A Trip to Ashbourne
Explore Ashbourne, the beautiful Derbyshire town known as the Gateway to the Peak District. With its stunning architecture, independent shops, lovely cafés, and rich history – from the magnificent 215-foot spire of St Oswald’s Church (c.1220) to its medieval market charter of 1257 – this charming town is the perfect base for exploring the White Peak. Discover Georgian coaching inns like the Green Man and Black’s Head Royal Hotel, witness the ancient spectacle of Royal Shrovetide Football in February, and enjoy easy access to Dovedale, Ilam, and the 13-mile Tissington Trail. Ashbourne offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and countryside adventure.
The beautiful town of Ashbourne in Derbyshire is known as the Gateway to the Peak District. Situated on the southern edge of the Peak District, it boasts beautiful architecture, independent shops and lovely cafés, and it’s the perfect base from which to explore the spectacular White Peak countryside.
Ashbourne is full of history. You can’t miss the magnificent spire of St Oswald’s Church, which stands at 215 feet tall and dates from around 1220. The town was granted a charter for a market in 1257, and a market still takes place here twice a week in the quaint cobbled town centre. Take the time to admire the Old Grammar School too, founded in 1585 and in use for over 300 years.
During the Georgian period this was a popular stopover point for travellers, as no fewer than six main coaching routes converged in the town. As a result, you’ll find many beautiful Georgian houses and coaching inns here, the most famous of which is probably the Green Man and Black’s Head Royal Hotel, built in the 1750s. As well as providing the hungry coach travellers with food and ale, it also served as the local Magistrates and County Court.
If you visit in February, don’t miss the spectacle of Royal Shrovetide Football, an ancient tradition in Ashbourne. It’s played every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday and involves hundreds of players, with one half of the town playing the other half. The goals are 3 miles apart and the large ball – which is traditionally painted by local craftspeople – can be kicked, carried or thrown through the streets.
Combine your visit to Ashbourne with a trip into the surrounding countryside. The stunning area of Dovedale and the very pretty village of Ilam are both close by, and outdoor enthusiasts will love the fact that the Tissington Trail starts on the northern edge of the town and stretches for 13 miles to Parsley Hay.
How Do I Get to Ashbourne?
Ashbourne is located on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire. The address of the Visitor Information Centre is Town Hall Yard, Ashbourne DE6 1ES.
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If the historic charm and independent shops of Ashbourne have made you want to explore more, the Peak District’s southern gateway offers many wonderful attractions nearby. Carsington Water is just a short drive away, offering walking, cycling and water sports on the ninth-largest reservoir in England. The Tissington Trail starts at Ashbourne, providing 13 miles of traffic-free walking and cycling through beautiful countryside. Hardwick Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan country house, while Sudbury Hall offers beautiful interiors and the National Trust Museum of Childhood. For more White Peak inspiration, visit our Dovedale & White Peak Villages Guide.
