Ashbourne derbyshire united kingdom | ashbourne derbyshire
Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is a place where you will definitely be amazed by its natural beauty. Losing yourself in nature, listening to the birds singing, hearing the calls of wild animals, and going to the market — the feeling I felt while writing this guide was extraordinary. Walking along the picturesque paths of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, was an extraordinary feeling that I realized while getting lost in nature. If you want to experience this feeling, you must come to Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and read my guide to find out some information.
Welcome to ukloveing.com! If you want to know all about Ashbourne, Derbyshire, then you have come to the right place. Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is a fantastic destination for adventure and travel. With its rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and vibrant local culture, Ashbourne offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day appeal.
During our visit to the town, we explored ancient cobblestone streets, fascinating historical landmarks, and thrilling adventures. Ashbourne truly has something for everyone who loves outdoor experiences.
Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is a charming market town located in the Derbyshire Dales district. The town has a population of around 9,000, but when you visit, it feels much smaller due to its serene natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. There are many historic buildings and independent shops to explore. Beyond these, Ashbourne South White Peak boasts spectacular limestone scenery.
If you’d rather take in the town’s history at a leisurely pace, enjoy a relaxing stroll through its picturesque streets.
History of Ashbourne
The ancient name Ashbourne comes from the Old English aese-burna, meaning a stream with ash trees. The town was given the title of “Borough” in 1257. During the Middle Ages, it was a resting place for pilgrims walking St. Nuns’ Way to the shrine of St. Fremund in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Charles Edward Stuart’s forces also marched through Ashbourne during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
Stepping into Ashbourne feels like stepping back in time. The town boasts some of the finest Georgian architecture. One of the notable landmarks is St. Oswald’s Church, which has a spire 212 feet high. Walking through the town, you will encounter a mixture of half-timbered houses and Georgian buildings.
Shrovetide Football
The medieval game is called Royal Shrovetide Football – the person holding the ball after two hours wins.
Ashbourne is home to one of England’s oldest traditions: Royal Shrovetide Football. Held annually on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, the event is far from a typical football match. The game is chaotic, exciting, and sometimes rough, with hundreds of players aiming to score goals three miles apart. The whole town becomes a huge playground, and while there are few rules, the game is a true spectacle that conveys the sense of community, heritage, and culture of the town.
There are two teams (Up and Down) based on where you live in the town, and they have to try to get the ball into their own goal (both goals are symbols of the local area). The game runs for two days (Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday) from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
This is how the game originated over a hundred years ago.
Of course, this and its unruly sibling, mob football, are the origins of the modern codes of football (association, Australian rules, Gaelic, American, rugby union, rugby league). Each of these takes some of the basic elements of a mob football match (scrumming, throwing, kicking, dribbling, tackling, and set pieces like throw-ins) and formalises them, removing them from the brutality of the past.
Gateway to Adventure
Ashbourne is perfectly located for those looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of the UK’s first national park: the Peak District. A short drive from the town, you’ll discover rolling hills, limestone dales, and picturesque valleys. The nearby Dovedale valley is famous for its walks and stepping stones, while the Tissington Trail, a former railway line, offers a peaceful route for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast or just looking for a scenic picnic spot, the Peak District offers endless opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Local Food
Food is always fresh, and local produce is delicious at the Ashbourne market. The town has several independent cafes and restaurants, many of which source their ingredients from local farms. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the cheeses, meats, and sweets available from the local stalls at Ashbourne Market.
If you visit in the spring, the Ashbourne Arts Festival brings together food, drink, and art to celebrate local talent. This is an ideal time to explore the town while enjoying the creativity of the residents.
Here is a list of five of the best and most popular eateries you can enjoy in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, which is known for its local charm and traditional English cuisine:
- Bakewell Tart
- Derbyshire Oatcakes
- Ashbourne Gingerbread
- Local Derbyshire Lamb
- Ploughman’s Lunch
Shopping in Ashbourne
Ashbourne is well known for its antique shops, which attract both collectors and casual shoppers. Along the cobbled streets, you’ll find shops offering everything from fine furniture to vintage finds. In addition to antiques, there are independent boutiques selling everything from local crafts to high-end fashion, giving the town a unique and homely feel.
Where to Stay in Ashbourne
Ashbourne offers various accommodations to suit all tastes, from cozy B&Bs and country inns to self-catering cottages and boutique hotels. Some of these accommodations are housed in historic buildings, adding to the charm of your stay. For those seeking a rural escape, farm stays and campsites in the surrounding countryside provide the perfect base for exploring the area.
Why Visit Ashbourne?
Whether you’re drawn to its history, heritage, or its location as the gateway to one of the UK’s most beautiful national parks, Ashbourne is a destination that deserves a place on your travel itinerary. It offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat steeped in history and a gateway to the natural beauty of Derbyshire, making it an ideal base for adventure.
Education
The main secondary school is Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, which was founded in 1585. It moved to its present location on Green Road in 1909 and, in 1973, merged with Ashbourne County Secondary School.
Ashbourne Railway
The Ashbourne railway once served the town on the Ashbourne to Buxton railway line, but it closed to regular passenger traffic in 1954.
The nearest railway stations to Ashbourne today are Uttoxeter, located 11 miles away on the Crewe-Derby line, and Derby, 13 miles away on the Midland Main Line.
Ashbourne pros and cons?
Pros: Located just 20-30 minutes from Dublin, Ashbourne offers a peaceful lifestyle and easy access to the amenities of the capital. And the town has a very low crime rate, making Ashbourne a good choice for families. Ashbourne is also a more affordable place to live than Dublin, which is why Ashbourne is seeing significant population growth, which has led to the development of a range of amenities including shops, cafes and recreational facilities.
cons: This problem seems to be common in all large cities. Ashbourne, in Derbyshire, is located near Dublin, so its residents suffer from traffic congestion. As a result, daily travel becomes time-consuming for its residents. Public transport is an option but is not as frequent as in larger cities. Which is a huge inconvenience.
What is the best time to visit Ashbourne?
The best time to visit Ashbourne is in the spring or summer when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities in the Peak District are at their best. This period coincides with the town’s local events, such as the Ashbourne Arts Festival, which showcases the area’s best food, drink, and artistic talent to visitors.
What are some historical landmarks in Ashbourne?
The Ashbourne area is home to a number of historic sites, most notably St. Oswald’s Church, which has a spire that is 212 feet high. The area also boasts well-preserved Georgian architecture and half-timbered houses that add to its historical charm. Visitors feel like they are stepping back in time as they walk through Ashbourne, with its rich mix of medieval and Georgian history.
Don't you think Derbyshire is a strange shape? What do you think of Derbyshire?
To be honest, I quite like this oddity. It’s an example of ancient history influencing our lives today, and counties have shaped the English social fabric ever since. My own county of Hertfordshire looks a bit like a kettle and has no geographical meaning, but I wouldn’t want it redrawn for the world.
It’s certainly odd, and most people don’t like it—especially in the High Peaks in the far northwest, where people feel that the county council can’t even see them and that the area is decaying. There’s a lack of “identity” with Derbyshire and Derby (over 50 miles away with no direct roads and no public transport), while Manchester is only a few miles away. For the East Midlands counties, Buxton and Glossop don’t fit in particularly well.
Derby is essentially a city in the Midlands. From the east of the county to Chesterfield, it feels more like neighbouring Nottinghamshire. The rural centre around Matlock has some similarities to the Peak District to the northwest, where the Peak District itself is clearly distinct and part of the Pennines and the North—not the Midlands—with its main road and rail links to Manchester and Sheffield.
Where to stay in Ashbourne — Distance from the city centre
- Most accommodation in Ashbourne, Derbyshire is very centrally located. Here’s what you can expect:
- Boutique hotels, B&Bs and inns – usually within 0.2 to 0.5 miles of the town centre (around a 2-10 minute walk).
- Self-catering cottages and lodges – often found within 1-2 miles, either on the outskirts of Ashbourne or in picturesque locations such as Thorpe or Mapleton.
- Camping or glamping sites – usually 2-6 miles away, offering more nature and scenery, ideal for outdoor adventurers.