Living in Ashbourne

Ashbourne is renowned for its strong sense of local community, fostered by regular town events and a wealth of clubs and societies. The town’s annual Royal Shrovetide Football match is a unique tradition, attracting crowds from across the county and bringing together residents of all ages. Weekly markets on the Market Place are a focal point for community interaction, providing a lively platform for local traders, artisans, and live performances.

Local life in Ashbourne is enriched by a variety of community venues and groups. The Ashbourne Community Centre and Library offer spaces for classes, group activities, and social get-togethers. Sports are well-catered for, with thriving football, cricket, and bowls clubs, as well as numerous fitness classes and groups.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Ashbourne’s location at the edge of the Derbyshire Dales means easy access to some of the UK’s most celebrated countryside. The Tissington Trail and nearby Dove Dale provide ample opportunities for walkers, runners, cyclists, and dog owners. Green spaces such as Memorial Gardens and Fishpond Meadow add further appeal for residents seeking quiet relaxation or family picnics within the town boundaries.

Ashbourne benefits from a reputation as a safe and welcoming town. Crime rates in Ashbourne tend to be significantly lower than those typically seen in urban centres like Derby or Nottingham, making it an appealing choice for families and retirees. Most reported incidents are of a minor nature, such as anti-social behaviour or petty theft, rather than serious or violent crime.

The town’s close-knit community atmosphere contributes to this sense of safety, with neighbours often looking out for one another. Local policing operates from the Ashbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team, which is proactive in community engagement and crime prevention initiatives. The presence of community wardens, Neighbourhood Watch groups, and regular police drop-in sessions at the town hall help to maintain low crime levels and reassure residents.

Some surrounding villages have introduced additional safety measures, such as speed watch schemes and improved street lighting, further contributing to a secure environment throughout the immediate area.

Parking in Ashbourne is generally manageable, especially in comparison to larger towns and cities in Derbyshire. The town centre provides several public car parks, including Shawcroft and Cokayne Avenue car parks, both within easy walking distance of the Market Place and main shopping areas. On-street parking is available in some residential zones, and residents can apply for parking permits in selected streets, particularly around more built-up parts of the town.

Traffic congestion is usually low, although it can increase during special events like the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football or at peak tourist times, especially in summer when many visitors use the town as a gateway to the Peak District. Road access is straightforward, with the A52 leading east to Derby (approx. 35 minutes), and the A515 connecting northwards to Buxton (about 45 minutes) and south to Lichfield (50 minutes).

Key motorway and A-road access:

• Derby – approx. 35 minutes via A52 (13 miles)
• Buxton – approx. 45 minutes via A515 (23 miles)
• Uttoxeter – approx. 25 minutes via A515/A50 (13 miles)
• Stoke-on-Trent – approx. 40 minutes via A52/A50 (20 miles)
• East Midlands Airport – approx. 40 minutes via A52/A50 (28 miles)

Parking is generally regarded as convenient for both residents and visitors, with options suitable for town centre shopping, leisure activities, or as a base for Peak District exploration.

Ashbourne offers a varied food scene, blending traditional English pubs, independent cafés, and contemporary restaurants. The town is particularly known for its historic inns, such as The George & Dragon and The Green Man, both of which offer classic pub fare, local ales, and a warm welcome. Several tearooms and bistros line the Market Place and surrounding streets, providing a wide range of options from homemade cakes to modern European cuisine.

For those seeking international flavours, Ashbourne is home to a number of popular takeaways and restaurants serving Italian, Indian, and Thai cuisine. Notable dining destinations include The Dining Room and Jack Rabbits Café, known for their focus on locally-sourced ingredients. A farmers’ market is held regularly, allowing residents access to fresh regional produce and artisan foods.

Nightlife in Ashbourne is generally relaxed and sociable, with a friendly atmosphere suited to all ages. While the town does not feature large nightclubs or late-night bars typically found in bigger cities, it boasts a selection of lively pubs, occasional live music events, and the Empire Ballroom, which hosts dances and comedy nights. For more extensive nightlife, residents often travel to Derby or Nottingham.

School Quality: Ashbourne is regarded as an excellent location for families, thanks to a range of well-rated primary and secondary schools, including the respected Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School.

Parks and Green Space: There are several play areas and parks within the town, and the close proximity of the Tissington Trail and Peak District National Park provides unrivalled access to green open spaces for outdoor family activities.

Childcare: There are various childcare options in Ashbourne, including nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs catering to working parents and young families.

Safety: Low crime rates and a close-knit community contribute to a reassuring sense of safety and belonging for families.

Family Activities: Regular events, markets, and sports clubs, alongside easy access to countryside trails, offer ample opportunities for children and parents to stay active and engaged all year round.

Ashbourne’s position on the threshold of the Peak District makes it ideal for pet owners, especially those with dogs. The Tissington Trail and Dove Dale are among the most popular dog-walking routes in the area, offering miles of scenic traffic-free paths. Within the town itself, Fishpond Meadow and Memorial Gardens provide pleasant, pet-friendly green spaces for daily walks.

The local community is generally welcoming to pets, with a number of cafés and pubs offering dog-friendly areas. Several local veterinary practices and pet supply stores, such as Ashbourne Vets and PetShed, serve the town’s animal-loving population. Housing in Ashbourne is typically accommodating for pets, especially in the many family homes with accessible gardens and in the pet-friendly rental market.

Regular pet events and training classes are also held in and around Ashbourne, further enhancing its appeal to animal owners who wish to engage with a supportive community.

Ashbourne is well-situated for both local and regional travel, offering a balance of rural tranquility with reasonable access to urban amenities. While the town does not have its own railway station, regular bus services connect Ashbourne to Derby, Uttoxeter, Buxton, and Matlock, making it straightforward to navigate the surrounding region. High-frequency bus routes provide direct links to Derby city centre, from where national rail services are available.

For those commuting by road, the town sits at the junction of the A52 and A515, providing convenient routes towards Derby and the Peak District. The A52 connects to the M1 motorway to the east and the A50 trunk road for travel towards Stoke-on-Trent and A50 corridor.

For air travel, East Midlands Airport is approximately 28 miles away, accessible in around 40 minutes by car, and serves a variety of domestic and international destinations.

Typical commute times:

• Derby – Around 35 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus
• Stoke-on-Trent – 40 minutes by car
• Nottingham – About 55 minutes by car
• Manchester – Around 1 hour 45 minutes by car

The nearby Tissington Trail, formerly a railway line, is popular for cycling and walking, further enhancing Ashbourne’s accessibility for outdoor enthusiasts.

The educational provision in Ashbourne is highly regarded, catering to children of all ages across several schools and learning centres. The area is known for its mix of state-funded and independent schooling, with reputable options in both primary and secondary sectors.

Primary Schools

The town is served by several well-rated primary schools. Ashbourne Primary School is one of the most established, known for its strong focus on inclusivity and achievement (Ofsted ‘Good’, April 2019). Another notable option is St Oswald’s C of E Primary School, which holds close ties to the historic church and benefits from strong community engagement (Ofsted ‘Good’, June 2018). Additionally, Hilltop Infant and Nursery School in the north of the town offers nurturing early education.

Secondary Schools

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School (QEGS), Ashbourne’s main secondary school and sixth form, is renowned throughout Derbyshire for its broad curriculum and significant exam success. QEGS boasts an Ofsted ‘Good’ rating (February 2014) and attracts pupils from across the surrounding villages, reflecting its strong local reputation.

Independent Schools and Colleges

Nearby Denstone College, just over the Staffordshire border, is a prestigious independent school with a strong track record in academics and extracurricular activities. A few smaller preparatory schools dot the region within a short drive of Ashbourne, enhancing parental choice.

Further and Higher Education

Although Ashbourne does not have its own university, students have easy access to several institutions. The University of Derby is located approximately 13 miles away, providing higher education and vocational courses. Derby College, with its vocational and A-level options, is also within easy commuting distance. These opportunities mean Ashbourne caters well to families prioritising educational attainment.