Within the Derbyshire dales and on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the market town of Ashbourne is a popular place to pitch tents.


If you’re coming from the south, it’s a handy gateway in to the softer southern side of the national park. It’s got shops, amenities and a twice-weekly market all within hiking distance of Dovedale’s nature reserve and famous stepping stones. But Ashbourne is a fascinating place in its own right. Its historic buildings span the centuries and it’s best known for hosting the annual Royal Shrovetide football match. The local area is a boon for camping, with plenty of great campsites for walkers nearby.