Ashbourne, Derbyshire
The picturesque town of Ashbourne is known as the Gateway to the Peak District, and it’s certainly the perfect base from which to explore the spectacular White Peak countryside. The town itself has lots to offer the visitor too, with beautiful architecture, plenty of independent shops and lovely cafés.
The History of Ashbourne
Ashbourne is a town steeped in history. The magnificent St Oswald’s Church dates from around 1220 and its towering spire can be seen from pretty much everywhere in the town, standing at 215ft tall.
Ashbourne was granted a charter for a market in 1257 and a market still takes place twice a week in the quaint cobbled town centre.
Evidence of the town’s history is literally around every corner, with a wealth of beautiful, ancient buildings lining the narrow streets.
The Old Grammar School is well worth stopping to admire. It was founded in 1585, after a group of townspeople convinced Queen Elizabeth I of the need for an educational establishment in the town, and it remained in use for over 300 years, with boys aged 6-9 years receiving lessons there until 1903.
There are also a number of picturesque 17th and 18th Century almshouses throughout Ashbourne, including Owlfield’s Almshouses, Pegg’s Almshouses and Spalden’s Almshouses.
During the Georgian period the town was a popular stopover point for travellers, with no fewer than six main coaching routes converging here. As a result, you’ll find many fine Georgian houses and coaching inns here, the most famous of which was probably the Green Man 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. The rare ‘gallows’ sign for the inn still stretches over St John’s Road.
Ashbourne Today
Ashbourne today is a vibrant town with plenty of interesting shops to browse around, as well as a great collection of cafés and pubs to refresh visitors afterwards. The Memorial Gardens on the edge of the town, complete with stream and duck pond, provide the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle or enjoy a picnic.
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football
Ashbourne is famed throughout the country for its ancient and exhilarating tradition: Royal Shrovetide Football. Played annually on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, this is a game like no other. Bearing little resemblance to modern football, it’s a chaotic, good-natured “hurling” match involving hundreds of players. The town divides into two teams, the Up’ards and the Down’ards, with the goals positioned three miles apart at either end of the town. The ball, which is traditionally hand-painted by local craftspeople, can be carried, kicked, or thrown through the streets, fields, and even the river, in a bid to “goal” it. If you’re visiting in February, it’s an unforgettable spectacle.
Things to Do & Attractions Near Ashbourne
To help you make the most of your visit, here is a detailed list of fantastic attractions and activities, all within easy reach of the town centre. Distances are approximate travel times by car.
Within the Town (0 miles)
- Explore the Historic Town Centre: Wander the narrow streets and admire the architecture, including St. Oswald’s Church, the Old Grammar School, and the gallows sign.
- Shop at the Independent Stores: Browse the fantastic range of family-run shops for antiques, books, local food, and fashion.
- Visit the Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the twice-weekly open-air market (Thursdays and Saturdays).
- Relax in the Memorial Gardens: Enjoy a peaceful stroll or a picnic by the stream and duck pond.
- Sample Ashbourne Gingerbread: Look for this historic local specialty, a spiced, hard gingerbread biscuit, in local bakeries and shops.
Within 1-5 Miles
- Tissington Trail (Starts in Ashbourne): The trailhead is at Mapleton Lane, on the northern edge of town. This 13-mile traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders follows a former railway line and offers stunning White Peak views. You can hire bikes in town.
- Dovedale & Stepping Stones (4 miles): A 10-minute drive takes you to the National Trust car park at Dovedale. From here, a beautiful riverside walk leads you into the magnificent limestone ravine to the world-famous stepping stones—a must-do for any visitor.
- Ilam Park & Village (5 miles): A 15-minute drive brings you to this stunning National Trust property. Explore the picturesque model village of Ilam, with its Swiss-chalet style cottages, walk through the parkland to the River Manifold, and visit the hall’s tea room with views across the valley.
- Carsington Water (5 miles): Just a 10-minute drive away, this large reservoir is a haven for outdoor activities. You can enjoy watersports like sailing and kayaking, cycle or walk the 8-mile perimeter path, or simply visit the visitor centre and wildlife hides.
Within 6-10 Miles
- Kedleston Hall (7 miles): A 15-minute drive towards Derby leads to this breathtaking National Trust mansion. Set in magnificent parkland designed by Robert Adam, the house is a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture, with opulent state rooms to explore.
- Alton Towers Resort (10 miles): A 20-25 minute drive. For a fun-filled family day out, the world-famous theme park offers thrilling rides, a water park, and beautiful gardens to explore.
- Thor’s Cave (9 miles): A 20-minute drive to the Manifold Valley, followed by a steep but rewarding walk, leads to this massive, atmospheric cavern set high in a limestone cliff. The views from the cave entrance are spectacular.
Within 11-15 Miles
- Matlock Bath (12 miles): A 25-minute drive. This former spa town, now a popular tourist destination, is known as the “Seaside of the Derbyshire Dales.” Explore the Peak District Mining Museum, ride the cable cars up to the Heights of Abraham, or stroll along the picturesque riverbank.
- Chatsworth House (15 miles): A 30-35 minute drive. One of Britain’s most beloved stately homes, Chatsworth offers grand state rooms, an incredible art collection, a farmyard, and a vast, award-winning garden.
Out and About near Ashbourne
As pretty as the town is, part of its beauty undoubtedly lies in its spectacular location. It is situated on the southern edge of the Peak District National Park amid the rolling hills of the White Peak, very close to the stunning area of Dovedale and the very pretty village of Ilam, both of which should feature on the itinerary of any visitor to the town.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the fact that the Tissington Trail starts on the northern edge of the town. A former railway line, the 13 mile long trail stretches from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay, taking in some of the most spectacular White Peak countryside along the way. It is hugely popular with walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, and rightly so.
Another treat for walkers is the Limestone Way, which passes very close to Ashbourne. This challenging 46 mile long trail starts in Rocester and ends in Castleton, passing through a collection of truly beautiful Peak District villages.
Is Ashbourne worth visiting?
Yes, Ashbourne is definitely worth visiting. It’s an attractive market town with a rich history and great independent shops, and it’s the perfect gateway to the beautiful Peak District countryside.
What is Ashbourne famous for shopping?
Ashbourne is famous for its variety of small, family-run businesses and its regular open-air market. Shopping here is a pleasure for those looking for something different from the high street, with a focus on independent retailers selling everything from fine antiques and quality food and drink to designer fashion.
What is Ashbourne known for?
Beyond shopping, Ashbourne is known for several historical and cultural features. It has stunning architecture with over 200 listed buildings, including the splendid facade of The Old Grammar School. The town is famous for its unique Royal Shrovetide Football, a centuries-old game played through the streets each Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. It is also known as the gateway to Dovedale and for its historic Ashbourne Gingerbread.
What’s around Ashbourne?
The area surrounding Ashbourne is packed with fantastic days out. You can visit Dovedale to walk the magnificent limestone gorge and cross the iconic stepping stones. Carsington Water is a large reservoir with a visitor centre, watersports, walking, and cycling. Alton Towers offers a world-famous theme park for a fun-filled family day out. The Tissington Trail starts in Ashbourne itself and is a popular, traffic-free trail for cycling and walking. Ilam Park and Village is a beautiful National Trust spot, and Kedleston Hall is a stunning National Trust mansion set in glorious parkland.
I hope this helps you plan a wonderful trip to Ashbourne and the surrounding Peak District in Derbyshire.
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