Ashbourne is the southern gateway to the Peak and lies just outside the National Park boundary on the edge of the limestone 'White Peak' area.

Although the town lies a short distance away from the River Dove, it commands the approach to Dovedale. It is a colourful and historic town, already a Royal Borough by the time of the Domesday survey.

The old town contains many historic buildings as well as traces of the visits by Dr Johnson, Charles I and Bonnie Prince Charlie.