Ashbourne Area, Peak District

Shoppers
Antiques
Walkers
Cyclists
History
Architecture

Ashbourne is a fine example of a typical Derbyshire market town with elegant Georgian buildings and a great collections of antique shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Ashbourne Highlights

The Town

Ashbourne is an attractive historical town and home to nearly 200 listed buildings. The light-bricked buildings, hidden alleyways and cobbled market square makes the town a very pleasant and atmospheric place to stay, visit or shop.

The Shops

Ashbourne has a number of gorgeous antique shops, independent boutiques, speciality food stores, gift stores and galleries, not forgetting the popular market held on Thursdays and Saturdays. Also try the old Gingerbread Shop where you sit in and eat snacks, cream cakes and of course gingerbread men!

The Surrounding Countryside

Ashbourne (also known as ‘Gateway to Dove Dale’) is surrounded by beautiful countryside which attracts many walkers. Head for nearby Dove Dale, one of the Peak District’s most stunning dales now owned by the National Trust. Here you will find a dramatic limestone ravine famous for its stunning scenery, wildlife and the much-loved stepping stones which cross the River Dove. You will also find miles of marked footpaths starting from the Ashbourne area and the popular cycle and walkers route The Tissington Trail, which starts just North of Ashbourne. Please refer to our Trails Guide for more details on the Tissington Trail.

Ashbourne History

Ashbourne was once a small Saxon village and was first mentioned in the Domesday book. The town was granted it’s market charter in 1257.

Interesting Facts

1. During the Georgian period Ashbourne was a very fashionable society town for the wealthy.
2. Many Ashbourne businesses and consumer establishments support fair trade and the town has become the 97th ‘Fairtrade Town.’