Local Area

We are in an ideal location on the border of the Peak District and the Staffordshire Moorlands and so you are spoiled for choice but here are a few of our favourite locations, attractions, walks, cycle routes and days out.

ALTON TOWERS 

The UK’s number 1 theme park right on your doorstep!  Set in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside the theme park is based in the magnificent ruins of the Alton Towers.

ASHBOURNE MARKET TOWN

With its winding cobbled streets, welcoming Market Place and handsome Tudor and Georgian heritage, picturesque Ashbourne is known as 'The Gateway to Dovedale'. With more than 200 listed buildings - including historic almshouses, fine coaching inns and genteel town houses - it's a visual feast for the discerning visitor. Don't miss the splendid facade of the Grade I listed Old Grammar School, the 'longest inn sign in the world' at the old Greenman public house on St John Street; or the beautiful St Oswald's Parish Church with its striking 212 feet high spire, described by classic author George Eliot as the 'finest single spire in England'. Shop for fine antiques, quality food and drink, designer fashion and much more, then relax over morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea in a selection of cafés, inns and tea rooms. Ashbourne is also famous for its ancient tradition of Royal Shrovetide Football - 'turned up', or started, by such famous figures as Prince Charles, Sir Stanley Matthews and The Duke of Devonshire. Played each Shrovetide Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, it's a unique and unruly event that bears little resemblance to the modern game! Walkers, cyclists and horse riders will appreciate the fact that the town also sits at the start of the traffic-free Tissington Trail - a green gateway to Dovedale and the Pennine Bridleway, linking up further north with the popular High Peak Trail.

BUXTON

Buxton, home of Buxton Water, is a thermal spa town nestled in the centre of the beautiful Peak District and the UK’s oldest National Park. It is not surprising it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, with its stunning ornamental gardens and famous Georgian and Victorian architecture which provide an impressive backdrop to a rich and vibrant range of music, theatre and festivals. With a wealth of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, natural wonders such as Poole’s Cavern, attractions such as Buxton Opera House, Go Ape, Buxton Raceway and two golf courses, there is something for everyone.

CARSINGTON

Located between Wirksworth and Kniveton, Carsington Water takes water through the tunnels and aqueduct straight from the River Derwent. It has everything you need for a great day out, with plenty of activities and things to do.

CHATSWORTH

One of the most impressive buildings in the area is the magnificent Chatsworth House where you should put aside an entire day to see the stunning house and gardens that have been owned by the Cavendish family for 16 generations. 

MATLOCK BATH

Alongside picturesque riverside gardens, wooded hillsides, and limestone crags, Matlock Bath has a number of attractions, including the Heights of Abraham, Rutland and Masson Caverns, Gulliver's theme park, the Grand Pavilion, and the Riverside Gardens. Known as "Little Switzerland" in the Victorian era, it attracts families, bikers, and fun seekers. If you are staying with us in September and October, make sure to check out the enchanting Matlock Bath Illuminations.  Lovers Walks provide a serene escape, while High Tor offers stunning panoramic views. The village boasts the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail, Masson Mills shopping complex, and various dining options and gift shops.

TRENTHAM GARDENS (22 miles)
Trentham Gardens offers a fantastic family day out! Explore Trentham Shopping Village and Garden Centre for shopping and dining. Swing into outdoor excitement with Treetop Adventures and visit the Monkey Forest for an extra dose of fun.

DOVEDALE (10 miles)

If you enjoy walking amongst spectacular scenery, nearby Dovedale is a popular beauty spot renowned for its picturesque stepping stones and Thorpe Cloud which reaches a height of 942ft and was used in the filming of the 2010 film Robin Hood staring Russell Crowe. Situated in Thorpe, Ashbourne DE6 2AY.

TISSINGTON TRAIL

The London and North Western Railway (LNWR) between Buxton and Ashbourne first opened in 1899. Following the closure of the line around seventy years later, the Peak District National Park bought the route in 1971 and turned it into a traffic free trail for walkers and cyclists. The Tissington Trail runs for 13 miles from Parsley Hay in the north to Ashbourne in the south.  Park at the Leisure Centre in Ashbourne for easy access through the tunnel.

CARSINGTON RESERVOIR

Located between Wirksworth and Kniveton, Carsington Water takes water through the tunnels and aqueduct straight from the River Derwent. It has everything you need for a great day out, with plenty of activities and things to do.  Cycling, Walking, Restaurant and Visitor Centre. 

RAMBLERS RETREAT, DIMMINGSDALE

Nestled in Dimmingsdale in the beautiful Churnet Valley is the Ramblers Retreat, a family-run Country Tearoom.  You can park your car at Denstone Village Hall and walk 4 miles across the old railway line to get to the Ramblers Retreat (but make sure you don’t miss the exit over the bridge on your left!) or you can park at Dimmingsdale next to the Café.

CYCLE HIRE 

The Ashbourne cycle hire centre is situated at the southern end of the Tissington Trail just outside Ashbourne town centre. It is accessed easily from the Ashbourne Leisure Centre Car Park through the tunnel.

GO APE – BUXTON COUNTRY PARK 

One of the UK’s highest adventures close to a 2 million year old natural limestone cave.

GULLIVERS KINGDOM – MATLOCK BATH 

Gullivers Kingdom is designed for for families with children between the ages of 2 and 13. The wide range of attractions - from the Western World and Pirates Play Area, to the Log Flume and Drop Tower – makes it one of the best theme parks for children in the UK.

MATLOCK FARM PARK – MATLOCK BATH 

Located 6 miles from Matlock Bath and forms part of a 600 acre working farm with a number of activities, particularly suited to families.

THE MONKEY FOREST – TRENTHAM GARDENS, STAFFORDSHIRE 

Set in 60 acres of beautiful Staffordshire Woodland and meadows where 140 monkeys live in total freedom.  You are plunged into the Barbary macaques fascinating world as you hear rustling in the trees and crashing through branches.

PEAK WILDLIFE PARK – WINKHILL, STAFFORDSHIRE 

Conservation is the core of this park since they are committed to providing a resource to conservation through managed breading programmes, conservation based research and education, and by assisting conservation activities directly in the wild.