Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>From its cobbled streets to its beautiful Victorian and Georgian townhouses, Ashbourne is an idyllic White Peak town with loads of character. The annual Royal Shrovetide football match attracts international visitors every year (it’s been played since at least 1667) and the Ashbourne Festival hosts big names in literature and culture every year. The high street is bustling with indie shops, and foodies will feel right at home with some of the best restaurants in Derbyshire on their doorstep.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Callow-Hall-garden-room.jpg" alt="Callow Hall garden room Wildhive Callow Hall Ashbourne best places to live" class="wp-image-3593" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Callow-Hall-garden-room.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Callow-Hall-garden-room-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Callow-Hall-garden-room-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Callow-Hall-garden-room-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Callow-Hall-garden-room-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/02/Callow-Hall-garden-room-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Garden Room Restaurant</figcaption></figure>



<p>Foodies rejoice. For top notch fine dining, there are a clutch of cool eateries just outside the town: the glass-fronted <a href="https://www.wildhive.uk/callow-hall/eat/the-garden-room/">Garden Room Restaurant</a> at <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/muddy-reviews-wildhive-callow-hall-ashbourne-derbyshire-peak-district/">Wildhive Callow Hall</a> is a stunning spot to eat with seasonal, locally-sourced food and sweeping views of the countryside and the <a href="https://www.tastingclubrestaurant.co.uk/">Tasting Club</a> (Muddy Award winners in 2022) in Brailsford offers up seasonal set menus consisting of nine amazing courses. A short drive away, <a href="https://www.the-lighthouse-restaurant.co.uk/">The Lighthouse Restaurant</a> in Boylestone and <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-cow-ashbourne-notts-derbyshire/">The Cow</a> in Dalbury Lees (a fantastic seafood restaurant led by Cornish head chef, Nathan Senior) are must visits. For a weekday meal out, <a href="https://bgsteakhouse.co.uk/">The Bowling Green Steakhouse</a> is a locals favourite – and teens will definitely want to bring their mates here.&nbsp;Just after drinks? Quaff a cocktail or two at Muddy Best Bar 2023, <a href="https://www.thebankashbourne.co.uk/">The Bank</a>.</p>



<p>Daytime eats? You&#8217;re spoilt for choice. For coffee catch-ups try pastel-hued <a href="https://thelittleshedderbyshire.co.uk/">The Little Shed</a>, for perfect Ploughmans&#8217; head for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063555310887">Bramhall’s Deli &amp; Café</a> or nip to long-standing Derbyshire classic, <a href="https://www.jackrabbitscafe.co.uk/">Jack Rabbits</a> for brunch-based delights. Plus, local favourite <a href="https://bemorebear.co/pages/ashbourne">Bear</a> has just opened a cool new café in the old iconic Bennetts department store. <a href="https://bethskitchen.co.uk/pages/cornerstone">Cornerstone Coffee House</a> is bright and buzzy for daytime catch-ups and hosts a monthly Friday Supper Club.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/459910601_18262148161300936_3997467249467231957_n.jpg" alt="Handmade Design gift shop Ashbourne Derbyshire" class="wp-image-10678" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/459910601_18262148161300936_3997467249467231957_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/459910601_18262148161300936_3997467249467231957_n-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/459910601_18262148161300936_3997467249467231957_n-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/459910601_18262148161300936_3997467249467231957_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/459910601_18262148161300936_3997467249467231957_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Handmade Design</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://handmadedesignashbourne.co.uk/">Handmade Design</a> is perfect for homeware, accessories and lovely gifty bits. Fashion-conscious? Step this way. Ashbourne is the home of the multi-awarding luxury boutique <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/young-ideas-ashbourne-derby/">Young Ideas</a> with a carefully curated collection of the best pieces from leading designers and excellent personal service. You’ll find timeless stylish countrywear over at sister store <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/henmores-ashbourne/">Henmores</a>, while <a href="https://www.sacsashbourne.co.uk/">Sacs</a> stocks cool Scandi brands and affordable designer jewellery. And for some stun-<em>ning</em> lingerie, <a href="https://loulousashbourne.co.uk/">Lou Lous</a> stocks choice picks for you to fawn over.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Shoes galore! <a href="http://www.wigleysshoes.co.uk/">Wigley’s Shoe Emporium</a> is an Ashbourne institution (founded in 1830) with loads of great brands. And for little feet, <a href="https://www.steppingstoneskids.co.uk/">Stepping Stones</a> offers a personalised fitting service – they also stock loads of lovely clothes and toys. Need a new &#8216;do&#8217; or a bit of a glow up? Muddy Award winning Hairdresser and Beauty Salon <a href="https://theloungeashbourne.co.uk/">The Lounge</a> is the place to go. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Like your exercise in the great outdoors? You&#8217;re spoilt for choice here, with the 13-mile cycle path The Tissington Trail starting in the town and iconic Peak walks, like Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale, moments away. Ashbourne leisure centre has a swimming pool, classes and sports hall. For for a ballet-inspired workout try the brilliant <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/barre-by-barre-ashbourne-derbyshire/">Barre by Barre</a>. <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/dove-retreat-ashbourne/">Dove Retreat </a>runs bespoke reiki and coaching with workshops, taster evenings and bespoke one-to-ones making it a great place to press pause. Boutique retreat Wildhive at Callow Hall also has a fab <a href="https://wildhive.uk/callow-hall/the-coach-house/">wellbeing hub</a> where you can book <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/review-sound-journey-with-sarah-sims-ashbourne/">sound journeys</a>, Barre classes and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Ashbourne is a town that loves its traditions. Shop owners begin boarding up their windows about a week before pancake day, not in fear of rough flippers but ahead of the annual&nbsp;<a href="http://ourashbourne.co.uk/event/ashbourne-royal-shrovetide-football-game">Royal Shrovetide</a>&nbsp;football match between the Up’Ards and the Down’Ards. This wild, town-sized game of footie has taken place on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday since 1667, and it attracts a massive crowd every year. For a splash more culture, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ashbournefestival.org/">Ashbourne Festival</a>&nbsp;brings some big names to the town over June and July every year. From street performers to literary talks, there’s loads to get stuck into. In August, there&#8217;s country fair, the <a href="https://ashbourneshow.co.uk/">Ashbourne Show</a>, plus a magical Christmas Lantern Spectacular in December. A new £4.9m &#8216;community hub&#8217; is on the horizon for summer 2025, with meeting spaces and a riverside garden. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Dovedale-NT-by-John-Millar.jpg" alt="Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale Peak District Ashbourne Best Place to Live" class="wp-image-4780" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Dovedale-NT-by-John-Millar.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Dovedale-NT-by-John-Millar-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Dovedale-NT-by-John-Millar-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Dovedale-NT-by-John-Millar-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale stepping stones / NT Images by John Millar</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ashbourne is known as one of the gateways to the Peak District so you’ve got an entire national park on your doorstep. The 13-mile long Tissington Trail starts in the town and runs right the way through the Peaks to Buxton. Brilliant for flat(ish) family-friendly bike rides, you can cycle the full traffic-free route passing old signal boxes (the route is a former railway line), the stunning Tissington Hall and the edge of Dovedale. There are gorgeous walks on the doorstep too, with easy hikes up Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill near Dovedale just outside the town. Thrill-seekers can head to <a href="https://www.altontowers.com/">Alton Towers</a> (a 20 min drive away) or for watersports adventure, <a href="https://www.carsingtonwater.com/">Carsington Water</a> which offers kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Elegant art deco cinema&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elitecinemaandtheatre.co.uk/">Elite Cinema</a>&nbsp;re-opened last year and is proving a hit among film afficionados. Art gallery <a href="https://courtneygallery.co.uk/">Courtney Gallery</a> is home to one of the areas biggest selections of &nbsp;contemporary art and <a href="https://taureanarts.co.uk/about/">Taurean Arts</a> is great for ceramics and sculptures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Properties in Ashbourne averaged £304,800 over the last year, 4% down on the previous year but 11% up on the 2020 peak of £274,000.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/ashbourne-house.jpg" alt="This vast barn conversion is made for open-plan living. Yours for £900,000." class="wp-image-8522" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/ashbourne-house.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/ashbourne-house-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/ashbourne-house-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This vast barn conversion is made for open-plan living. <a href="https://bennetsamways.co.uk/listings/residential_sale-RX196557-ashbourne">On the market for £900,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>For little ones, there are a few nursery choices. <a href="https://www.parkgatenursery.co.uk/">Parkgate Nursery</a><strong> </strong>and <a href="http://www.stoswaldsladybirds-ashbourne.co.uk/">St Oswald’s Ladybirds Pre-school</a> were both rated ‘Good’ last year, as was <a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/ashbourne-derbyrd">Busy Bees Ashbourne</a> the year before under its previous branding as Treetops Ashbourne. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>For primary schools, <a href="https://www.ashbourneprimary.co.uk/">Ashbourne Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.clifton.derbyshire.sch.uk/">Clifton C of E Primary School</a> are both Ofsted rated Good. <a href="https://www.osmastonprimary.co.uk/">Osmaston C of E (VC) Primary School</a> was rated Outstanding back in 2012 – we hope they can keep this ranking at their next inspection. Teens will have the choice between the very popular <a href="https://www.queenelizabeths.derbyshire.sch.uk/">Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School</a> (that’s QUEGS to the locals) and <a href="https://jcb-academy.com/">The JCB Academy</a> for ages 14&nbsp;&#8211; 19 yrs, which specialises in supporting students with an interest in business or engineering. Both have been rated Good in recent years.<br><br>If it’s private schools you’re after, <a href="https://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/">Abbotsholme School</a> is a boarding and day all-through school about 20 mins drive away. You can find the most recent reports <a href="https://www.isi.net/school/abbotsholme-school-6179">here</a>. And <a href="https://www.denstonecollege.org/">Denstone College and The Prep at Denstone College</a> (which have recently merged) are a similar distance away. The full reports are <a href="https://www.isi.net/school/denstone-college-6390">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Fancy throwing a pot but without the pressure? The Clayrooms in Ashbourne hosts a super fun <a href="https://www.theclayrooms.co.uk/find-and-book">Pottery at the Pub</a> session for newbie potters. The price includes all of your materials and your first drink, and if you’re particularly fond of your creation, they’ll finish and fire it for you too. The sessions move from pub-to-pub so check in advance when you book. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Derby is your nearest city about half an hour’s drive away. The bus takes about the same for teens who want to nip to the shops. Nottingham is just under 1 hr away, while Manchester is about an 30 mins drive if you fancy a trip to the Arndale. Heading to the capital? It’s about an 90 mins on the train from Derby station.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


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