Top Things to do in Ashbourne
Top 10 Things to do in Ashbourne, United Kingdom (UK)
Discover the best top things to do in Ashbourne, United Kingdom (UK) including Wild Park Derbyshire, Dovedale, Ilam Park, Alton Towers, The Nags Head, Hulland Ward, Dovedale Stepping Stones, The Old Manor, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Vintage Adventure Tours, Alton Towers Spa.
Restaurants in Ashbourne
1. Wild Park Derbyshire
Overall Ratings
5 based on 257 reviews
Wild Park Derbyshire is a family run business offering Paintballing, Woodland Laser Tag, multi terrain Quad Biking, Archery, Crossbow and Pistol shooting. We have been established for over 25 years in the Peak District. We are situated in the heart of Derbyshire but only 10 minutes from the City of Derby.
Reviewed By dsbusa - derbyshire
This was a spur of the moment booking for my birthday. The older I get the more I realise you need to keep trying new things. And that memories are far more valuable than 'stuff'. This experience delivered on both. Our family group was age 21, 56 & 57 and we all had a blast. Fantastic instructors, great site that took in straight bits where you could go really fast, woodland that needed skill steering, fun puddles and Bridges and steep banks. Well worth the money.
2. Dovedale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The National Trust is a registered charity. With your help, we protect some of the most important spaces and places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We take care of historic houses, Gardens, mills, coastline, Forests, woods, fens, Beaches, farmland, moorland, Islands, archaeological remains, nature reserves, villages and pubs - and then we open them up for ever, for everyone. Dovedale valley is owned and cared for by the National Trust, with important woodlands, wildflower meadows and impressive limestone rock features throughout the valley. Please note; there is a privately owned car park a short and easy walk from the famous Stepping Stones. This is not a National Trust car park. The nearest National Trust car park is a mile away at Ilam Park, where National Trust member can park for free. There are toilets beside the Dovedale car park and these are owned and maintained by the Peak District National Park Authority. There is a charge of 20p to use these toilets.
Reviewed By 2015mhh - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Visited as a child and now take my own family here. A great place to start a walk or spend the day. Fantastic views if you climb Thorpe Cloud, Stepping Stones are fun for kids. A nice (little under 5 mile) walk from here past the Stepping Stones to Thorpe, through a valley and back over the River Dove and up to Blore and back down to Llam and back to Dovedale. If you go the other way at the Stepping Stones to Milldale and good walk through an amazing gorge along the river with some caves along the way. Can't wait to visit and discover more of the area again.
3. Ilam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Ilam Park is cared for by the National Trust and offers space to play and explore, woodland walks and far reaching views towards Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud. The visitor centre, toilets, shop and tea-room are open daily throughout the year. Ilam Park welcomes dogs on leads all year round. Pay and display car park on site - Free parking for National Trust members.
Reviewed By Susie0212 - Lincoln, United Kingdom
Having walked from Milldale to Dovedale stepping stones and back, we visited Ilam (the next section of the journey) by car the following day, parking up at the Park. We enjoyed a wander around the grounds, had a cuppa in the team rooms and showed our support for the NT in the shop! It's a lovely place to start your walk to Dovedale stepping stones, (about half an hour), via a clearly marked path past the Church. How lucky that we have the National Trust to safeguard our heritage so that we can all continue to enjoy beautiful buildings and stunning, open spaces.
4. Alton Towers
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Escape to the fantabulous world of the Alton Towers Resort - there's so much going on, the fun never stops! England's largest theme park offers 500 acres of attractions and rides the whole family can enjoy including X-Sector, Forbidden Valley, Dark Forest, Gloomy Wood, Katanga Canyon and CBeebies Land!
Reviewed By John A - wales
Great day all in all despite being very busy and freezing cold (not there fault). The rides and staff where as always great and the new wicker man ride was brill despite a few break downs. My only real problem is charging for parking... Come on Alton towers you charge enough as it is. Shame on you there. Apart from that best theme park in the U.K in my book
5. The Nags Head, Hulland Ward
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By fetler1957 - Shropshire, United Kingdom
Visited here whilst staying in the area. Food was tasty, portions were plentiful and the infamous Nags’ Pie? I would return just for that! It was delicious and served with real chips (my choice). Only go here if you’re very hungry!! Brilliant, cheerful staff too and excellent value for money. What’s not to like?
6. Dovedale Stepping Stones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By frankart_10 - Lymington, United Kingdom
Set in the most beautiful valley you could conjure up, this is a delightful attraction. It's sufficiently challenging to try to get all the way across the waters and back using the stones, without getting your feet wet.
On the day we visited, all 4 of us managed the stones in both directions. I imagine if it's a hot busy day you can spend ages waiting for a chance to cross, as it's very much one way traffic! Younger people can usually manage the stones with relative ease, but i watched older people get across, including those with walking sticks our carying babies and pushchairs, or being tugged along by dogs on leads.
In truth I did see one or two fall in, but only in the more shallow waters where the stones are smaller, less stable and slippery.
Great fun, but be sure to wear secure foot wear that will keep your feet dry if you do slip!
7. The Old Manor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Edna S - Broseley, United Kingdom
This old building was well worth a visit,although only open for 2 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. There is limited parking but we were we able to park when we arrived at 11a. m. We spent the 2 full hours there. The 2 guides were well informed, friendly and interesting. They also advised us about other parts of the site to visit. We met the gardeners who were also well informed and friendly. There is no fancy furniture or furnishings but plenty of history. The church is also very interesting with beautiful VERY old stained glass windows.
8. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
With its headquarters in the fine old Peak District market town of Wirksworth, the Ecclesboume Valley line, at nine miles, is Derbyshire's longest heritage railway. The line runs through some of the most pleasant scenery in the White Peak, from its joint station with the main line at Duffield to its northern terminus at Ravenstor, close to the High Peak Trail and the National Stone Centre. The line provides services mainly operated by heritage diesel railcars, with four trains a day on summer weekends and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the high summer. The timetable is designed to connect with East Midlands Trains' services to and from Derby and Nottingham. Visitors may wish to take advantage of a 'zigzag choo choo' all Day Rover Ticket issued by the railway and Trent Barton providing an excellent opportunity for discount travel through the beautiful derbyshire countryside by bus and rail. Steam hauled services are also operated at peak periods, please call us to check what is running. If you would prefer to see the line from the Driver's cab or realise a childhood dream by taking the controls of one of our heritage steam or diesel locomotives then you can book that day to remember direct on our website. We offer a range of experiences to suit any occasion and budget.
Reviewed By rowly52 - Stockport
I knew nothing about this line before we turned up for a day's outing. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, and couldn't do enough to make our visit memorable.
The little shop/ticket office is fascinating and on purchasing our tickets the gentleman inquired what our plans were. We said we intended a brief trip around Wirksworth ( delightful town with many fascinating trails which we intend to follow on another occasion) then we'd board the first train and get off at Idrigdehay for a brief stroll and coffee/lunch. He did advise that there really was nothing much in either Idridgehay or Shottle (the next stop) however when we explained we had booked for lunch at a pub in Idridgehay - The Black Swan - he said that it had only recently re-opened and he'd be obliged if we could let him know what it was like.
The journey on the train was really enjoyable with the staff pointing out things of interest on the way. We got off at Idridgehay - delightful hamlet and had a great lunch at the Black Swan (see our review)
Boarded the train again 2 hours later and went all the way to Duffield. We decided to have a wander round the town - nothing much of note although the Millennium meadow nature area was interesting so spent around half an hour there. Nowhere much for tea or coffee so returned to the station for refreshments.
The return journey was great - the staff again chatting and pointing out things of interest and virtually giving us a narrated trip - we were even invited to sit in the drivers cab if we wanted!
On return to Wirksworth had the opportunity to look over other rolling stock at the yard - no pressure or rush for us to leave.
Overall a great day out..
They also do full afternoon teas in their pullman coaches and various specials during the year.
Apparently you may also be able book to drive a train (if there are no passengers on board!?)
9. Vintage Adventure Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 109 reviews
Fabulous tours of the beautiful Peak District National Park in the only vintage car licenced for Private Hire in the UK.
Reviewed By buhrmestersue - Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Even though the weather was not accommodating, we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon tour. Steve was a great travel guide and very knowledgeable of the area. I would definitely recommend this driving tour! The car was awesome, and such a thrill to be riding in a vehicle dating back to 1929!
10. Alton Towers Spa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 322 reviews
Step inside the Alton Towers Spa and find yourself in a blissful oasis of luxurious tranquillity nestled inside the Alton Towers Hotel, the perfect place to let your senses wander and your cares drift away. Spoil yourself with our complete range of personalised spa treatments. Within our Aqua Relaxation Rooms every door opens to reveal a myriad of wonderful surprises. Unwind and refresh mind, body and soul as you wander from the serenity of our pool, to the calm of our Crystal Steam Room, Meditation Room, or our brand new traditional outdoor log sauna.
Reviewed By Lauren H
Visited today with a friend as a birthday treat. Very disappointing. Facilities are lovely and clean however, the foot relaxation pools were not working and neither was the jacuzzi, which when you have paid to go isn’t very good. Dinner was nice, staff were pleasant but not happy with broken facilities.
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