Thornbridge Hall | Beautiful Country House & Gardens nr Bakewell

Beautiful Stately Home in the Heart of the Peak District

Set amongst 80 acres of stunning parkland in Ashford-in-the-Water, with direct access from the Monsal Trail, Thornbridge Hall beckons you to discover a world of history, natural beauty and delightful experiences. This Grade II listed stately home offers a blend of grandeur, quirkiness and welcoming, dog friendly hospitality, making it the perfect destination for a memorable day out for the whole family, and the most romantic wedding venue.

Step back in time and explore the rich heritage of Thornbridge Hall by booking a guided house tour and immerse yourself in the stunning 10 acres of formal gardens. There’s something to enjoy all year round with a feast of seasonal events, including beaches in the summer and grottos at Christmas. Children will love it here as much as adults, with fun garden trails, net-a-duck activities, and a chance to meet the friendly animals at Thornbridge Smallholding. Visitors can also indulge in a bite to eat at Quackers Café, or a refreshing pint from Thornbridge Brewery, before browsing The Emporium for plants and locally-produced gifts.

Thornbridge Hall Historical House Tours

Thornbridge Hall offers two captivating house tours, each led by knowledgeable guides who will bring the estate’s rich history to life.

The House Tour: A Glimpse into Thornbridge’s Past (50 minutes)

This 50-minute tour is a great introduction to the estate’s history, where you’ll explore some of the house’s gorgeous rooms, including the Great Hall, the Carriage House and the Music Room, whilst gaining fascinating insights into the lives of the families who called Thornbridge Hall home throughout the centuries. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on this tour too, making it a fun activity for the whole family, including children over the age of 10.

Why not take advantage of Thornbridge Hall’s special offer, which includes a tour, all day garden entry and a cream tea?!

Thornbridge Uncovered: An In-Depth Exploration (2 hours)

For those who’d like to find out more, embark on a comprehensive 2-hour tour starting with tea and coffee in the spectacular Carriage House and finishing with samples of Thornbridge beers and food in Thornbridge Hall’s secret underground bar!

Delve deeper into the estate’s history with a guided tour of rarely seen areas, including the Great Hall, Jim’s Bar, the Music Room, and even a potential peek into the family living quarters! The tour concludes with a stroll through the captivating formal gardens, the Orangery and the original site of the Thornbridge Brewery.

All-day garden entry is included with this tour too! Please note, this tour is for over 18s and only guide dogs allowed.

Full details of tours are available here!

Formal Gardens – A Picturesque Wonderland

The gardens at Thornbridge Hall are truly spectacular! Its early design of ‘1,000 Shades of Green’ has resulted in a calming, relaxing space, with gorgeous views of the surrounding Peak District National Park.

Today, the gardens offer unique areas of beauty, all showcasing their own special features such as the Italian Garden, the Water Garden, the Koi Lake and a 100ft herbaceous border full of vibrant seasonal blooms throughout the year. Visit the impressive Knot Garden with magnificent topiary art or indulge your senses in the Scented Terrace. Relax at the Cascade Garden before discovering the Kitchen Garden, Greenhouse and Orangery – the list just goes on!

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener seeking inspiration or simply wishing to enjoy a tranquil stroll, these gardens offer a truly unforgettable experience for everyone, even well-behaved dogs on leads.

A Family Fun Day Out

There is so much fun to be had at Thornbridge Hall for the whole family!

For animal lovers, a visit to Thornbridge Smallholdings, located on the estate grounds, is a must. This working farm provides a unique opportunity to meet a variety of friendly farmyard animals, including sheep, pigs, goats, and chickens, and of course cute lambs in the spring. Access is free, daily from 10am – 4pm, and small bags of animal feed can be purchased in the Emporium.

Keep your children entertained while you browse the gardens – challenge them to find each of the wildlife characters as you wander your way through the estate grounds, scanning QR codes at each point to find out more about each of the characters!

Thornbridge Hall’s fabulous Net-a-Duck is fun for all the family, especially in the summer months, when you can splash around in this 100 year old fountain! The fountain is filled with hundreds of rubber ducks for the kids (and big kids) to fish out, providing hours of entertainment!

There are many other areas to enjoy including the sandpits and mud kitchen, the sit-on digger, willow tunnels, under-3s racing cars, and the chance to compose a tune on the tubular bells!

They’re sure to be entertained while you enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of this wonderful Peak District estate.

Quackers Café & The Emporium

After exploring the wonders of Thornbridge Hall and its picturesque gardens, treat yourself to a spot of lunch or a delicious, sweet treat at Quackers Café, open daily from 10am – 4pm, with spacious indoor and outdoor seating plus takeaway options to enjoy in the gardens. Dogs are always welcome too!

This charming café offers a tempting choice of homemade treats and a great selection of light lunches, such as breakfast sandwiches, jacket potatoes, ciabattas, salads and soups, all prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The moreish cakes, muffins, biscuits and tray bakes are all freshly made at Thornbrige Hall’s onsite bakehouse, as are the delicious pasties and sausage rolls. Those with special dietary requirements can be assured that there’s always gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available. Quackers Café also offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, including freshly-brewed coffee, a selection of teas and beers from Thornbridge Brewery!

Of course, when you’re visiting somewhere as grand as Thornbridge Hall, it would be rude not to treat yourself to afternoon tea and maybe a glass of fizz!

If a particular plant catches your eye in Thornbridge Hall’s beautiful gardens, pop into The Emporium which stocks a huge selection of plants, many of which have been lovingly grown on site. Here you will also find a wonderful selection of local artisan gifts, homewares and jams from local producers, craftsmen and artists.

View the current menus here!

Weddings and Corporate Events

Exclusive Wedding Venue

Thornbridge Hall offers a truly magical setting for weddings and corporate events. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Peak District, or hosting a successful business meeting in an environment that’s inspired by creativity.

Thornbridge Hall is one of the most exclusive wedding venues in the country and it is easy to see why. Picture wowing your guests as they catch a first glimpse of you on the balcony, before making your entrance down the staircase to The Grand Hall. This exclusive venue offers a variety of stunning areas for you to enjoy your special day. Say “I do” in the majestic Great Hall, the elegant Music Room, or the romantic South Lawn Temple and host a memorable reception in the spectacular Carriage House, with its adjoining Courtyard perfect for marquee extensions for larger celebrations. The experienced wedding team will assist you in creating a truly personalised and unforgettable experience, from bespoke catering to meticulous planning.

Of course, it goes without saying that the stunning grounds and beautiful gardens also provide an idyllic backdrop for those all-important wedding photos.

Thornbridge Hall can cater for small intimate weddings and larger celebrations of up to 250 guests, and it’s the only wedding venue in the area with its own brewery, so you can be sure the bar will always be stocked with plenty of Thornbridge Brewery beer!

Corporate Conferencing

Whether you’re planning a small team meeting, a large-scale conference, or a celebratory social event, Thornbridge Hall provides a unique and inspiring backdrop. Choose from a variety of versatile spaces, including the historic Great Hall, the intimate Boardroom, or the expansive Carriage House. The dedicated events team will work closely with you to ensure your event runs seamlessly, from catering and audio-visual equipment to entertainment and team-building activities.

Find out more about weddings and conferences here!

A Calendar Full of Fun & Inspirational Events

Thornbridge Hall hosts a variety of events throughout the year, offering something for everyone. Immerse yourself in a creative workshop, learn a new skill, or simply enjoy a day of family fun.

Unleash your inner artist with a variety of creative workshops, ranging from pottery painting and embroidery, to flower arranging with Thornbridge Blooms and macrame. Learn from experienced instructors and take home a unique creation. Embrace the changing seasons with special events throughout the year. Sample festive delights at a Christmas market, enjoy live music during a summer garden party, or participate in spooky Halloween activities.

Check out the latest calendar of events here !

Thornbridge Membership

Become a Thornbridge Member and unlock a world of exclusive benefits. Membership offers include:

Unlimited access to the formal gardens
House Tours
Limited number of alcohol-free drinks
Discounted entry to events
Discounts at Quackers Café, The Emporium and Brewery
Invitations to members-only events, like the midsummer party

Find out more about membership here!

Central Location

Thornbridge Hall is perfectly located close to the picture postcard village of Ashford-in-the- Water with direct access from the Monsal Trail, making Quackers Café the perfect place to call in for refreshments whilst enjoying a day cycling or walking in this beautiful area of the Peak District National Park.

Just 7 minutes from the popular market town of Bakewell, Thornbridge Hall is a great place to call in for breakfast or lunch and a browse, before or after perusing the many independent shops that Bakewell has to offer, including of course the famous Bakewell Pudding!

Likewise, in around 20 minutes you can be in the magnificent spa town of Buxton, or the ‘’seaside town’’ of Matlock Bath, ensuring a fun filled day out for all the family!

Plan your visit to Thornbridge Hall today and discover a world of wonder amidst the rolling hills of the Peak District. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day out, a fun-filled family day, or a unique venue for your special event, Thornbridge Hall offers an unforgettable experience for all!