Known as the gateway to the Peak District, Ashbourne is on the doorstep of a great many fantastic attractions to visit and enjoy. Ranging from historic country houses and amusement parks to the wonderful surrounding countryside, there is something for everyone.
A good place to start is the Peak District website, it has a wealth of information.
Here are some of the many surrounding attractions.
Traffic Free Cycle Paths
The start of the Tissington Trail is just a five minute walk from the front door, leading into the Peak District and totalling 12miles of traffic free ex railway line, there is a cycle hire shop at the start of the trail. It is accessible for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. Leading into the High Peaks Trail at it’s upper end. The Manifold Way is just a short drive away, and the Monsal Trail can be accessed from just north of Bakewell.
Dovedale
Dovedale is known for the River Dove and it’s impressive limestone ravines, but the most iconic part of a trip to Dovedale has to be the picturesque stepping stones. There is a path that leads from the stepping stones along the river into stunning woodland in one direction and the picturesque lookout of Thorpe Cloud in the other.
Carsington Water
Carsington Water is a large reservoir about 5 miles outside of Ashbourne. There is plenty of parking and a visitor centre and café. There is also an activity centre where you can hire water sports equipment and cycles. The path around the reservoir is approximately 8 miles.
Alton Towers
World famous theme park with fantastic gardens, and hotels. Offering thrills for all the family.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is a stately home in the Derbyshire Dales, 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north-east of Bakewell and 9 miles (14 km) west of Chesterfield, England. The seat of the Duke of Devonshire, it has belonged to the Cavendish family since 1549. It stands on the east bank of the River Derwent, across from hills between the Derwent and Wye valleys, amid parkland backed by wooded hills that rise to heather moorland.
National Trust locations
There are many National Trust locations nearby such as:
- Ilam Park Dovedale
- Kedleston Hall
- Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood
- Duffield Castle
- Calke Abbey
Caves and Mines
The are many caves and mines to visit in the surrounding area. The Peak District Lead mining museum and Temple Mine are situated in Matlock Bath. Pooles Cavern is in the lovely market town of Buxton, with guided tours from the visitor centre. Click the link below for an extensive list of caves and mines.
Footpaths and Walks
There are many public footpaths and rights of way all over the Derby Dales and the Peak District. We have guided booklets in the cottage outlining some of the walks that are easily accessible on foot from the cottage. The Derby mapping portal has a comprehensive guide to all rights of way. A few suggested walks are in the links below.
Nearby towns
There are many picturesque towns and villages nearby to Ashbourne, such as:
- Buxton – Home of Buxton Water, is a thermal spa town nestled in the centre of the beautiful Peak District
- Matlock and Matlock Bath – Spa towns with independent shops and cafes.
- Bakewell – The biggest town in the Peak District on the river Wye, famous for it’s Bakewell Pudding
Holiday Cottage in Ashbourne 