| Ashbourne is a delightful, mainly Georgian, market town nestling in the Henmore valley just outside the National Park. In days gone by Ashbourne was at the junction of six main coaching routes, including the London to Manchester road. This helped to raise its importance as a local commercial centre. Every Shrove Tuesday all hell breaks loose as masses of Ashbourne folk take part in the annual football match. The rules are definitely not in accordance with the FA, particularly as the “pitch” is three miles in length. Ashbourne is very popular with tourists but, be warned, parts of the town are extremely hilly. There are many historic buildings and interesting yards to explore. The main area of interest in Ashbourne is Church Street. Here there are examples of fine Georgian Houses and the old grammar school - the building of which was started in 1585 and continued until 1603. |
| In the centre of the town is an inn with two names - The Green Man & Black’s Head Royal Hotel. The Hotel sign is curious in that it spans the street.This is because the sign commerorates the amalgamatiom of two coaching inns in 1825. Ashbourne is famous for its Gingerbread which was introduced to Ashbourne, by French prisoners, from the Napoleonic Wars. |
| Ashbourne - Gateway to Dovedale |
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| There are also several blocks of almshouses built in the 17th century. |
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| There is a Tourist Information Centre situated in the market place. Tel: 01335-343666 |
| The Picnic Site |
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| The church of St Oswalds, whose magnificent 215 ft spire watches over the town. |
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| Aeriel Photos by kind permission of Graham Hobster. Click on a Thumb-Nail to see the larger picture |
| Ashbourne town centre showing the Market Place from the North East and rear of Town Hall |
| Ashbourne town centre showing the Town Hall and Market Place from the West |
| Saint Oswalds - Parish Church of Ashbourne. Old Grammar School and Mansion House also visible |