Whatever the time of year, there is plenty to do in the charming Georgian town of Ashbourne and the surrounding area. What’s more Ashbourne Gateway provides warm, comfortable and affordable self-catering accommodation for families, individuals, and groups. Read on for a whistle-stop journey through a year in the life of guests at Ashbourne Gateway
January
Blow away the Christmas cobwebs and work off the festive food! Ashbourne Gateway Centre can provide you with a base for low level, not too muddy and easy to navigate winter walks. From sheltered walks in Dove Dale (pictured) to circular walks of Carsington Reservoir (8.5 miles). The old LNWR railway line, now Tissington Trail, provides a route out to the delightful village of Tissington and back from the Centre’s front door (8 miles). You could celebrate with a fish and chips takeaway when back at Ashbourne, or cook up a feast in our self-catering kitchen. There’s a big Sainsbury’s just down the road.
February
Be sure to book early if you want to watch or take part in the 2-day long Ashbourne Shrovetide game. With medieval origins, it is held every year on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday (whatever the weather). Goal posts are 3 miles apart, the game lasts most of the day, anyone can join in and there are very few rules!
This historic game is started from a special plinth at Shawcroft car park, a short walk from the Gateway Centre. The ball is thrown to the players (or “turned-up” as the locals say). The town streets make way for hoardes of players who jostle the ball to either the goal at Sturston Mill (where the Up’Ards score), or the other at Clifton Mill (where the Down’Ards score).
March
Great for mountain bikers exploring the Pennine Bridleway, Ashbourne Gateway Centre, provides accommodation for families, individuals, and groups.
The Centre is perfectly located directly opposite the start of the Tissington Trail. This multi-user former railway line links directly to The High Peak Trail and The Pennine Bridleway. The Gateway Centre is your perfect starting or finishing point. You have all the amenities of the market town of Ashbourne on the doorstep and the Centre can provide meals for you by arrangement.
April
With spring in the air, celebrate the warmer weather with a trip to Alton Towers theme park and water park complex. It’s just a 20-minute drive away from Ashbourne Gateway. You won’t find better value accommodation so close to this world-class theme park.
May
Ashbourne Gateway Centre looks forward to welcoming guests on a mini-break at this fabulous time of year. Do you have the spectacular and artistic Derbyshire well-dressings in mind? For one week at the end of May the beautiful Peak District village of Tissington displays traditional and superbly decorative panels made from flower petals. These are set up across no less than 6 village wells.
Using the Tissington Trail the 8 mile round trip from the front door of Ashbourne Gateway Centre to Tissington can be completed by bicycle, or on foot. Or catch a bus from Ashbourne bus station, only 4 minute’s walk away.
June
June is a great month for walking and climbing hills. Ashbourne Gateway is excited by the new smart phone app that provides a map of 95 hilltop locations in the Peak District. The free app is called “Ethel Ready”. It is a great app to help plan some energetic Peak District walks with great views from the tops.
You could make an Ethel bagging start by staying at Ashbourne Gateway. Walk up the Tissington Trail to Thorpe before cutting across to Thorpe Cloud via Spend Lane.
For something further away the twin hilltops of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse, pictured, are accessible from the village of Earl Sterndale. High Peak Buses (number 442, but no Sunday service) go from Ashbourne bus station through Peak District villages to Earl Sterndale. Adventures await!
July
Ashbourne Gateway Centre has availability for you to explore the Peak District this August. Just north of Ashbourne are the dramatic Dovedale and Manifold valleys. There are many attractions nearby including Alton Towers, the Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth House and Carsington Water (water sports and ornithology). We are adjacent to the start of the Tissington Trail which provides car free walking and cycling through open countryside. Ice cream shops are nearby!
August
Billed as Derbyshire’s Premiere Agricultural Show, this traditional country and agricultural show normally takes place on the third Saturday in August. Farm animals, horses, crafts and exhibits mean that there is plenty to see during the day. Trade stalls and refreshments feature too. There are free shuttle buses running from Ashbourne bus station (4 minute’s walk from the Centre) to the showground. Check out their website for more information.
September
The Centre welcomes walkers. The walk pictured goes from our front door at Ashbourne Gateway – Mapleton – River Dove – Thorpe – Tissington Trail – Ashbourne Gateway in the space of 2 hours.
Book for a delightful September in the Derbyshire Dales. This area is perfect for walking as it is in a central location in the UK and easily accessible for members that are spread far and wide. At Thorpe, the adventurous can extend this 6-mile circular walk across to the Dovedale stepping stones and around the base of Thorpe Cloud, or to the top! At the end of a hard day’s walk, relax at Ashbourne Gateway Centre.
October
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the Centre. Please make sure to mention your dog when you book your accommodation. What can be better than crunching through the autumn leaves with your friends, your family and your faithful dog?
November
The Centre has a variety of accessible features and there are plans for even more: The kitchen, lounge, communal hall, toilets and bedrooms are all on the ground floor. There is an accessible toilet and wet room. As Ashbourne Gateway is located underneath the church, there is a slope with sharp corners that leads to the hostel which some wheelchair users might find challenging. However, there is a multi-million pound project in progress (The Link Project) that will eventually give the Centre a snazzy new front entrance and a lift rather than ramp access. Watch this space!
December
On our doorstep is the Christmas Lantern Spectacular with breathtaking, seasonal entertainment. Come to stay for the weekend and enjoy the festivities. Book in at Chatsworth House for more Christmas fun or head up the Tissington Trail for the great outdoors.
Ashbourne Gateway is your gateway to a year full of adventures