AshbourneAshbourne is one of Derbyshire's finest old market towns, combining a medieval street pattern and historic buildings with a wealth of high quality shops.  

Lying at the southern edge of the Peak District and bordering the National Park, Ashbourne's many visitors come to the town to enjoy a scene which has remained largely unchanged in appearance since the 18th century.

 

The cobbled market place, hidden alleys and yards are a delight to explore and the elegant Church Street is widely considered to be the finest street of Georgian buildings in Derbyshire.

 

Church Street, AshbourneAshbourne is also renowned for its superb range of shops - clustered around the historic market place and along the main streets, you'll find everything from independent ladies' boutiques and fine antiques shops to speciality food stores, galleries, bistros, gift shops and much more. For fresh, local produce and a wide range of other goods, the town's market is a great place to browse. Taking place every Thursday and Saturday throughout the year, the bustling market continues a tradition that dates back to 1257, when the town was granted a charter to have stalls in the market place.

 

 

Ashbourne became a busy and fashionable social centre for the wealthy during the Georgian period, with six coaching roads meeting at the town, including the route from London to Carlisle. A stroll down the main street today takes you past historic almshouses, the 16th century Old Grammar School, the Mansion where Dr Johnson visited his friend Dr Taylor and the lovely parish church of St Oswald, with its graceful 212ft spire and the oldest dedication plaque of its kind in Britain, dating back to 1241. Ashbourne's legacy of more than 200 listed buildings, fine coaching inns and mellow-bricked town houses combine to create the town's unique atmosphere.

 

 

What’s On   Ashbourne hosts many activities and events throughout the year including:   Royal Shrovetide Football (Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday)   Ashbourne Arts Festival A number of events take place from 22nd June to 15th July   Ashbourne Highland Gathering (15th July)   Ashbourne Agricultural Show (18th August)   Antiques Fair (2nd September)   Christmas fun nights & lantern parade (December)

The stunning scenery of Dovedale Around Ashbourne 

Ashbourne is an ideal base for either a short break or longer holiday - and there's a great range of quality assured guest accommodation in and around the town from which to choose!

 

Lying close to Dovedale, one of the Peak District's most beautiful dales, the town is surrounded by stunning countryside and there are not only miles of way-marked footpaths to explore on foot, but also excellent traffic-free cycle routes such as the Tissington Trail, which follow the routes of former railway lines. But if a more relaxed stroll is more your thing, follow the Heritage Trail around the town, perhaps stopping along the way for refreshments in one of the many traditional tearooms!

 

Historic homes in the surrounding area include Sudbury Hall, the National Trust's beautiful 17th century house and gardens, which is also home to the Museum of Childhood, and Tissington Hall, a fine Jacobean manor house set in the picture postcard village of Tissington. Other family attractions include Carsington Water - a reservoir with water sports centre surrounded by numerous trails set amidst spectacular scenery, as well as Britain's favourite theme park, Alton Towers.