Escape to the Derbyshire Dales and enjoy a relaxing getaway in Ashbourne. The historic market town brims with old-world charm and is filled with handsome Tudor and Georgian buildings. Shop at independent boutiques and enjoy scones, jam and cream at charming tea rooms.
Things to do in Ashbourne
Get lost in a maze of winding cobbled streets in the historic town centre. You’ll walk past hundreds of heritage-listed buildings, including the magnificent Old Grammar School built in the 1600s. Stop for a pint at a centuries-old inn and admire the soaring spire atop St Oswald's Parish Church.
Ashbourne swaps big-name brands for small, family-run businesses. Shop for treasures at antique shops and purchase artisan-made gifts at the weekly open-air market. Treat yourself to piping hot gingerbread at bakeries across Ashbourne, a town famous for its melt-in-your-mouth gingerbread, which was first baked by French prisoners in the 18th century.
Ashbourne is nicknamed “The Gateway to Dovedale” and is a great base to explore the postcard-perfect limestone valley. It’s owned by the National Trust and is one of the most beautiful spots in Peak District National Park. Walk through wildflower-strewn meadows and hop across the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones. Hike up Thorpe Cloud hill for sweeping views over the lush valley.
Pack your hiking shoes and explore the beautiful Derbyshire Dales. There are trails for every age and fitness level, from leisurely riverside walks to challenging summits. The Tissington Trail takes you through glorious countryside, while the more challenging High Peak Trail winds along a former railway track. Stop at Minninglow Hill, an ancient site dotted with Neolithic tombs and Bronze Age burial mounds.
Getting around Ashbourne
Ashbourne is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while bicycles are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the Derbyshire countryside. The town is a 25-minute drive from Derby and one hour from Sheffield and trains call in nearby towns like Derby and Stoke-on-Trent. Birmingham Airport is a one-hour drive away.