Places to Visit in the Derbyshire Peak District near Wildflower Cottages

There are so many fantastic places to visit in Derbyshire and visitors often comment on how centrally located our Ashover holiday cottages are – Foxglove and Columbine – for reaching the many attractions of Derbyshire and the Peak District. We couldn’t possibly list them all here but have tried to provide a flavour of what’s on offer locally. For film buffs, parts of the 2019 film Mary Queen of Scots were filmed at Hardwick Hall and Haddon Hall – stand-ins for Hampton Court Palace.

Ashover

One of the prettiest villages in Derbyshire, Ashover is in a lovely valley, surrounded by tree clad hills. All around there are excellent walks. By road it is only a mile away but shorter cross-country. The 15th century parish church is the focal point of the village with an ancient font and a beautiful interior. Nearby Ogston Reservoir is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), offering a variety of habitats. It is a magnet for bird watchers and Ogston Bird Club is one of the largest clubs in Britain. There are three pubs in the village itself and several others nearby with a range of beers and food to suit all tastes.

Distance from Alton: 1 mile.
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The Fabrick Rock

The Fabrick Rock and Heathland

Also known as the Fabric or Ashover Rock. A short walk of less than half a mile from the cottages this rock is 299 metres above sea level and, on clear days, offers spectacular views of Derbyshire and across five other counties (Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire). This is an important area of natural heathland which provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Key species of heather and bilberry are protected here. Look for the stone steps carved into the hillside next to the Rock and follow the public footpath to Ashover – try one of our local Ashover walks. Or take a picnic and admire the panoramic views. Distance from Alton: less than half a mile.

Jim’s Field Wildlife Haven

Jim's Field Wildlife Haven in Alton

Follow the mown path around this wildflower meadow next door to our cottages and enjoy lovely views towards Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle or just sit on Jim's bench. Local resident Jim Mart was ahead of his time and always wanted this field to be a haven for wildlife for future generations, but for many years it was a neglected space, choked by nettles, brambles and ragwort. The community of Alton set up a charity in 2019 and volunteers, supported by Ashover Parish Council and the Ogston Bird Club, have worked hard to achieve Jim's dream. We are delighted to see that in a short space of time there has been an increase in high-value plants which improve bio-diversity. Native trees have been planted and heathers and bilberry are doing well in the heathland areas that were once quarried for stone. Follow the story at this link https://altoncommunityland.wordpress.com/

Alton Riding School

Horse Riding in Derbyshire

Can you ride or would you like to learn? This ABRS and BHS approved riding school is only a few hundred metres from our cottages and has instructors qualified to teach show-jumping, dressage, eventing and cross-country. There is also an indoor riding school and an outdoor arena. For more details please call 01246 590267 Distance from Alton: less than half a mile.

Chatsworth House

Probably the best-known stately home in England, no stay is complete without a visit to Chatsworth, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Devonshire. There really is something for everyone: the magnificent house, the formal gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown, the farmyard and adventure playground, not forgetting the celebrated farm shop. Book tickets online for discounted rates. Open from mid March to early January. The estate farm shop, selected food outlets, gift shops and car parks are also open. Distance from Alton: 8.4 miles – 17 mins by car across beautiful moorland Read More about Chatsworth

Heights of Abraham

Try a cable car ride in Matlock Bath which takes you soaring high above the Derwent Valley and check out the views. This is a unique hilltop Park set on top of a dramatic limestone gorge, amid great natural beauty. Explore 60 acres of woodland trail or join a guided tour of the underground caverns created by lead mining and learn about the rocks and minerals of the Peak District.

Distance from Alton: 7.4 miles – 14 mins by car
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Chesterfield

Chesterfield's Crooked Spire

The town's most famous landmark is the Crooked Spire, the local name for St Mary and All Saints Church – the largest in Derbyshire and built in the late 13th century. The Spire stands 228 feet from the ground and leans 9 feet 5 inches from its true centre. Find out how it developed its remarkable twist. The town is also renowned for its 800 year old open market with general markets on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays and a Flea Market on Thursdays. Farmers markets are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month. See Chesterfield Market on Youtube. If shopping isn't your thing, try exploring The Shambles or visiting the museum to find out the story of Chesterfield from its origins as a Roman fort on Rykneld Street. Or what about taking in a show at the Pomegranate Theatre? Distance from Alton: 6 miles – 15 mins by car

Hardwick Hall

The sight of this impressive Elizabethan hall across the valley from the cottages shouldn't be missed. As the sun sets and catches the glass windows there is a blaze of light from this great house, once described as having “more glass than wall”. It was built in the 1590s by Bess of Hardwick, a stubborn strong-minded woman who survived 4 husbands and amassed a great fortune. Her son eventually inherited Chatsworth. This National Trust property is one of the finest and most unchanged examples of Elizabethan architecture in England, also boasting an impressive collection of tapestries. It has a fascinating history and a visit is highly recommended. Find out more about the formidable Bess and her grand-daughter Lady Arbella Stuart, Hardwick's princess who almost became queen. Other attractions on the Hardwick Estate include Stainsby Mill, a fully-functioning water powered mill with a 17 foot waterwheel and the Stone Centre where visitors can learn about the traditional craft of stonemasonry. Visitors can also enjoy the walled courtyards and over 300 acres of historic parkland.

Distance from Alton: 7.5 miles – 16 mins by car
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Lea Gardens

The gardens are sited on the remains of a medieval millstone quarry and cover an area of approximately 4 acres on a wooded hillside. The excellent rock garden contain a huge variety of alpines with acers, dwarf conifers, heathers and spring bulbs. Discover a unique collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias and other plants of interest, introduced from the far corners of the world.

Distance from Alton: 7.8 miles – 15 mins by car
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Gullivers Kingdom

Gulliver's Kingdom

This family theme park in Matlock Bath is particularly suitable for younger children. It is situated on a hillside with amazing scenery and views over the Derwent Valley. Good value for a family fun day out.

Distance from Alton: 8 miles – 17 mins by car
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Crich Tramway Village

A lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway Museum and its world renowned archives. Have as many rides as you like on different vintage trams. Visit the fascinating exhibition halls or explore three acres of woodland park. The sculpture trail is enchanting and fun for all ages. Open daily until 2nd November.

Distance from Alton: 9.2 miles – 18 mins by car
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Bolsover Castle

Visible on the skyline across the valley from Wildflower Cottages, managed by English Heritage, Bolsover Castle was built on the site of an older medieval castle as an elegant entertaining space by Sir Charles Cavendish, the son of Bess of Hardwick, in the 17th century. Walk along the walls and enjoy the panoramic views, visit the Little Castle to see the beautiful interiors or bring a picnic and explore the grounds. Most weekends there are horse riding displays in the magnificent indoor riding school and there is an outdoor play area for children.

Distance from Alton: 10.7 miles – 23 mins by car
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Haddon Hall

This Medieval and Tudor manor house is an absolute gem. Inside, there is a fine example of a medieval kitchen; and an Elizabethan long gallery – the most modern room in the house! The exterior walls are adorned with climbing roses whilst the garden brims with roses, delphiniums and clematis. Haddon Hall is a popular choice as a film and TV location. The 2006 TV adaptation of Jane Eyre was filmed at Haddon.

Distance from Alton: 9.3 miles – 17 mins by car
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Places to Visit in the Ashover Area