Ashbourne Tourist Information |
|
Ashbourne is one of the finest old towns in Derbyshire. Known as the "Gateway to Dovedale" in the beautiful Peak District, it is a delightful place to visit. The town received its charter in 1257 and it was made a royal borough shortly after. It had specific fairs for different commodities – sheep and cattle, horse fairs and quarterly cheese fairs. There has been a church on the site of St Oswalds Church since Saxon times and a Norman crypt was found during excavations in 1913. The font dates back to the 13th century. Local influential families in Ashbourne were the Bradbournes and the Cockaynes who later became the Boothbys. In the 12th century the Cockaynes had a dubious reputation but by the 16th century both Sir Thomas Cockayne and his grandson had been knighted. Queen Elizabeth Grammar School was founded in Ashbourne in 1585. It is in a fine gabled building. Present Day Ashbourne The main attraction is Church Street which runs through Ashbourne with a fine collection of Georgian houses, 17th century almshouses, the old grammar school and St Oswald's Church. Above the street is an old inn sign for the Green Man and the Black Head Hotel, two coaching inns. It was erected in 1825. There are 200 listed buildings including black-and-white half-timbered buildings which add character to this lovely town. Next to the old grammar school is the 18th century Grey House with beautiful architecture and Doric windows. It is now used as a girls' boarding school. Across the road stands Mansion House which was frequently visited by author Dr Samuel Johnson. This parish church is one of the loveliest in Derbyshire with a 212 foot spire rising above the rooftops. It is dedicated to St Oswald, 7th century King of Northumbria. Most notable is the white Carrara marble figure of Penelope Boothby, daughter of one of the local leading families. In her short six year life she was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds and immortalized in this figure by Thomas Banks whose better known works are in St Paul's Cathedral, London. The town has many art galleries, restaurants, tea rooms and local shops along its cobbled streets. There is also a local leisure centre. Things to Do Around Ashbourne The Shrovetide Football Match takes place on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. The two teams are the Up'ards and the Down'ards and the game/brawl is played in the street, through the stream and across open country with plenty of bystanders joining in! It attracts many visitors, including the Prince of Wales, to see the 1000 year-old event. Ashbourne Arts Festival is a renowned 17-day event in June with poetry, drama, writings workshops and music from jazz to opera. The Tissington Trail starts at Ashbourne and is ideal for walking and cycling. Alton Towers and Gulliver's Kingdom theme parks are nearby.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Directions
|
| Show map of Ashbourne... |
|
Attractions near Ashbourne
|
|
High Peak Trail & Cromford Canal
(5 Miles)*
The High Peak Trail is a 17.5 miles traffic free trail across the White Peak for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. |
|
Great information about Alton Towers - opening times, prices, lots of pictures and information on the best rides at Alton Towers Theme Park. |
|
Wirksworth Heritage Centre
(8 Miles)*
The Story of Wirksworth encompasses the history of the town from prehistoric times to the modern day. |
| more attractions in Ashbourne and things to do in Ashbourne ... |
| What's near Ashbourne | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sponsored Links
|
|
Towns near Ashbourne
|
|
Clifton Tourist Information
(1 Mile)*
|
|
Okeover Tourist Information
(1 Mile)*
|
|
Kniveton Tourist Information
(2 Miles)*
|
| more towns near Ashbourne... |
|
Hotels near Ashbourne
|
|
Self Catering near Ashbourne
|
|
Willow Bank is a beautiful Derbyshire holiday cottage with spacious accommodation for up to 4 persons. Located in the Derbyshire Dales, part of the Peak District. |
|
We have 3 luxurious cottages very carefully converted from the 17 century buildings attached to Netherton Hall on the edge of the Peak District. Located 1.5 mile from Carsington Water and 5 minutes from Tissington. |
|
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day. |
| more self catering near Ashbourne ... |
|
National Trust | Estate Agents |
Copyright © 1999-2012 Excelsior Information Systems Limited.
All rights reserved.
Press Room Terms of Use Privacy Link to Us Index Site Map

