 | Ashbourne in Derbyshire is a small, charming market town. One of the things it is famous for is its annual Shrovetide football match. This is played over two days: Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, and involves a cork filled leather ball. The start of the match is marked by a visiting personality throwing up the ball and the two competing sides: known as the Up'ards and the Down'ards, then battle through the streets and take the competition through the stream and open country between Sturston and Clifton where the goals are. It is three miles between the goals! It's great fun and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Ashbourne is also known as the gateway to Dovedale in Derbyshire and the Peak District: Dovedale's stepping stones are featured in thousands of postcards and millions of people visit this area each year, and also as the entry point to the Peak District National Park.
A well known market centre, Ashbourne was first granted a market charter back in 1257 and was made a royal borough in 1276. In the past there have been sheep, cattle, horse and cheese fairs held here, and today there are markets on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Church Street is well worth a visit as here you will find stunning Georgian residences, the old grammar school, some fine almshouses and St Oswalds Church. Reputed as one of the glories of the Derbyshire area, St Oswalds' tower and spire dominate the town, with the church's spire rising to 212 feet. Next to the grammar school you will find Grey House, which was built in the mid 18th Century. This is now a girls' boarding school. Across the road from Grey House you will find Mansion House which dates from the 17th Century and where the famous lexicographer and traveller Dr Samuel Johnson often stayed with his friend Dr John Taylor.
Catherine Booth, the wife of William Booth, the founder member of the Salvation Army, was born in Ashbourne. A plaque is located on the front of a terraced house in Sturston Street in the town, and there is also a memorial to Catherine in the memorial gardens located near the playing fields.
There's always lots to see and do in Ashbourne and the surrounding area. The town has a strong reputation as an arts centre and its annual arts festival has grown into a 17-day affair featuring more than 40 events: everything from poetry and drama to open air opera, classical concerts and jazz.
During a stay here you may also like to visit Chatsworth House, Kedleston Hall, Calke Abbey, Lyme Park, Hardwick Hall, Peveril Castle at Castleton or Bolsover Castle; take a trip to caves at Buxton, Castleton, Matlock Bath or Nottingham, or, for the more energetic there's always cycling, walking, horse riding or golf.
For shoppers there are lots of factory shops in this area, and for art lovers there are many galleries, potteries and arts and craft centres to visit. If gardening is a passion there are many fine gardens to visit, including Stapley Water Gardens, Nantwich, and Lea Rhododendron Gardens near Matlock. The Peak District Mining Museum and the National Stone Centre at Wirksworth are also well worth a visit, together with a host of other museums, including the Bass Museum at Burton-on-Trent and the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.
If you fancy a day at the races Uttoxeter Race Course is the place. |
