  ·  25.8 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:30-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 7.95 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
7

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Staff Of Life from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 163 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
96 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free WiFi
8.7/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
9.2/10
Guest reviews
based on 163 reviews
9.2/10
based on 265 reviews
9.0/10
Oliver from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 09, 2026
9.5/10

Excellent Food and Cute Atmosphere

large room quality food friendly staff
My room was large and comfortable I appreciated the quiet atmosphere. The food was excellent with a pub style menu. I found the staff very friendly and helpful making my stay great.
The stairs in the building were difficult to navigate I found this a bit inconvenient.
Rooms
9/10
The room included original beams giving it character. A sparkling clean ensuite was available within the room. The design was well executed and I appreciated the ample space.
Service
10/10
Staff members were readily available to assist. They were accommodating and friendly at all times. I received excellent and prompt service .
Location
9/10
The hotel provided a beautiful setting. It was situated in an idyllic location offering peace. This made it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
Dining
10/10
The food tasted homemade and delicious. There was great beer available to accompany meals. I especially enjoyed the yummy stack burger and fish cake salad.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Liam from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 02, 2026
9.5/10

Fantastic Experience!

immaculate lawn excellent food clean room
The hotel was clean. I noticed all areas were well-serviced. The food tasted great. It arrived fast. The surrounding lawn was immaculate. I enjoyed my dinner out there on the benches.
The stairs were a bit much. It's a very old building, I think.
Rooms
9/10
My room included a poster bed. The ensuite bathroom included excellent features. The breakfast choices were great!
Facilities
10/10
The parking was excellent, I had no problems finding a space. WiFi was also decent! The lady working at the front desk handled the bar, food orders, and service, and she did so very well.
0 Helpful
|
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Samantha from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 24, 2025
9.3/10

great stay, good foods

warm welcome clean room delicious food friendly staff
the owner gave a very warm welcome. rooms are big and clean. i found food delicious. the area is peaceful. there is parking available and breakfast is included in the price. the staff are friendly. the room was comfortable.
the stairs are a bit steep. it was difficult to carry luggage.
Location
9/10
the location provides good walks right from the hotel. it is a short drive to donington park. safe parking is available at no extra charge.
Service
10/10
the staff is accommodating and makes the stay really good. the hotel offers a seven foot bed. staff provides dog treats. breakfast service includes flexible and homemade selections.
Dining
9/10
the restaurant serves home cooked meals and features a good selection of beers. the menu included stack burger and fish cake salad. the restaurant offers sunday roast. there are many choices of food and drink.
0 Helpful
|
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Pete from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 03, 2025
6/10
unfriendly staff uncooked chips
Breakfast was tasty, and there was good parking.
The staff seemed less than friendly. The only cute person was the one at arrival. The food seemed all fried in fat. The smell was noticeable outside the room. NO one asked if our meals were okay, and the chips were not cooked properly. The bedding seemed not very white, definitely not professionally laundered.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Staff Of Life
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Staff Of Life?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is The Staff Of Life from East Midlands Airport?
The hotel is 15 km from East Midlands Airport.
What room amenities are offered at The Staff Of Life?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a multi-channel television, and coffee/tea making facilities.
Is breakfast available at The Staff Of Life?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 7 GBP.
What dining options are available at The Staff Of Life?
The hotel offers on-site dining featuring traditional food and a dedicated children's menu.
Which attractions are located near The Staff Of Life?
Nearby attractions include Calke Abbey (2 km), National Forest (4 km), and Foremark Reservoir (approximately 2 km).
Is there a bar or lounge at The Staff Of Life?
The hotel features a bar/lounge area offering a variety of cask ales and wines.
Are there any accommodations for guests with limited mobility at The Staff Of Life?
The hotel offers wheelchair accessible rooms with private entrances.

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