Discover Ashbourne

Ashbourne's history & architecture

Ashbourne's medieval architecture of yards and alleyways, fine Georgian houses, the old Elizabethan grammar school with its splendid Grade I listed facade, the almshouses and St Oswalds Church all combine to make Ashbourne a notable destination for lovers of architectural history.

There are more than a hundred listed buildings and structures in the town centre and it is well worthwhile setting aside a few hours to explore.

The church is one of Derbyshire’s treasures, named after the Anglo Saxon Saint Oswald, with parts of the building dating back to the 1200s. The magnificent 212ft spire was built in the 14th century and dominates the town’s skyline. 

The charming cobbled market place dates back to early medieval times. The building now hosting fish& chip shop has been there since the 1420s and several others are known to herald from that same century.

Thetimber-framed gingerbread shop - now a cafe and bakery - can be seen in St JohnStreet where the Original Ashbourne Gingerbread can still be bought.

Ashbourne's vibrant cafe scene

Add together the many cafes in central Ashbourne, plus a few more on the outer edges of town plus the many bars that also serve coffee and nibbles, and you could visit a different establishment every day of the month They vary from quiet & intimate to loud & bustling, and from bacon butty to designer brunch,so there are options to suit every mood and taste.  

As well as cafes, Ashbourne has an ever-increasing selection of boutique bars, set up by passionate owners to serve craft beer, real ale, fine wines and cocktails. For the traditionalist there are sports bars offering big screen viewing as well as darts and dominoes.

Other dining options range from pub-grub to gastropub to Thai & Indian.  Plus all the normal takeaway options that you would expect from a town this size. And of course pretty much everywhere now caters for the vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets.   Covid has prompted many establishments to open outside seating, so weather permitting, it is easy to enjoy eating outdoors in Ashbourne.

Ashbourne's community

Ashbourne has grown significantly this century with new housing, investment by business & industry and a developing infrastructure. It is a friendly and welcoming town,with great schools, plenty of job opportunities and a caring community.  

The secondary school is Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, founded in 1585, and whilst once a traditional grammar school it is now an academy open to all and is consistently rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted.  

The town has a thriving retail and service sector that has largely survived the attritions of covid.  The airfield industrial estate is expanding which will have a hugely beneficial economic impact on the town.  Thousands of new houses have been added since the millennium and house prices remain consistently above the regional average.

Many residents give up their precious time for the community and the voluntary sector includes transport, litter picking, rotary, scouts &guides amongst many.  The new pavilion for the recreation grounds has been entirely project-managed by volunteers.