Ashbourne

Ashbourne is a market town and civil parish in Derbyshire, England, near the southern edge of the Peak District and along the River Henmore. It serves as a local center for commerce and services within the Derbyshire Dales district and has a long-standing market tradition dating back to medieval times.

The town’s core is the historic Market Place, surrounded by timber-framed and stone-built houses that reflect its traditional character. Its economy has historically depended on farming and related trades, with contemporary activity including retail, tourism, and small, locally oriented businesses. Ashbourne acts as a gateway for visitors exploring the Peak District and surrounding countryside.

A notable aspect of Ashbourne’s culture is the annual Shrovetide football match, a centuries-old event in which rival teams play across the town’s streets and open spaces in a competitive, community-driven game that can last for hours. The town also hosts countryside markets, fairs, and local events that draw residents and visitors throughout the year.

Geographically, Ashbourne is connected by road to Derby, Buxton, and Matlock and sits within easy reach of the surrounding countryside. The town is the starting point for the Tissington Trail, a popular traffic-free cycle and walking route that follows a former railway line into the Peak District, and the area is served by other rural long-distance paths such as the Limestone Way nearby.

In terms of governance, Ashbourne is part of the Derbyshire Dales district within the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. The town remains accessible by road and bus services, while the former railway passenger service was discontinued in the mid-20th century.