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.
Featured Businesses
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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…
Featured
Business
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…
Featured
Business
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…
In The Area
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Featured
Business
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…
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…
Featured
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…
Featured
Business
PeakePedals eBike Tours
Countryside eBike Tours are a new way to see the Peak District suitable for all levels of fitness & cycling experience
Featured
Business
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
Ashbourne Historical Centre & Visitor Information…
Let us make your visit to the town and the surrounding area a memorable one by popping into the Ashbourne Historical Centre & Visitor Information…
Business
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…
Beresford Dale
A narrow tree lined dale, hemmed in by limestone cliffs, a charming miniture of the Derbyshire 'gem' Dovedale perfect for walking and exploring.
Business
Ashbourne Bike Hire, Repair and Service Centre
Ashbourne bike hire centre is situated at the southern end of the Tissington Trail just outside Ashbourne town centre.
Business
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…
Ilam Park
Part of the National Trust in the Peak District, Ilam Park is a family friendly destination and open year round.
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's Big Fashion Day Out
Ashbourne Fashion’s Day Out is a celebration of community, creativity and style.
Events
Ecton Copper Mines (Deep Ecton Underground Visit)…
A rare chance to visit the working of the Deep Ecton Copper Mine in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Pre-booking required
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
Ashbourne and Villages
Explore rolling countryside taking in the Georgian architecture of Ashbourne and visit traditional estate villages.
Manifold Valley, Hills and Dales cycle route
Cycle through traditional villages and hilly limestone countryside.
The Carsington Loop
Discover a tranquil landscape shaped by water on a beautiful circular cycling route.
Trails Triangle
Discover a rich industrial heritage and railway history on this cycle route near Ashbourne.
Beauty spots nearby
Business Directory Dovedale
Dovedale is known for the River Dove and it’s impressive limestone ravines, but the most iconic part of a trip to Dovedale has to be the picturesque stepping stones…
Business Directory Ilam Park
Part of the National Trust in the Peak District, Ilam Park is a family friendly destination and open year round.
Ilam
Ilam (eye-lamb) nestles beside the River Manifold in the Staffordshire Peak District among limestone hills. It sits in the Peak District National Park on the Staffordshire border with Derbyshire, close to the famous Dovedale valley.
Villages nearby
Tissington
A perfect picture book village with beautiful cottages built around a noble old hall, fine church and duck pond. Home of the FitzHerbert family for over 400 years and it is their splendid Jacobean residence at the Hall.
Ilam
Ilam (eye-lamb) nestles beside the River Manifold in the Staffordshire Peak District among limestone hills. It sits in the Peak District National Park on the Staffordshire border with Derbyshire, close to the famous Dovedale valley.
Sudbury
A delightful former estate village with charming rows of red-bricked cottages and gabled houses line the main street. Sudbury Hall is a splendid late 17th Century mansion, with sumptuous interiors, formal gardens, deer cote and lakeside meadows.
Alstonefield
Alstonefield is a small picturesque village in the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park.
Osmaston
A very picturesque estate village with pretty cottages along tree-lined lanes. Just off the A52 south east of Ashbourne, this really is a model village. Built to serve the now demolished Osmaston Manor.
Hartington
The home of cheese-making in Derbyshire and one of the prettiest villages in the Peak.
Offers
Special Offer
Summer Sale 2025 at Waterside Barn!
Waterside Barn is truly the perfect Peak District retreat - up to 10 people can stay for 4 nights this June, July from just £1,000.
Special Offer
Summer Sale for July and August 2025!
Tissington Ford Barn is a stunning converted barn offering luxurious comfort with views across the gorgeous countryside, sleeps up to 12 poeple.
Special Offer
Discover a Giant Mole at Ilam Park
The ‘Mole Hole’ includes a FREE to view sculpture, family adventure trail and children’s craft workshops throughout the summer.
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