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
02Aug
Check-out
03Aug
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 Home-Cooked Meals and Real Ales

Accommodations

The Staff of Life offers 8 en-suite B&B rooms, each with individual character and easily accessible entrances. Ground floor accommodations provide private access, suitable for guests who prefer convenience. All rooms meet standards of comfort while providing personal touches reflecting the hotel's history.

Dining Experience

The restaurant emphasizes home-cooked meals made with locally sourced ingredients, promoting a straightforward approach to dining. Guests can indulge in real cask ales, including the regular gold medal-winning Timothy Taylor Landlord. The inclusive menu caters to various tastes, making it an inviting spot for locals and visitors alike.

Dog-Friendly Policy

The Staff of Life accommodates canine guests, making it easy for pet owners to enjoy their stay. One ground-floor bedroom with a private entrance allows for dogs, ensuring comfort for both pets and their owners. This dog-friendly area comfortably holds up to 10 people, perfect for gatherings with furry friends.

Location Benefits

Located in Ticknall village, the hotel provides easy access to attractions like Calke Abbey and Gardens, just 10 minutes on foot. It offers convenience for guests heading to Donington Racing Circuit and East Midlands Airport. The scenic surroundings include ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploration.

Event Hosting

The hotel enables function hire for small gatherings and events, including weddings and quiz nights. The friendly atmosphere ensures that all occasions are celebrated with care and attention. Guests can expect tailored service for their special events, fostering a sense of community.

Highlights

Location: Easily accessible to Calke Abbey

Dining: Gold medal-winning Timothy Taylor Landlord

Accommodations: 8 en-suite rooms with private entry

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly area accommodating up to 10 people

Event Hosting: Function hire for small gatherings

Family-Friendly: Children's menu available

Must-do experiences

  • Discover the beautiful Ticknall village while walking the scenic trails.
  • Visit Calke Abbey for a peek into historic estate life in Derbyshire.
  • Sample homemade cakes at The Ticknall Village Store café-delicious!
  • Explore the Ticknall Heritage Centre to learn about local history.
  • Don't miss the annual Ticknall Scarecrow Festival for family fun!

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
9.1/10Review 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

At The Staff of Life, guests are welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for indulging in hearty British cuisine that caters to diverse dietary needs. The family-friendly setting offers a blend of traditional flavors and contemporary touches, ensuring everyone enjoys satisfying meals at any time of day.
  • The Staff of Life

    British
    Ambiance
    Family friendly, Traditional
    Key Offerings
    A range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, alongside perfectly conditioned real ales including the gold medal winning Timothy Taylor Landlord. All wines are available by the glass for an enhanced dining experience.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; open Monday to Friday from 11:30 - 14:30 and 17:00 - 21:00, Saturday from 12:00 - 21:00, and Sunday from 12:00 - 16:00.

The Staff Of Life Location

7 High Street, Ticknall
Explore Ticknall
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey
7 minutes' walk
A historic national trust property featuring gardens and parkland to explore. Ideal for family picnics and leisurely strolls.
Foremark Reservoir
Foremark Reservoir
25 minutes walking
A scenic spot for walking and birdwatching, perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Hosts seasonal wildlife activities.
Melbourne Hall The Gardens
Melbourne Hall The Gardens
45 minutes walking
Beautifully landscaped gardens offering a peaceful retreat. Features rare plants and seasonal blooms, great for leisure walks.
Hiking at Dimmingsdale Nature Reserve
35 minutes walking
A popular hiking spot with marked trails through diverse woodlands. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
Biking at Staunton Harold Reservoir
30 minutes walking
Offers thrilling biking trails around the water, plus bike rental services available. Great for adventure-seekers.
The Staff of Life Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
Local cuisine with a cosy atmosphere, known for traditional British fare. Reservations recommended during peak hours.
The Social
10 minutes' drive
A modern bistro with diverse international dishes and vegan options, fostering a lively dining atmosphere. Suitable for all dietary needs.
Ticknall Village Hall
Ticknall Village Hall
6 minutes' walk
Hosts community events and family-friendly activities, including seasonal fairs and movie nights. A vibrant local hub.
Melbourne Theatre
10 minutes' drive
A charming venue showcasing plays and musicals. Offers all-ages performances, making it an excellent choice for family outings.
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
At the hotel The Staff Of Life guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
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
9.4/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free WiFi
8.9/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
9.4/10
Guest reviews
based on 163 reviews
9.2/10
based on 274 reviews
9.0/10
Taylor from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 14, 2026
9.0/10

wonderful experience!

warm welcome clean room immaculate lawn
i received a warm welcome and a fast check in. the rooms were very comfy and tidy with a good shower. i enjoyed lovely, reasonably priced food and the surroundings were great. i especially loved sitting outside for dinner on the benches on an immaculate lawn.
the stairs were a slight inconvenience
Facilities
9/10
The car park is large and adjacent to the rooms. This makes access convenient. the breakfast choice was great and catered to various preferences. the pub food was tasty, and the real ale selection was well-kept.
Location
9/10
the location suited my needs perfectly. it is only six minutes from staunton harold reservoir, a very nice area. i found the peaceful area added to the relaxing nature of my visit.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Juliet from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 27, 2025
6/10

mixed feelings about this stay

unfriendly staff fried food
the stairs were quite a challenge after a long day. the staff didn't seem particularly friendly, a shame. the food seemed heavily fried, i could smell it in the hallway. also, no one bothered to check if our meals were satisfactory at any point
0 Helpful
ken from united kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 19, 2025
9.3/10

lovely stay, great food

freshly prepared food attentive staff
I was impressed by the quality of the food. It tasted freshly prepared, not pre-made. the staff were very attentive, and the breakfast included a particularly generous and well-presented selection. i found the bacon sandwich to be a thoughtful touch.
The stairs felt a bit steep. It could be an issue with mobility problems.
Rooms
9/10
The tea making facilities stood out. They were the best i had seen in years. the room featured a plug-in air conditioner, and there was also a stand up shower, not just a shower in a bath.
Service
10/10
The staff worked tirelessly and displayed amazing dedication. They were really nice. everyone i interacted with was cute and friendly.
Facilities
9/10
the location was perfect. the breakfast area in the bar was attractively arranged and offered plentiful options. the room was quiet, something i valued .
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Lily from United Kingdom
Couple
double room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: September 18, 2025
7/10
good service accommodating landlady reasonable price steep stairs unfriendly staff questionable bedding
i went for sunday lunch after a lovely walk. the service is good here. the landlady is very accommodating even when busy. the prices seem very reasonable for the food quality.
the stairs presented some challenges. the staff felt less than friendly, with only one cute person on tuesday evening. the bedding didn't appear very white, so i wondered about professional laundering.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Staff Of Life
Are dogs allowed to stay overnight in the rooms?
14 June 2024
Yes, dogs are welcome to stay in Room 6, which is designated as a Dog Friendly Room, for an additional charge of £10.00.
How far is the nearest town from the inn, and is transportation readily available?
20 July 2024
The nearest town, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, is approximately 24 kilometers away by car, while Melbourne is just about 8 kilometers away. While public transport is limited, having personal transportation or using a taxi makes it easier to explore.
Is there safe parking available for a motorcycle?
10 August 2024
There is a private car park on-site that provides secure parking for motorcycles.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
05 September 2024
Check-in is usually available from 5 PM, and rooms must be vacated by 10 AM on the day of departure to allow for cleaning.
Is the restaurant open for dinner on Sunday evenings?
12 October 2024
The kitchen closes at 5 PM on Sundays, and the pub will be closing at 6 PM.
Is there an option for secure bicycle storage overnight?
28 November 2024
Yes, secure overnight bicycle storage is available, either in a garage or a locked shed.
Are indoor dining and drinking options available in May?
17 December 2024
Yes, guests are welcome to enjoy food and drinks indoors during their stay.
How close is the inn to the Donington Racing Circuit, and is parking provided?
25 January 2025
The inn is about 15 minutes away from Donington Park by car, and complimentary parking is available for guests on-site.
What time is breakfast served during the week?
30 February 2025
Breakfast is served from Tuesday to Friday between 7 AM and 9 AM.
Is there a friendly atmosphere for children at the inn?
15 March 2025
Families are welcome; a children's menu is available, and smaller portions can be prepared if needed.

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