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Derbyshire Dales

Doveridge

Attractions and Places To See around Doveridge - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Doveridge, a village in Derbyshire, offer a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural points of interest. Situated overlooking the Dove Valley, the area provides diverse opportunities for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient churches, historic wells, and unique bridges. The region is characterized by its historical significance and accessible natural features.

Best attractions and places to see around Doveridge

  • The most popular attractions is Ramblers Retreat, a historical site that was once a gatehouse commissioned by the Earl of Shrewsbury. This location serves as a starting point for many walks.
  • Another must-see spot is Ashbourne Tunnel, a cycle way. This wide, lit, and tarmaced old railway tunnel connects the Tissington trail to Ashbourne town.
  • Visitors also love Croxden Abbey Ruins, a religious building. These 12th-century ruins were once home to Cistercian monks and are now managed by English Heritage, offering free entry.
  • Doveridge is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cycling routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic trails.
  • The attractions around Doveridge are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and over 40 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Ashbourne Tunnel

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Ashbourne is a nice city. The drive through the long tunnel is impressive. I was amazed by the crowded bike station at the tunnel exit and the bike traffic on the trail.

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Ramblers Retreat

Highlight • Historical Site

Superb location for many walks. The food is all locally sourced where possible too.

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Dimmingsdale Mill Pond

Highlight • Structure

The smelting mill is now much altered and is a private residence, but the former mill pond is a very popular place with walkers in National Trust's Dimmingsdale.

Lead smelting mill described as new in 1741 and converted to corn grinding in 1784. Single high breast water wheel and three pairs of stones.

The Alton Mill, situated at the mouth of Dimmingsdale, is still known at the Smelting Mill even though it had longers use as a corn mill. In 1741 Geroge Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, leased out a 'newly erected building for the smelthing of lead commonly called a smelting mill, refinery and slag hearth...' at Alton Common. In 1760 lead was still being smelted and the site had a smiths shop, two houses, a barn, nine acres and a pool. The will of Edward Coyney, 1772, mentions his share in the mill along with his share in the mines at Ecton, which is the most likely source for the lead being produced at Dimmingsdale.

Source: Churnet Valley Guide

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Croxden Abbey Ruins

Highlight • Religious Site

Croxden Abbey was built in the 12th centaury as the home of 70 Cistercian monks. It was converted to a farm after the suppression of the monasteries in 1538. Remains of the church, infirmary and abbots house remain.
Now managed by English Heritage it's open 10:00 - 17:00 everyday. Entry is free.

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The Chained Oak

Highlight • Natural

"On an autumn night, the Earl of Shrewsbury was returning to his home at Alton Towers when an old woman suddenly appeared in the road ahead of his horse and coach.

The coach stopped to find why she was there at which point the old woman begged for a coin.

The Earl cruelly dismissed her, so the old woman stated that she would place a curse on him.

The old woman told the Earl that for every branch on the Old Oak Tree that fell, a member of the Earl’s family would die.
The Earl dismissed this and carried on his way.

That the same night, a violent storm caused a single branch from the old oak tree to break and fall.

Later that evening, a member of the Earl’s family suddenly and mysteriously died.

Now firmly believing the power of the curse, the Earl is said to have ordered his servants to chain every branch together to prevent other branches from falling."

The Oak tree remains chained up.

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Tips from the Community

snorgate
May 23, 2025, Croxden Abbey Ruins

Worth a stop and have a wonder around. plenty to see. 10-15 minutes is enough.

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Old railway tunnel from Tissington trail to Ashbourne town

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Beautiful tunnel which is very photogenic from Ashbourne end

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Croxden Abbey, also known as "Abbey of the Vale of St. Mary at Croxden", was a Cistercian abbey. A daughter house of the abbey in Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy, the abbey was founded by Bertram III de Verdun of Alton Castle, Staffordshire, in the 12th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1538. In 1176, Bertram III de Verdun, the lord of the manor of Croxden, endowed a site for a new abbey near Alton, Staffordshire, to a group of 12 Cistercian monks from Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy. Bertram founded the abbey, like many noblemen of his time, for the souls of his family. The monks remained at the Alton site until 1179, before moving to land near Croxden, a few miles south. Croxden was relatively prosperous, drawing the majority of its wealth from sheep farming. By 1315, the monks were supplying more wool to the continent than any other religious house in the county, with transactions being recorded with Florentine merchants well into the 1420s.

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The Ashbourne Tunnel runs below the town of Ashbourne itself, and serves as the begining – or, alternatively, the ending – of the Tissington Trail: a 13-mile hike, much of which comprises of disused railway lines, connecting the towns of Ashbourne and Parsley Hay. Recently renovated with speakers that transmit authentic steam-powered engine noise, Ashbourne Tunnel is a highly evocative experience that is sure to transport visitors back to the age of industry. Ashbourne was first included in the North Staffordshire Railway line in 1852, as the trade of limestone grew around the town. At the end of the 19th century, this line was taken over by the London & South Western line, who were seeking a line south of Buxton, and connected Ashbourne to the junction at Parsley Hay. This saw the construction of the Ashbourne Tunnel, which was first opened in 1899.

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Nice gravel surface ,gradually rising. 16 mile long, with 2 cafe stops

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Carl
October 30, 2022, Ashbourne Tunnel

Worth popping lights on. Can still get very dark

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51m
August 25, 2022, Croxden Abbey Ruins

Croxden Abbey was built in the 12th centaury as the home of 70 Cistercian monks. It was converted to a farm after the suppression of the monasteries in 1538. Remains of the church, infirmary and abbots house remain. Now managed by English Heritage it's open 10:00 - 17:00 everyday. Entry is free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore in and around Doveridge?

Doveridge is rich in history. You can visit St Cuthbert's Church, a medieval church dating back to the Domesday Book, which features an ancient yew tree and historical artifacts. The Cavendish Memorial Well, a historic water source, and the unique Doveridge Suspension Bridge, built in 1901, are also notable. Don't miss the original Bridge over the River Dove, a medieval structure that gave the village its name. Nearby, the 12th-century Croxden Abbey Ruins, managed by English Heritage, offer free entry and a glimpse into monastic life.

Are there any family-friendly attractions near Doveridge?

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Ashbourne Tunnel provides a wide, lit, and tarmaced cycleway suitable for families. Ramblers Retreat is a historical site that also serves as a starting point for many walks and has a cafe. The Dimmingsdale Mill Pond is a popular spot for walkers. Further afield, you'll find Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, the National Forest Adventure Farm, and the Peak Wildlife Park. For thrill-seekers, Alton Towers Theme Park & Waterpark is about 6 miles away.

What natural features or outdoor spaces can I visit in the area?

Doveridge offers beautiful natural settings. The ancient Yew Tree at St Cuthbert's Church is a significant natural landmark, estimated to be over a thousand years old. For a tranquil escape, explore Cotton Dell Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland with a gritstone escarpment. You can also find Toothill Rock, popular for bouldering, and the picturesque Dimmingsdale Mill Pond, a popular spot for walkers in National Trust's Dimmingsdale. Don't forget the intriguing The Chained Oak, steeped in local legend.

Are there hiking trails available around Doveridge?

Absolutely! Doveridge is a great base for hiking. You can find various routes, including easy walks like the 'JCB Lake Sculpture loop from Rocester' or the 'Uttoxeter Town Centre loop from Doveridge'. For moderate challenges, consider 'Denstone, Wootton Grange & Ellastone loop from Rocester' or 'Pheasant Crossing – River Dove Near Rocester loop from Doveridge'. For more options and detailed route information, explore the Hiking around Doveridge guide.

What cycling opportunities are there near Doveridge?

Cyclists will enjoy the area around Doveridge. The Ashbourne Tunnel is a wide, lit, and tarmaced cycleway connecting the Tissington trail to Ashbourne town. For road cycling, routes like 'Ilam Village and Monument – Thorpe Climb from Dovedale loop from Rocester' offer moderate challenges. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the 'Churnet Valley cyclepath loop' or 'Croxden Abbey Ruins – Ramblers Retreat loop from Alton Towers Resort'. Find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Doveridge guide and the MTB Trails around Doveridge guide.

What is the Fauld Explosion Crater Memorial?

The Fauld Explosion Crater Memorial marks the site of a massive explosion in 1944 at an underground munitions facility. This event resulted in a large crater and is a significant historical site. Visitors are advised to stay on marked paths due to the potential for unexploded ordnance.

Are there any unique or hidden gems to discover in Doveridge?

Beyond the main attractions, Doveridge holds some unique spots. The Doveridge Suspension Bridge is reportedly the only one of its kind in Derbyshire, offering a charming and unique feature. The ancient Yew Tree at St Cuthbert's Church, with its estimated 1500+ years of age and legends linking it to Robin Hood, is another hidden gem. Also, the The Chained Oak, with its fascinating local legend, is a distinctive natural monument.

Where can I find a cafe or amenities near the attractions?

The Ramblers Retreat is a superb location for many walks and offers food that is locally sourced where possible. Ashbourne, a nearby town, also has various amenities. For specific cafes along cycling routes, you might find options like the 'Cyclists' Café at Sudbury Hall' mentioned in some cycling guides.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Doveridge?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Ashbourne Tunnel is noted for its impressive length and being a well-maintained cycleway. The Ramblers Retreat is loved for its superb location as a starting point for walks and its locally sourced food. The historical depth of sites like Croxden Abbey Ruins and the scenic beauty of Dimmingsdale Mill Pond are also highly valued by the community.

Are there any specific architectural landmarks in Doveridge?

Yes, Doveridge features several architectural landmarks. St Cuthbert's Church showcases a conglomeration of architectural styles from different periods, with its earliest mention in 1086. The Doveridge Suspension Bridge, built in 1901, is a unique Victorian structure. The original Bridge over the River Dove is a fine example of a medieval bridge, and Lower Street Farm is identified as the oldest house in Doveridge, featuring black-and-white timbered construction.

Can I find places for bouldering near Doveridge?

Yes, if you're interested in bouldering, Toothill Rock is one of several rocks popular for bouldering in the locality around Doveridge. It is easily accessible via the footpath through Toothill Wood.

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