Ashford in the water is the perfect spot for a fantastic holiday. Located just north of Bakewell on the River Wye, it is a very unique Derbyshire and Peak District village with some age old traditions, as well as some new ones.

Peak District tourism attracts millions of visitors to the area each year and Ashford should definitely be on your Peak District Accommodation shortlist.

If you like to explore visit The Holy Trinity Church like many others in the region is centuries old. Some parts of the church go back to the 13th century but much of it was rebuilt in the 1800’s as it had become so old. Fortunately some of the original architecture has withstood the test of time.

From the 14th century, the lower section of the west tower, and the south door still has the original Norman tympanum depicting the tree of life, and in the center is a hog and wolf facing each other.

The church also features a chalice from the 1600’s, an octagonal Perp font, and a Jacobean pulpit.

An ancient custom from the 1700’s was to hang funeral garland made of white paper that had been cut into rosettes and attached to a wooden frame, then carried in front of the coffin in the funeral procession, then hung up on the roof of the church, which four of them are still hanging there today.

Ashford was once known as a village that made candles but that industry has long been obsolete and today, a house stands in place of the old factory that once stood, which is located on Greaves Lane.

The main attraction of the Peak District is the beautiful Sheep Wash Bride, which was originally used as a packhorse bridge; later sheep herders washed their herds there before they were sheared.

Ashford is known for the black marble it produces, and once it is polished serves as inlaid patterns for mosaics, clocks, table tops, and jewelry. Ashford Church displays such a table top of this type. This black inlaid marble has become poplar in the United States.

One of the most fascinating features in Ashford is the revived custom of well dressing, which takes place on Trinity Sunday, this very special event has 6 wells that are dressed with layering leaves and many other natural objects in a bed of clay to form a picture. There are approximately 12,000 or so spectators that visit the church during Well Dressing Week.

Notable properties in the area include Ashford Hall which overlooks a beautiful lake that is part of the River Wye. Built in 1785 by Joseph Pickford, Ashford Hall has a lot of history and today it is privately owned and belongs to the Olivier family.

Just down the road from Ashford, you can also find a Georgian house that is T-shaped which is better known as Thornbridge Hall. Until the middle of the 20th century, the hall continued to be privately owned but has had a succession of roles being a college for teachers in training to an antique shop.

If your not staying at holiday at one of the holiday cottages in Ashford definitely make sure it is on your list of places to visit especially if you are taking a holiday during Well Dressing week.

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