Visit Peak District & Derbyshire welcomes Hopton Hall Estate as latest patron

The Hopton Hall Estate, which includes a series of tourism and hospitality venues in the Ashbourne area, has joined a dedicated network of businesses who share Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s core aims to grow the visitor economy and promote the region as a leading tourism destination.

As a patron, Hopton Hall Estate will support Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s ongoing mission to increase visitor spend, extend the tourism season and boost overnight stays, whilst helping to grow the tourism sector in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable way.

Hopton Hall Estate has transformed a series of historic buildings and hospitality venues in Ashbourne through sensitive renovation projects designed to preserve local heritage and help the town grow as a community and tourism hub.

The Estate has breathed new life into one of Ashbourne’s oldest pubs, The Horns, which recently underwent restoration to preserve its authentic traditional pub atmosphere, and The Knockerdown in Carsington, which has been refurbished with a newly designed kitchen and revitalised playground.

Hopton Hall Estate’s portfolio also includes the popular Howell and Marsden delicatessen and Café Impromptu in Ashbourne town centre, the Grade II listed Old Gate Inn at Brassington, and a series of popular holiday cottages near the 14^th century Hopton Hall.

Future plans include the introduction of nine boutique guest rooms at The Machine Inn in Ashbourne and the addition of a campsite at The Knockerdown, which is set to open in 2025 and will aim to encourage more visitors to stay for longer.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is the lead partner of the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) in collaboration with Visit Derby. Developed and administered by national tourism body VisitEngland, the national portfolio of accredited LVEPs work locally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to grow the local visitor economy.

Tourism contributed almost £2.9bn to the Peak District and Derbyshire’s economy in 2023, supporting thousands of jobs and driving prosperity in local communities.

Chris Harvey, owner of Hopton Hall Estate, says: “We're excited to announce our new partnership with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire as patrons. This collaboration will help us showcase our businesses to a wider audience, supported by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s strong presence in tourism and hospitality. Their commitment to promoting local businesses aligns with our mission, and we look forward to enhancing visibility and growth opportunities across the region.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Hopton Hall Estate on board as our latest patrons, at a time when their portfolio of carefully renovated hospitality venues is continuing to grow. Our cosy pubs, unique accommodation and vibrant market towns are at the heart of our visitor offer, and the Hopton Hall Estate are passionate advocates for the hospitality industry and its ability to drive change and support regeneration in local communities.

“Our patrons are a core network of organisations who want to see the visitor economy grow and prosper for the benefit of everyone. We look forward to working with Hopton Hall Estate and drawing on their expertise to help strengthen the Peak District and Derbyshire’s offer even further.”

Hopton Hall Estate joins existing patrons:

• The Bakewell Bakery
• Bluebell Dairy
• Chatsworth / The Devonshire Group
• Casa Hotels / Global Brands
• The Heights of Abraham
• Losehill House Hotel & Spa
• The Pinelog Group/Pinelodge Holidays
• Thornbridge Hall & Brewery
• Poole’s Cavern
• Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel & Thermal Spa
• The Great British Car Journey
• Longbow Bars & Restaurants
• Wildhive at Callow Hall
• Treak Cliff Cavern
• Hattersley Wines
• Bike & Boot Hotel
• Fischer’s Baslow Hall
• Coverland UK

Businesses interested in becoming a patron of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire should contact Lisa Woolhouse, Membership & Sales Manager, at lisa.woolhouse@visitpeakdistrict.com.

High resolution image attached: Chris and Andi Harvey, owners of Hopton Hall Estate, pictured with Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.