Ashbourne

Overview

Ashbourne is a Georgian market town in Derbyshire. With over 200 listed buildings, cobbled streets, and a traditional market place, it’s the perfect place for just pottering around. The town is also at the start of the Tissington Trail and is known as the gateway to Dovedale, where you’ll find the picturesque stepping stones.

Couples will love wandering the pretty roads and popping into a café to sample the local coffee scene, while families with school age children will enjoy learning more about Ashbourne’s heritage at the Historical Centre. Ashbourne is a fantastic free day out in the Peak District with something to suit everyone.

Ashbourne pubs and restaurants

If you fancy a bite to eat or some liquid refreshment during your visit to Ashbourne, you’re in luck. You’re almost spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs, cafes and restaurants in the town. There is everything from specialist coffee shops and fine dining to cosy pubs and greasy spoons, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.

Some of the best pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Ashbourne include:

The Lighthouse Restaurant
Café Impromptu
Friends Café
Lamplight Restaurant
The Bowling Green Inn

Free things to do in Ashbourne

Historical Centre

Located in the Town Hall, the Historical Centre and Local Information Point gives you the opportunity to learn more about the town’s fascinating past. Find out about the origins of the historic Royal Shrovetide Football, an event that still takes place to this day.

The exhibits change on a regular basis and feature old films and photographs, plus you can pick up some leaflets with more information. The knowledgeable staff are always keen for a chat and will happily share their local expertise.

Ashbourne Tunnel

At the start of the Tissington Trail in Ashbourne, you’ll find the Ashbourne Tunnel. The tunnel was originally meant for trains since the trail itself is a disused railway line. Inside, the tunnel is lit with a walking and cycle-friendly surface. The tunnel also plays the intermittent soundtrack of a train approaching to really immerse you in your surroundings!

Tissington Trail

The Tissington Trail starts right from Ashbourne town centre. It’s a 13-mile (20.9-kilometre) trail which ends in the hamlet of Parsley Hay, and it’s great for walkers, cyclists, and even horse riders. You can hop onto the trail at the end of the Ashbourne Leisure Centre long-stay car park, close to the main shopping street.

Visit the market

As a traditional market town, Ashbourne still holds regular markets. The market takes place every Thursday on Shrovetide Walk from 9am until 2pm. The market has a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, gifts, and more.

There’s another market on the last Saturday of every month and a car boot sale at The Venue on the third Saturday of each month.

Events in Ashbourne

Ashbourne is home to several special events throughout the year, including its most famous – the Royal Shrovetide Football match.

Royal Shrovetide Football

Ashbourne is home to the world’s oldest game of football. Royal Shrovetide Football is played over two days (Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday) in the town centre. The goals are three miles apart, and there are no set rules! The ball is passed between players rather than being kicked, and thousands of spectators watch.

Hundreds of players take part, and which team you’re on depends on where you’re born. Those born south of the Henmore Brook are known as the Down’ards, while those born north of it are the Up’ards.

If you’re in the area at this time, then it is well worth checking out – we’re pretty sure you’ll never have seen anything like it!

Ashbourne Show

The Ashbourne Show takes place in August each year. This traditional countryside show features everything from horse shows to digger dancing, making for a great day out for the whole family.

See the very best in livestock, get creative in the Crafts Tent, or head to the Food Hall if you’re feeling peckish. The show takes place just outside of Ashbourne, in Osmaston, and there is an admission fee.

How to get to Ashbourne from YHA Hartington Hall

Ashbourne is around 10.5 miles from YHA Hartington Hall. The easiest and most convenient way to get there is by public transport.

By public transport: There is a direct bus from YHA Hartington Hall to Ashbourne. Catch the 442 bus to Ashbourne Bus Station from the stop outside the Youth Hostel. The journey should take around 35 minutes.

By car: The drive to Ashbourne from YHA Hartington Hall should take just over 20 minutes. There are several free car parks in Ashbourne, including: