Ashbourne lies at the southern edge of the Peak District bordering the National Park. Its medieval street pattern, historic buildings and main street, widely considered the finest street of Georgian buildings in Derbyshire, give the town's many visitors the opportunity to enjoy a scene which has remained largely unchanged in appearance since the 18th century.
The town is renowned for its excellent 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 – the cobbled market place, hidden alleys and yards are a particular delight to explore.
The town's market takes place every Thursday and Saturday throughout the year, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1257, when Ashbourne 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.
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!
Other attractions nearby 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.
Trail Guides are a great way of discovering the secrets and stories behind the town's history and development – each guide includes a route and interpretation, map, ratings for walkers and cyclists, as well as things to see and do along the way. Click the links below to download pdfs of the following trails:
Shrovetide Football – a Right Royal Game | A Walk into the Past
Water, Water Everywhere | Cycle Through the Centuries
See location of Ashbourne on Google maps
(Map reference: SK 180467)
Situated at the southern tip of the Peak District National Park at the junction of the A515 and the A52.
