There are lots of things for visitors (and locals!) to do in Ashbourne, without having to join a club or make a regular commitment.

Big events

Ashbourne Triathlon is on the second Sunday in May.

Ashbourne Festival is on for two weeks in June & July, with many free activities and world class artistes.

Ashbourne half marathon is on the last day of the festival.

Ashbourne Show is on the 3rd Saturday in August.

The Lantern Spectacular is on the first Friday in December.

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‍Talks, cinema, music, theatre & more

One off events are all listed on the Special Events page - you can browse the full lists or narrow it down using the filters for date or activity type. Everything on this page is open to the general public, even if it is club event.

‍The Elite cinema is open Wednesday to Sunday screening a mixture of blockbusters, family favourites and arts films.

The museum is open every day except Sunday and is a treasure trove of local knowledge and also has some tourist information.

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Markets & shopping

There is a market every Thursday next to the Library and another on the last Saturday each month.

The Venue often holds an indoor car-boot sale, usually the 3rd Sunday each month.

Ashbourne Town centre is full of quirky shops and its worth a day's parking ticket to properly explore. Our shopping page tells you more.....

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Sporting & hobby activities

There is parkrun/parkwalk on the recreation grounds every Saturday morning.

Most local clubs will allow casual visitors to take part on a club night without having to join so if you are staying locally and don't want to miss out on your favourite activity then check our community events page for a full list.

The Leisure Centre has public swimming sessions most days and all its classes (aerobics, circuits, spin etc etc) are available on a PAYG basis without having to join as a member. Best to book ahead as popular classes always get full.

There is often a major running, or triathlon event on in the vicinity - see the what's on page and filter by sports & fitness.

For something more unusual, why not try out Circus Strong, for aerial hoops, burlesque and cross fitness.

And of course, don't forget Ashbourne's biggest tourist attraction, the Tissington Trail and tunnel, which starts right in the middle of Ashbourne.

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Crafting

Ashbourne artists & makers offer an abundance of crafting workshops and activities with something on most weeks or they may be able to arrange something specific to suit you.

/ Wildlife artist Wendy Darker holds workshops several times each year. Materials are provided and even if you are a beginner you will leave at the end of the day with a painting you can be proud of.

/ The Clayrooms is a pottery studio offering a mixture of drop-in sessions, special events such as raku, one-off masterclasses and longer length courses, most suitable for any ability and many open to children.

/ Mountain King Forge is a blacksmith specialising in tools, blades & armour and offers hourly tuition and half day courses.

/ For sewing, knitting & crochet, then Betty's Sewing Box is the place to go, with regular workshops ranging from beginner sewing machine to making a dress. All equipment & materials are provided.

/ Aimed more at children is Sticky Fingers, a cafe and shop with a pot painting studio upstairs. Great for wet days or children's parties. Usually there is no need to book.