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Ashford in the Water

One of the Peak District's most picturesque villages and most photographed bridges.

Things to do at Ashford in the Water in the Peak District & Derbyshire

Picturesque Ashford in the Water's much-photographed medieval Sheepwash Bridge has been named by national tourist board VisitEngland as the best location in the country to play the popular family pursuit of Poohsticks.

Winnie the Pooh favourite game of floating sticks on fast flowing rivers is the perfect pastime on Ashford's pretty focal point, spanning the river Wye just north of Bakewell.

No less than three bridges cross the river in this charming village, full of character in an idyllic setting. Sheepwash Bridge, as its name suggests, was used by farmers to drive their flocks into the water to wash them, and you can still spot the small walled enclosure used to pen sheep on the river's broad, grassy banks.

With its lovely limestone cottages and beautifully-tended gardens, it's now hard to imagine that the village was once the centre of production for Ashford Black Marble, extracted from both quarries and mines in the area. You can see fine examples in the small church of Holy Trinity, and also in the Boyd Dawkins geological collection at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (due to re-open in spring 2017).

Villagers roll up their sleeves in early June to create living art works made of natural materials during the Peak District and Derbyshire's unique annual Well Dressing celebrations, which include Holy Trinity Church.

When it comes to eating and drinking, there's plenty of choice, thanks to a hotel/restaurant, two pubs (one with rooms) and a traditional English tea room, as well as a well-stocked village shop.

If you fancy some leisurely walking or cycling, there are good links with the traffic-free Monsal Trail, and make a beeline for nearby Monsal Head for views to take your breath away. Or while away a lazy summer afternoon watching local teams play cricket in traditional whites in a picture book setting on Ashford's riverside pitch

What's On nearby

Events

Matlock Raft Event & Mince Pie Specials

Join us on Boxing Day for a festive steam train service to Matlock and let the train take the strain.


Events

Guided Tour of Bakewell - the Architecture and…

Free Highlights Tour of Bakewell. Provided by Bakewell Old House Museum.


Events

Neon Caverns at The Level Centre

Share space and time away from the everyday in this fun, vibrant shelter where one world mixes with another!


Things to do

Business

Highland Cows of the Peak

Experience one of our truly unique hands-on highland cattle experiences, interacting with our fluffy family of Highland Cows


Business

Emma Bridgewater Factory

Discover the skilled craftsmanship and heritage expertise fired into every piece of colourful patterned Emma Bridgewater pottery.


Business

Peak Sightseer open top bus

Soak up the scenery from this open top bus service and visit some of the Peak District’s most popular destinations with stops at Castleton,…


Business

Eyam Museum

Discover the story of Eyam, the famous plague village.


Places to stay

Business Directory Ashford Mill

Business Directory Rafters at Riverside House

Business Directory Grange Barn

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