Derbyshire is situated in the heart of England, amidst some of the most beautiful and varied scenery England has to offer. The landscape varies from lush green pastureland with gently rolling hillsides, rugged and colourful heather covered moorland, to spectacular dales with rivers abundant with wildlife. Limestone walls or green hedgerows divide this wonderful patchwork landscape. Cliffs and rocky outcrops to the north of the county provide stunning panoramic views across this beautiful county.

Our delightful self catering county cottage will provide an ideal base to all of these attractions and more. The market town of Ashbourne is just 5 miles from Hillside Croft. Set on a river at the edge of the Peak District National Park, Ashbourne is full of  historical buildings with narrow streets and alleyways. The town has an abundance of antique and craft shops, there are many places to wine, dine and relax.  Ashbourne is famous for Royal Shrovetide Football held in February each year on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, it is held no where else in the world and is a site not to be missed.

In July each year is the Ashbourne Highland Gathering  event where Scotland, its culture, traditions and sports come to Ashbourne.  Also in early July  and lasting for a week is the newly formed Ashbourne Arts festival, where art of all types is represented, including dancing, music, painting and exhibitions. Workshops are available for anyone to attend to look or have a go. Events are every day and evening throughout the week.

The whole county is covered with a labyrinth of footpaths, making walking and rambling a popular attraction. From gentle walks suitable for all the family to difficult terrain which will challenge even the most experienced walker.

There are rocky outcrops giving the chance for climbing and abseiling, caves and potholes are accessible for the experienced with several caves adapted for tourism and family visits, such as the caves at Castleton and Buxton.

Canoeing is available on several rivers and water sports are available at Carsington Water, just 1 mile from Hillside Croft.

The area is excellent for cycling and there are many cycle hire centres nearby, at Carsington water, Tissington and  the Manifold valley ,with trails adjoining the hire centres.  There are many other hire centres and trails in the county.

There are many golf courses nearby, for the initiated, at Ashbourne, Brailsford, Allestree, Matlock and Morley Hayes to name a few.

Pony Trekking  and riding are available nearby.

With its many rivers, reservoirs and ponds, Derbyshire is a haven for all types of fishing.

Thrilling attractions include the theme parks of Alton Towers, The American Adventure and Gulliver’s Kingdom.

At Stoke is Waterworld a swimming paradise with pools, slides and waves for everyone to enjoy.  There are also local swimming pools.

Chatsworth House the historic and beautiful home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is a must. The house itself with its many treasures and gardens is exceptional, there is also a farm shop, a children’s farmyard and adventure playground.

Also close by are many National Trust properties including Sudbury Hall with its museum of childhood, Kedleston Hall, Calke Abbey where you can step back in time,Hardwick Hall,  and Haddon Hall.

Derbyshire is also famous for its well dressings, held throughout the year in many of the quaint and picturesque villages. Tissington village with the historical Tissington Hall has well dressings held on Ascension day.  Osmaston village has quaint thatched cottages, Hartington, famous for its cheese is beautiful both with central ‘olde worlde’ duck ponds . The village of Alsop-en-le Dale set next to a beautiful trout filled river is worth a visit.

The county has a multitude of museums and heritage centres to suit all tastes all within easy distance of Hillside Croft.

Further attractions include
(For a detailed A to Z directory listing of places to go and things to do - click here)

·        Wirksworth – National Stone Centre, Mill Shops, Black Rocks, Cromford Mills,

·        Matlock-  Matlock Bath Spa, Swimming pool,Gullivers Kingdom, Heights of Abraham visitor centre,caves and cable cars. River canoeing,climbing, caving take place here.Mining museum, Matlock Bath illuminations.

·        Crich- National Tramway museum, Crich Stand monument.

·        Ripley- Midland Railway Steam Train  museum

·        Denby- Denby  Pottery shop and visitor centre

·        Belper- River gardens,Belper Industrial Mill Museum, Factory Shops.

·        Stoke- Waterworld, The Potteries , museums and shops.

·        Derby- Royal Crown Derby, Rollorworld, BMX and Skate park, Derby Industrial museum, cinemas, theatres, swimming, sports centres and more.

·        Bakewell- another market town, set on a river and home of the famous Bakewell Pudding-must be tried.

·        Buxton- Spa and market town of historical interest, Pavillian Gardens, Theatre,caves

·        Hathersage and Castleton- Rock climbing,caving and special interest caves for visitors of all ages, containing boat rides, stalagmites and stalactite formations and the famous Blue John semi precious stone.

  A taste of all the interesting and exciting things to see and do in this beautiful part of England, and an experience not to be missed.