Derbyshire landscape varies from lush green pastureland with gently rolling hillsides, beautiful dales with rivers abundant with wildlife to stunning rugged moorland for the more adventurous. There are wonderful panoramic views to behold. Limestone and sandstone walls divide this patchwork landscape.
A labyrinth of footpaths cover the area, from gentle walks for all the family, to the more challenging for the experienced. There is a choice of cliff and rock faces for both the novice or experienced climber.
Ashbourne set in the Derbyshire Dales is a historic market town set on a river at the edge of the Peak District National Park. Full of old listed buildings, the town itself has an abundance of antique and craft shops, and places to wine and dine. Royal Shrovetide football held on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday each year is a sight to behold. Try the Highland Gathering event held in July, where Scotland, its culture, traditions and sports come to Ashbourne.Visit the now established Arts Festival at the end of June beginning of July each year and enjoy the international street festival. We are close to Darley Moor motorcycle racing course. We have local accommodation to support all these events.
Thrilling attractions nearby include the theme parks of Alton Towers ,Gulliver’s Kingdom and Wild Park Leisure.
Osmaston village with its quaint thatched cottages, privately owned Tissington village with its historic Hall and famous well dressings held on Ascension day, and the riverside village of Alsop en le Dale, are a must to visit. The pretty village of Hartington has a cheese factory.
Dovedale is close by with its wonderful scenic walks, stepping stones and picturesque Thorpe Cloud. Other dales include the Manifold Valley with cycle hire, Bradford Dale with its old fisheries, Mill Dale, Chee Dale, Lathkill Dale and many more.
For sport, Derbyshire is a must with varying cycle trails, riding schools, and pony trekking. River and still water canoeing, water sports, walking, climbing, fishing and golf are all available locally. Carsington Water sports and visitor centre is nearby.
With its many rivers and reservoirs, Derbyshire is a haven for fishing.
Chatsworth House, historic home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is a must. The house itself, with its many treasures and gardens, has also a farm shop, children’s farmyard and adventure playground.
Kedleston Hall, Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall and Sudbury Hall with its museum of childhood are not to be missed; or walk back in time at the incredible Calke Abbey.
Other places worth a visit and within 40 minutes drive include:
- Wirksworth – National Stone Centre, Mill Museums, Black Rocks, Cromford Mills, Wirksworth Festival, Ecclesbourne Steam Railway.
- Ashbourne – Historic Market town, many historic buildings, antique shops, cafes, gift shops.Shrove tide football, Ashbourne Festival, Ashbourne Show, Highland Gathering, St Oswalds Church.
- Matlock – Matlock Bath spa town, Gulliver’s Kingdom, Heights of Abraham Visitor Centre, Caves and Cable cars, Mining Museum. River canoeing, caving and rock climbing. Matlock illuminations.
- Crich – National Tramway Museum, Crich Stand.
- Ripley – Midland Steam Railway Museum
- Denby – Denby Pottery and visitor centre
- Belper – River Gardens, Belper Industrial Museum, many factory shops.
- Stoke – Waterworld theme park, The Potteries and Pottery shops.
- Derby – Royal Crown Derby, Rollerworld, BMX and Skate park, Derby Industrial Museum, Pickford Museum, Cinemas, Theatres, Derby Cathedral and more.
- Bakewell – Market town set on a picturesque river and the home of the famous and very tasty Bakewell Pudding.
- Buxton – Spa and market town of historic interest, The Pavilion Gardens, Theatre, musem.
- Hathersage and Castleton – Rock climbing, caving and special interest caves for visitors of all ages containing boat rides, stalagmites and stalactites and the famous Blue John semi precious stone.
- Chesterfield – Large market town, Visit the ‘Crooked Spire’
This is just a taste of the many attractions that our beautiful and picturesque county of Derbyshire has to offer for all.