"The cooked breakfast was the best I'd had in a long time."
Moira from United Kingdom
read full review
"You must also try the main menu there with a very good selection and well priced and you won't be disappointed."
KBM741 from Thailand
read full review
"I did find the room and property exceptionally clean and all well serviced."
David from United Kingdom
read full review
"Like the ability to offer 7 foot bed."
Barklay from United Kingdom
read full review
"Got to say that service is exceptionally good here."
Don J from United Kingdom
read full review
Amenities & Services
The Staff Of Life is a Grade II Listed building with 8 en-suite rooms and free parking. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and a wheelchair accessible room with a private entrance. Guests have access to a garden with outdoor furniture and a designated smoking area.
Rooms & Accommodation
Superior Double Rooms and Double Rooms are available, many with original features such as exposed beams and large plasma-screen TVs. Some rooms include a plug-in air conditioner and a stand-up shower. The beverage tray is stocked with tea and coffee, and a large glass bottle of water is provided.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel is located in Ticknall, a 10-minute walk from the historic grounds of Calke Park. Nearby attractions include Melbourne Hall, the National Forest, and Donington Racing Circuit. The hotel is near East Midlands Airport and Derby, suitable for business travelers.
Dining & Bar
The on-site restaurant serves traditional food using locally sourced produce, with a dedicated children's menu and small portion options. The bar offers multiple real ales on tap, including award-winning Timothy Taylor Landlord. Breakfast is included in the hotel stay and is served in the bar.
Pet-Friendly & Family Amenities
The hotel provides pet-friendly accommodations with a designated dog-friendly area and pet bowls. Families receive a welcome with dedicated kids' meals and high chairs. The pub atmosphere welcomes guests as locals, with a relaxed garden area to unwind.
Highlights
Location: 10 min walk from Calke Abbey and Gardens
Rooms: 8 en-suite rooms in Grade II Listed building
Dining: Traditional pub grub with locally sourced produce
Bar: Multiple real ales including Timothy Taylor Landlord
Pet Policy: Dog-friendly with designated area and pet bowls
Family: Children's menu and small portion options
“It's clear that genuine hospitality thrives here, from the accommodating landlady to the consistently well-kept beer. The food, often home-cooked and surprisingly fresh, provides excellent value, making it a sensible choice for a satisfying meal. This spot genuinely feels like a well-run B&B, particularly with its comfortable rooms and approachable pricing.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at 4shotels
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 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
15 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Single Room Shower
2 persons
10 m²
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
May 2026 - May 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
May 2026
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
June 2026
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
July 2026
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
Choose dates to see prices
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
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
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Room decor
Parquet floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
At The Staff of Life, guests can enjoy a delightful selection of traditional British cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to accommodate all dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The inviting, family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for connecting over hearty meals across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Staff of Life
Traditional British
Ambiance
Family friendly and cozy, retaining a traditional pub vibe
Key Offerings
Indulge in a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, along with a selection of four perfectly conditioned real ales on tap, including the award-winning Timothy Taylor Landlord. All wines are available by the glass, enhancing your dining experience further.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; specific hours vary.
The Staff Of Life Location
7 High Street, Ticknall, true,
Explore Ticknall
Explore Ticknall
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Calke Abbey
7 minutes' walk
Historic estate featuring a stunning manor and beautiful gardens, showcasing the heritage of the 18th century.
Foremark Reservoir
25 minutes walking
Scenic reservoir ideal for walking and birdwatching, known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquility.
Dimmingsdale Nature Reserve
35 minutes walking
A peaceful nature reserve perfect for walking and enjoying the local flora and fauna in a tranquil environment.
Discover the local attractions near The Staff Of Life
Wander through the nearby landmarks that offer unique experiences and scenic beauty near Staff Of Life in South Derbyshire.
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts: National Trust
Great for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting: Foremark Reservoir
Well suited for community events and gatherings: Ticknall Village Hall
Ideal for leisurely strolls with scenic views: Swarkestone Causeway
Best for shopping and local crafts: Breedon Priory Shopping Complex
Works well for nature walks and tranquility: Dimmingsdale Nature Reserve
Suited for garden lovers seeking beauty and relaxation: Melbourne Hall The Gardens
Hiking at Calke Abbey
7 minutes' walk
Beautiful trails available for hiking, suitable for all levels; enjoy nature and history in one outing.
Swimming at Foremark Reservoir
25 minutes walking
Ideal for swimmers and picnics; enjoy a relaxing day by the water amid stunning countryside views.
The Staff of Life Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
Local favorites served in a cozy atmosphere; try their award-winning pies and seasonal dishes.
The Melbourne Inn
4 minutes' drive
A country pub atmosphere with hearty meals; known for its hearty burgers and selection of ales.
Ticknall Village Hall
6 minutes' walk
Hosts various community events and performances, offering lively entertainment for all ages.
Derby War Memorial
40 minutes walking
A historical site featuring commemorative events; perfect for those interested in local history.
Getting around
City Centre
Ticknall 5 min · 400 m
Airports
East Midlands (EMA) 22 min · 14.1 km
Nottingham (NQT) 63 min · 41.5 km
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 100 m
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
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 162 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
96 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.5/10
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.5/10
Pros
Tea making facilities
Stand-up shower
Plentiful breakfast
Friendly staff
Cons
Stairs
Fried food smell
Undercooked chips
Cardboard-like fish
Guest reviews
based on 303 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Show more reviews
FAQs
About The Staff Of Life
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Staff Of Life?
Check-in is available from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Staff Of Life?
Rooms feature Wi-Fi, a multi-channel TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and en suite bathrooms.
What dining options are available at The Staff Of Life?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant offering traditional food made from locally sourced produce.
What attractions are close to The Staff Of Life?
Nearby attractions include Calke Abbey (2 km), Foremark Reservoir (2 km), and Sharpe's Pottery Museum (7 km).
Is there a breakfast option at The Staff Of Life?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £7.
What are some of the highlights of The Staff Of Life?
Highlights include air conditioning in rooms, a cozy bar/lounge area, and a scenic garden for guest relaxation.
How far is The Staff Of Life from East Midlands Airport?
The hotel is approximately 20 km from East Midlands Airport.
Does The Staff Of Life offer any accessibility features?
The hotel features wheelchair accessible rooms with private entrances.