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

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

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

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…


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Ash Tree Cottage

Ash Tree Cottage is a single storey holiday let, renovated to a high standard, keeping all orginal features. It's ideally positioned to the village…


Business

The Water Mill

The Water Mill is a stunning Grade II, award-winning conversion, located on the edge of the Peak National Park.


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Howell & Marsden

A delicatessen in the centre of Ashbourne, offering fresh and delicious ready-to-eat treats!


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Ashbourne Camping Cabin

Our cosy Camping Cabin is perfect if you are looking for glamping accommodation in the Peak District. Occupying a south-facing position overlooking a…


Business

Cafe Impromptu

Cosy cafe & bakery for British cuisine served in an intimate inside space with outdoor seating on the pavement and upstairs patio.


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Rivendale Lodge Retreats

From lodges to treehouses, you can enjoy your time here sitting in your private hot tub or tucking into some food at the restaurant.


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The Bike Barn

Family-run cycle hire centre in Ashbourne.


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Bank House Farm Caravan & Camping Park

An established site which has been running as a family business since 2011. Developed a reputation as a beautiful, friendly campsite. Electric hook…


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

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.


Events

Parwich Open Gardens

This beautiful White Peak village sees green-fingered residents throwing open their gates and sharing their passion for planting, propagating and…


Events

Wyaston and Edlaston Well Dressings

Discover the unique custom of Well Dressing


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

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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