A Visit to Ashford-in-the-Water
Visit Ashford-in-the-Water, arguably the most picturesque village in the Peak District, with its idyllic riverside setting, medieval Sheepwash Bridge, pretty limestone cottages, tearoom, and cosy country pubs. Dating back to the 10th Century and mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, this charming village was once a thriving centre for Ashford Black Marble quarrying. Today, its famous Sheepwash Bridge, one of the most photographed in England, has been named by Visit England as the best location in the country to play Pooh Sticks! Surrounded by beautiful countryside, close to Bakewell and the Monsal Trail, it’s the perfect base for exploring the White Peak. Please park considerately and respect the residents who make this village so special.
Ashford-in-the-Water
Ashford-in-the-Water is – arguably! – the most perfect little village in the Peak District. Certainly if you’re looking for chocolate-box appeal, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere more picturesque. It has everything that a country village needs: an idyllic riverside setting, complete with a medieval bridge, pretty limestone cottages, narrow lanes, a tearoom and cosy country pubs.
The records of Ashford-in-the-Water date back to the 10th Century, and in the Domesday Book of 1086 it’s referred to as Aisseford, meaning the Ford (or River) by the Ash Tree. In contrast to its peaceful atmosphere today, it was once home to a thriving quarrying and mining industry producing Ashford Black Marble, a form of limestone which turns black when polished.
The Sheepwash Bridge across the River Wye is one of the most photographed bridges in England, and it’s not hard to see why. The river is broad and beautiful at this point and its grassy banks are lined with daffodils in the Spring. There are often ducks dozing here, and you might catch sight of a dipper landing on the rocks in the water. Not only that, but it has been named by Visit England, the National Tourist Board, as the best location in the country to play Pooh Sticks!
As its name suggests, the Sheepwash Bridge was once used by farmers to drive their flocks into the water to be washed before shearing, and the small walled enclosure used to pen the sheep is still in place. The bridge is now a Grade II listed structure, noted for its historic and architectural importance.
Ashford-in-the-Water is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and it’s a great place to walk after exploring the village. Close to both the market town of Bakewell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail, there’s no shortage of great routes around this area.
An Important Word!
When you visit Ashford-in-the-Water PLEASE be respectful of the residents in this small village. You’ll be welcomed with open arms and the local businesses will be delighted at your custom, but do remember to park with consideration for those who live here and take all your litter home with you. Thank you.
How Do I Get to Ashford-in-the-Water?
Ashford-in-the-Water is located on the A6 between Bakewell and Buxton. The postcode for The Bull’s Head pub, located in the centre of the village, is DE45 1QB.
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If the picturesque charm of Ashford-in-the-Water and its famous Sheepwash Bridge have delighted you, the Peak District has many more beautiful villages and attractions to explore. The historic market town of Bakewell is just a short distance away, while the magnificent Chatsworth House and the medieval Haddon Hall are both within easy reach. The Monsal Trail runs nearby, offering traffic-free walking and cycling through the beautiful Wye Valley. The beautiful village of Edensor lies within the Chatsworth Estate, with its eclectic mix of housing styles and beautiful church. For more village ideas, visit our Dovedale & White Peak Villages Guide.
