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    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 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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    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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    Callow Top Holiday Park

    Popular family holiday park within walking distance of Ashbourne. Swimming pool, play area, fishing. Pub serving good food & a wide selection of…


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    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…


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    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…


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    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…


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    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…


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    Tissington Ford Barn

    Tissington Ford Barn is an award-winning, beautifully restored & refurbished stone barn. Sleeping up to 12 guests, with an optional hot tub & gazebo…


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    Tissington Hall Holiday Cottages & Apartments

    From our warm cosy cottages to the splendor and indulgence of a night or two in one of our apartments, relax and unwind on your next holiday or short…


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    The Bike Barn

    Family-run cycle hire centre in Ashbourne.


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    Beechenhill Farm Cottages

    Organic farm with award-winning cottages. Beechenhill Cottage; tiny, warm, in secluded garden. Cottage by the Pond for all, especially families and…


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    Mulino Pods

    Just three secluded glamping pods located on a farm which boast fantastic views over the valley towards Carsington Water. You can escape to the peace…


    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.


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    Wyaston and Edlaston Well Dressing Day

    Experience the ancient Derbyshire tradition of well dressings .


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    Wyaston and Edlaston Well in the Making

    Come and try the Derbyshire tradition of well dressing


    Trails nearby

    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

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