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    Location

    Welcome to Ashbourne

    With its winding cobbled streets, welcoming Market Place and handsome Tudor and Georgian heritage.

    Things to do in Ashbourne in the Peak District & Derbyshire

    Ashbourne is undergoing a £13m transformation project. Ashbourne Reborn is an exciting project which will improve public spaces and the pedestrian experience with wider pavements and safer crossings. Whilst work is continuing throughout the summer ALL businesses remain open and will offer you a warm welcome.

    Ashbourne is known as 'The Gateway to Dovedale'.

    While there's no doubt that it's the perfect base if you want to explore the spectacular limestone landscapes of the southern White Peak, it also pays to take a leisurely walking tour around town to immerse yourself in its fascinating history and architecture.

    With more than 200 listed buildings - including historic almshouses, fine coaching inns and genteel town houses - Ashbourne is a visual feast for the discerning visitor. Don't miss the splendid facade of the Grade I listed Old Grammar School; the 'longest inn sign in the world' outside The Greenman pub and restaurant; or the beautiful St Oswald's Parish Church with its striking 212 feet high spire, described by classic author George Eliot as the 'finest single spire in England'.

    Another highlight is the 17th century mansion, once home to the 'King of Ashbourne', Dr. John Taylor, where Lichfield-born Dr. Samuel Johnson, author of the first-ever English dictionary, was a frequent visitor in the 1700s.

    Ashbourne also has some fascinating foodie links. The original recipe for Ashbourne Gingerbread was acquired from French prisoners of war - in particular the personal chef of a captured French general - who were kept in the town during the Napoleonic wars (1799-1815).

    The timber-framed Gingerbread Shop - now a Birds Bakery - can still be seen in St John Street and the Original Ashbourne Gingerbread can be purchased locally.

    Shopping is a pure pleasure thanks to its plethora of small, family-run businesses and weekly open-air market. Browse for fine antiques, quality food and drink, designer fashion and much more, then relax over morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea in a selection of cafés, inns and tea rooms.

    Ashbourne is also famous for its ancient tradition of Royal Shrovetide Football - 'turned up', or started, by such famous figures as Prince Charles, Sir Stanley Matthews and The Duke of Devonshire. Played each Shrovetide Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, it's a unique and unruly event that bears little resemblance to the modern game!

    Walkers, cyclists and horse riders will appreciate the fact that the town also sits at the start of the traffic-free Tissington Trail - a green gateway to Dovedale and the Pennine Bridleway, linking up farther north with the popular High Peak Trail.

    Discover places to stay in Ashbourne and things to do near Ashbourne below.

    In The Area

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    Featured

    Business

    Hoe Grange Holidays

    4 award winning log cabins set on a working farm with stunning views of the White Peak countryside. Unwind in the hot tub or log-fired sauna. Dogs…


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    Business

    Sandybrook Lodges

    Sandybrook Lodges provide luxury self catering lodges (some with hot tubs) on our 5 star holiday park. With just 53 lodges Sandybrook is a small…


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    Hoe Grange Gorgeous Glamping Pods and Gypsy…

    Go glamping in style with stunning views of the Peak District countryside from your pillow. Spacious ensuite shower and every luxury you need for a…


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    Wildhive at Callow Hall

    Callow Hall is the first hotel from Wildhive, a new boutique hospitality brand deeply rooted in nature. Surrounded by 35 acres of wild open space, it…


    Business

    Tissington Hall Holiday Cottages & Apartments

    From our warm cosy cottages to the splendor and indulgence of a night or two in one of our apartments, relax and unwind on your next holiday or short…


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    Manifold Valley Information Point

    The Visitor Centre provides direct access to the Manifold Track with a wide range of leaflets and brochures available.


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    Oaklands Country Lodges

    Three beautifully styled and smartly furnished timber lodges surrounded by an acre of peaceful landscaped grounds with a wildlife pond and fine…


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    The Old Rectory House

    Where better to choose the Old Rectory B&B for a relaxing place to re-charge your batteries. Pull up a chair and snuggle down in one of our comfy…


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    Waterside Barn

    Waterside Barn is a beautifully restored and refurbished stone cottage located between Tissington village and Bradbourne. Sleeping up to 10 guests +…


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    Hartington Hills

    Hartington Hills, formerly Upper Hurst Farm, is a premium touring and camping site with a variety of glamping and holiday accommodation in the heart…


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    Dovedale Cottages

    Pretty country cottage, lovingly restored. Nestling in an idyllic and peaceful setting. Warm, cosy, full of character. Wonderful rambles from door to…


    Our Great Itineraries

    A day out on the High Peak 442 bus from Ashbourne

    The High Peak 442 bus service runs regularly from Ashbourne to Buxton and calls at plenty of interesting places enroute.


    Events in Ashbourne

    Featured

    Events

    Ashbourne Festival

    A celebration of some of local, national and international street theatre, musicians, comedians, artists and writers.


    Events

    Summer of Play at Ilam Park

    Have lots of fun at Ilam Park this summer, where we’re celebrating our biggest Summer of Play yet- National Trust Ilam Park


    Events

    Hartington Well Dressing

    This ancient custom only takes place in Derbyshire & is the art of decorating springs & wells with pictures made from natural materials.


    Our great itineraries

    A day out on the High Peak 442 bus from Ashbourne

    The High Peak 442 bus service runs regularly from Ashbourne to Buxton and calls at plenty of interesting places enroute.


    Trails nearby

    Hartington to Tissington Walk

    Starting in the picturesque village of Hartington, this beautiful 7.8 mile walk follows riverside tracks through the wooded valleys and breathtaking…


    The Pennine Bridleway

    The Pennine Bridleway is a 205 miles (330 Km) long National Trail running through the Pennine hills from Derbyshire to Cumbria.


    Heritage Highlights of Ashbourne Walk

    This easy circular walk takes in the heritage highlights of Ashbourne in less than 2 miles, walking on well-made paths, streets and lanes, with no…


    Hartington - The Dales of the River Dove Walk

    This beautiful walk starts and ends in the pretty Peak District village of Hartington and takes you beside the sparkling River Dove through some of…


    Beauty spots nearby

    Business Directory Dovedale

    Business Directory Ilam Park

    Ilam

    Villages nearby

    Tissington

    Ilam

    Sudbury

    Alstonefield

    Osmaston

    Hartington

    Offers

    Special Offer

    Recieve 10% off your bill in June!

    Recieve 10% off your bill in June!


    Featured

    Special Offer

    Late availability at Hoe Grange Holidays

    Looking for a last minute countryside escape? Grab the last available week in Pinder log cabin at Hoe Grange Holidays 9th to 16th June.


    Special Offer

    10% off if you travel without a car

    Travel to Hoe Grange Holidays by public transport, bike, on foot or even on horseback to get 10% off your stay


    Special Offer

    10% discount for couples offer for The Orchards!

    Warm and spacious cottage surrounded by meadows and bluebell woods. Fabulous views and walks from the door. Close to the picturesque village of Ilam.


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