2026 Ashbourne Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

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The National Trust - The Children's Country House at Sudbury is located in Sudbury Hall, a country house in Derbyshire, England. Dating back to 1086, the manor of Sudbury was listed in the Domesday Book following the Norman Conquest. During World War II, an American Army Air Force hospital was situated in Sudbury Park, near the Sudbury Royal Air Force base. In 2020, Sudbury Hall was closed to the public for renovations. During this time, the National Trust consulted 100 child 'ambassadors' to redesign the visitor experience for children. It reopened in October 2022 under the new name, The Children's Country House at Sudbury, featuring areas for dressing up and dancing, a mirror ball, and a neon sign that reads "Party like it's 1699." Sudbury Hall dates back to the Restoration Era, but the architecture by George Vernon is based on Jacobean design, featuring a grand staircase and a long gallery. The house is a two-story red brick building with a Baroque-style front entrance porch, adorned with paired columns on each level and door knockers. The carvings above the porch were crafted by William Wilson. Sudbury houses an extensive collection of portraits of the Vernon family, along with other paintings and fine art pieces. The Children's Country House Museum offers various spaces showcasing an impressive array of toys, including the historic toy collection of Betty Cadbury. Visitors can explore toys from different eras, including many of Betty's prized mechanical toys. Betty's collection is truly unique, representing a lifetime passion for toys. She was regarded as an expert in the field during her lifetime, owning one of the finest collections. The dollhouses are particularly captivating, providing insights into family life and the impact of World War II on childhood during that era. In addition to appreciating the historic mansion, visitors can also explore numerous children's toys from the World War II period.

Visited the national trust park in Ashbourne for the first time. Had a great time

#myfavoriteroute Looking for a storybook English escape? The trip from London to Ashbourne, while not a direct train ride, is one of those soulful journeys where the route becomes part of the destination. You’ll swap Tube noise for birdsong, glass towers for dry stone walls — and end up in one of Derbyshire’s loveliest towns, right on the edge of the Peak District National Park. 🏞️🧳🍃 ⸻ 🎯 Highlights Along the Way • London St Pancras Departure 🚉 Begin your journey at the elegant St Pancras International — perhaps with a pastry from Searcys or a coffee from EL&N. Board an East Midlands Railway train to Derby — the key hub en route to Ashbourne. • Cutting Through the Midlands 🌾 • Through St Albans & Luton: Suburbs soon give way to rolling fields and clusters of historic villages • Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire: Keep your eyes peeled for windbreaks, distant church towers, and working farms • Arrival in Derby: A vibrant city with an industrial past and a riverside heart — worth exploring if you’ve got time between connections! • Derby to Ashbourne (by bus) 🚌 From Derby Bus Station, hop on a local Trent Barton “Swift” or “X52” bus — it’s a beautifully scenic ride west toward the Derbyshire Dales: • Pass through Mackworth, Kirk Langley, and winding lanes with ever greener views • Cross open fields and spot the first signs of the Peak District hills rising ahead • After ~50 minutes, welcome to Ashbourne — with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and vibrant town centre ⸻ 🗺️ Getting There • Train: London St Pancras → Derby (1 hr 30–50 mins, direct with EMR) • Bus: Derby Bus Station → Ashbourne (approx. 50 mins via Trent Barton) • Total Journey Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours (depending on connections) • Top Tip: Use contactless or get a return rail+bus combo ticket to simplify the journey ⸻ 🌟 Tips from a Countryside Commuter • 🪟 Best Seat: On the left side for the most open views between Leicester and Derby — especially as you pass through the Trent Valley • ☕ Break Spot: Derby Station has a few local cafés and is a great pit stop before your final leg — or stretch your legs in Cathedral Green by the River Derwent • 📷 Camera Ready: The bus ride into Ashbourne is surprisingly photogenic — golden fields, distant farms, and wildflowers line the lanes • 🥾 Post-Arrival Perks: Ashbourne is the gateway to the Tissington Trail, a former railway line turned walking/cycling path that leads straight into the Peak District! ⸻ 💬 Final Thought The London to Ashbourne route is more than a commute — it’s a journey into another rhythm entirely. By the time you step onto Ashbourne’s stone-paved streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time (in the best way possible). With every village passed and every mile deeper into Derbyshire’s hills, the calm sets in. This route is for thinkers, walkers, nature-lovers, and anyone who craves space, sky, and simplicity. 🚞🌿🏡

#manchestertrips Looking for a perfect day trip from Manchester? Head to Ashbourne, a delightful historic market town nestled on the edge of the Peak District — full of quaint streets, independent shops, and cozy cafes! 🚌 How to Get There: Catch a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Derby, then a short bus or taxi ride to Ashbourne (about 1.5–2 hours total). The journey is scenic and worth it! 🌟 What to Do: Wander the cobbled streets lined with traditional shops and charming boutiques Explore the Ashbourne Market (especially lively on Thursdays and Saturdays) Visit the beautiful St. Oswald’s Church with its striking architecture Grab a bite at a local pub or café serving hearty Derbyshire fare 🚶♂️ Nearby Adventure: From Ashbourne, you’re just minutes away from stunning Dovedale — famous for its limestone stepping stones and scenic walking trails perfect for nature lovers. 📝 Tips: Check market days to catch local crafts and fresh produce Wear comfortable shoes for walking cobbles and nearby trails Stop by a traditional bakery for some sweet Derbyshire treats!

#newyearnewtrip Ashbourne is a charming market town located in Derbyshire, England and it is famous for its stunning historic architecture, scenic surroundings, and traditional market town atmosphere. The attractions around Ashbourne are the St. Oswald's Church - a medieval church located in the heart of Ashbourne; Ashbourne Market Place - perfect place to explore; The Old Courthouse - used to be a courthouse; Ashbourne Heritage Centre - a museum and heritage center; Dovedale - a picturesque valley. Is a town that worth for a visit.

My trip to Tissington was like stepping back in time to a picturesque English village. As I strolled through its tranquil lanes, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the limestone cottages, meticulously maintained gardens, and the serene atmosphere that enveloped the entire village. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring Tissington Hall, a magnificent Jacobean mansion that felt like a portal to another era. The hall’s rich history and enchanting charm were truly captivating, and the surrounding gardens were equally captivating. I also made a stop at St. Mary’s Church, a charming and peaceful place that further added to the village’s timeless allure. No trip to Tissington would be complete without some indulgence. I treated myself to a delightful afternoon at the Tissington Tea Rooms, savoring homemade cakes and tea. Each bite transported me to the comfort and warmth of the countryside. To conclude my day, I embarked on the Tissington Trail, a peaceful walking route that traversed the rolling hills of the Peak District. The fresh air and breathtaking scenic views were the perfect way to end my day, leaving me with a profound sense of tranquility and a deep appreciation for this charming little village.