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Ashbourne, a Derbyshire market town, serves as a gateway to the Peak District. Its narrow streets retain a wealth of Georgian architecture, with many buildings boasting original features. The town is particularly recognised for its annual Royal Shrovetide Football match, a historic and spirited event played between two teams across two days, drawing considerable local and national attention.
Visitors often appreciate the impressive St Oswald's Parish Church, known for its tall spire and architectural details. The town centre offers a selection of independent shops and traditional pubs, reflecting its long-standing commercial heritage. Ashbourne also provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including access to the Tissington Trail, popular for walking and cycling.
Most visitors looking for accommodation in Ashbourne tend to focus their search around the town centre, as it offers the most convenient access to amenities and attractions. This central area provides a good mix of traditional inns and smaller independent hotels.
The Market Place and surrounding streets form the heart of Ashbourne. Here, you'll find places like The Green Man, a historic coaching inn, offering a comfortable base. The area is home to St Oswald's Church, with its distinctive spire, and boasts a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. For a meal, consider The Old Bell, known for its locally sourced menu, or Jack in a Box for a casual bite. Accommodation here means you're just steps away from the town's characterful architecture and bustling atmosphere.
Moving slightly towards the outskirts, particularly heading north-east towards the Derby Road area, you'll encounter a few larger, more modern hotels, often with parking facilities. These tend to cater well for families or those travelling by car, offering easy access in and out of the town without navigating the narrower central streets. This area is also a convenient point for accessing the Tissington Trail, popular with walkers and cyclists, just a short distance away.
Regarding transport, Ashbourne doesn't have a train station, so most arrivals are by road. Several bus routes connect the town to Derby and other local communities. When considering your hotel booking, particularly if flying in, the nearest major airports are East Midlands Airport and Manchester Airport, both requiring onward travel by road, typically via pre-booked taxi or bus connections from Derby. Choosing a central hotel allows easy access to local bus stops, while options further out may offer more convenient parking.
When planning your stay in Ashbourne, consider booking your accommodation outside of the peak tourist periods to find better rates. The summer months, particularly July and August, tend to be the busiest and therefore more expensive, especially coinciding with school holidays and local events like the Ashbourne Highland Gathering. Bank holiday weekends throughout the year also see an increase in demand and prices.
For more economical options, look at booking during the quieter January, February, and November months. You might also find better deals by staying mid-week rather than over a weekend. Additionally, exploring options in nearby villages just outside the immediate town centre, such as Clifton or Thorpe, can sometimes offer lower prices whilst still being a short drive from Ashbourne's amenities and the Derbyshire Dales.