A Taste of the Peak District |
Accommodation, activities and attractions of the Peak District of the UK |
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Site map >> Home >> Towns >> Dovedale
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The Limestone plateau of the Peak District National Park is cut by many delightful valleys. Dovedale is one of the best known outside of Derbyshire.
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Dovedale is perhaps the most well known of the Derbyshire limestone dales. It was an important Victorian tourist destination and was immortalised by Isaac Walton in his book ‘The Compleat Angler’. The pack horse bridge that marks the top end of Dovedale is named after Viator, one of Walton’s friends and characters in his book. The river Dove is about 45 miles long and for only a short distance does it flow through this beautiful dale.
Probably the most famous view (and most sent postcard perhaps) is the one of the stepping stones below the ancient reef of Thorpe Cloud, worn shiny by the passage of millions of feet. During the summer, it is likely that you will have to queue to get across. If you don’t want to wait, there is a bridge further down stream. The whole dale is crowded with both day trippers and tourists on sunny Sundays.
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There are many reasons for its popularity, the beauty of the area, the reputation and also the National Trust maintain an excellent path alongside the river. There are a few ups and downs on the latter where those who are a little unsteady on their feet may need a helping hand. Dovedale also attracts climbers, who can be seen and heard clinking their way up the crags of Tissington Spires, Ilam Rock, the twelve apostles and Dovedale Church. If you do climb there, take care since the rock is a friable limestone, holds can pull off and careless ropework can dislodge chunks of limestone from the grassy tops of the climbs.
Nearby towns and villages include Alstonefield, Hartington Thorpe and Ashbourne. |
Accommodation: |
Riverdales self-catering three storey house is steeped in history being part of the old 'workhouse'. The house (sleeps 4) is located in the centre of Alstonefield village in the heart of the Peak District - an ideal location ... more or visit owner’s web site |
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The Charles Cotton Hotel, Hartington. The hotel originally opened it's doors in the 17th century. Today we offer a variety of accommodation. All rooms are en-suite and have colour television, tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephone ... more details and online booking. |
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Closest to Dovedale and set in 11 acres of grounds, the Peveril of the Peak is a privately owned and operated 3-star hotel of the highest quality. It is set in Thorpe, a peaceful Peak Village near to Ashbourne with the towering presence of Thorpe Cloud as a backdrop. Golf, sailing, walking, climbing and much more are found within a few miles of the hotel ... more information or book online. |
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The Beresford Arms Hotel was built at the turn of the century in Ashbourne and is an impressive mock tudor building. Tissington trail starts across the road. Alton Towers is 15 mins away plus Chatsworth House,Haddon Hall & Calke Abbey. In our family-run hotel, all rooms are en suite with colour TV, hospitality tray, telephone and trouser press. We have ample car parking and children and pets are welcome. We have a wide variety of rooms available from singles to family rooms for 6 people. We offer special short stay breaks and are open all year ... more information and online booking.
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Set on the outskirts of the ancient spa town of Ashbourne at 'The Gateway to Dovedale', the Hanover International Hotel & Club is the ideal spot to relax and really enjoy a breath of pure fresh air. Sightseeing and country pursuits, are very much on tap here. Numerous outdoor activities, range from caving, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain-biking, canoeing to trout fishing. The thrills and spills of Alton Towers are nearby. Gastronomes can visit the homes of Blue Stilton cheese or Bakewell pudding ... more details and online booking. |
3 cottages in the center of picturesque Hartington, Dove cottage offers self catering holiday accommodation for 2 ... more information (includes online booking).
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Beech Cottage, Hartington. This three storey semi-detached stone character cottage, is set in the heart of the village, close to the walks in Wolfscote and Berresford Dales, it is ideal for family parties seeking a base in the ... more information and online booking. |
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Rose Cottage. This 200 year old quaint, cosy cottage is in a tiny village in the picturesque Dove Valley. Crowdecote is a very small village overlooking the Dove Valley in the middle of the Peak District, 6 miles south of the Spa town of Buxton.Ideal for the walker and cyclist, with the Tissington and High Peak trails close by, many walks can be started from the cottage door.Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Alton Towers, and the famous caves (Blue John, Speedwell and others) all lie within an easy drive. In summer, Well Dressings can be seen in many nearby villages. Hartington, famous for its Stilton, lies close by ... more details, with online availability and booking) |
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