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The Old Forge, Ashbourne

Derbyshire » Ashbourne
5
6
6

The Old Forge is a modern barn conversion sleeping 5 guests in the pretty Derbyshire village near Ashbourne. This stylish property sits within a beautifully converted set of farmhouses with private off-street parking for four cars and an enclosed garden. The location offers easy access to the Peak District, just 20 minutes away by car.

The area provides stunning countryside views with cobbled streets and shops in nearby Ashbourne. Dovedale and Thor's Cave sit within 10 minutes' drive. The Red Lion pub is within walking distance.

The accommodation features two bedrooms and two bathrooms across two floors. Downstairs you'll find a cosy twin room with en-suite shower room.

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About The Old Forge

The Old Forge is a modern barn conversion sleeping 5 guests in the pretty Derbyshire village near Ashbourne. This stylish property sits within a beautifully converted set of farmhouses with private off-street parking for four cars and an enclosed garden. The location offers easy access to the Peak District, just 20 minutes away by car.

The area provides stunning countryside views with cobbled streets and shops in nearby Ashbourne. Dovedale and Thor's Cave sit within 10 minutes' drive. The Red Lion pub is within walking distance.

The accommodation features two bedrooms and two bathrooms across two floors. Downstairs you'll find a cosy twin room with en-suite shower room. Upstairs the beamed master bedroom houses a king-sized bed and free-standing bath. The open-plan living area includes a well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, coffee machine and electric oven. The living room has a 3D Smart TV with WiFi and a flame effect burner.

Carsington Water (15 minutes) offers sailing and cycling. Alton Towers sits within a short drive. Ashbourne town centre (10 minutes) provides restaurants and shops. The Manifold Valley offers excellent walking routes.

The Old Forge suits families seeking countryside exploration with modern comforts and exceptional Peak District access.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Old Forge

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Weather & Local Conditions

13°C

Clear sky

Updated: 24 Jul 2026, 3:10am

🌡️
12.90°C
Temperature
💨
13 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
89%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A luxury cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Old Forge sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

127m

(417 feet above sea level)

The Old Forge sits in a peaceful Derbyshire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a luxury escape.

🏔️
127m
Elevation
📍
Ashbourne
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Ashbourne are typical Derbyshire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 52.9538893° N | Longitude: 1.6585496° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Ashbourne (Friday, 24 July 2026):

4:10am

Sunrise

7:15pm

Golden Hour

8:15pm

Sunset

🌅
4:10am
Sunrise
🌇
8:15pm
Sunset
📸
7:15pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:15pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Ashbourne, you have approximately 16.09 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Old Forge.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Derbyshire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 24 Jul 2026 | Location: 52.9538893, -1.6585496

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at The Old Forge

Private Parking for Four Cars

Generous off-street parking means multiple vehicles can arrive together without any parking stress or additional costs for your group.

Walking Distance to Local Pub

The Red Lion pub sits within easy walking distance serving excellent pies and local ales for convenient group meals.

Ground Floor Twin Bedroom

The downstairs twin room with en-suite shower room provides accessible accommodation perfect for children or guests with mobility needs.

Open-Plan Living Space

The spacious open-plan layout connects kitchen and living areas so groups can cook, eat and relax together in one sociable space.

Free-Standing Bath in Master Bedroom

The luxurious free-standing bath in the beamed master bedroom offers a relaxing soak after long countryside walks and Peak District adventures.

Peak District Access in 20 Minutes

Quick access to Dovedale, Thor's Cave and walking trails means groups can maximise their time exploring rather than travelling.

Getting To The Old Forge

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old Forge by car, the property is readily accessible from the M6 and M1 motorways. Follow signs to Ashbourne and you'll find the property in a pretty village just outside the market town with a private driveway leading to your accommodation.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Derby, approximately 14 miles away. From there, a taxi or local bus service will take you through the Derbyshire countryside to your rural retreat.

Private off-street parking for four cars
Derby station (14 miles)
Readily accessible from M6 and M1

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Dovedale
Distance: 6 miles
DE6 2AY
Carsington Water
Distance: 8 miles
DE6 1ST
Alton Towers
Distance: 12 miles
ST10 4DB
Thor's Cave, Manifold Valley
Distance: 7 miles
SK17 0SW
Peak District National Park
Distance: 10 miles
DE45 1PP
Ashbourne Countryside Trails
Distance: 2 miles
DE6 1AE
Ashbourne Town Centre
Distance: 2 miles
DE6 1GH
Church Lane Deli
Distance: 1.5 miles
DE6 3GB
Ashbourne Market
Distance: 2 miles
DE6 1ES
Derby City Centre
Distance: 14 miles
DE1 2PY
Matlock Bath
Distance: 15 miles
DE4 3NT
Bakewell
Distance: 18 miles
DE45 1BT
Dovedale
Distance: 6 miles
DE6 2AY
Carsington Water
Distance: 8 miles
DE6 1ST
Alton Towers
Distance: 12 miles
ST10 4DB
Thor's Cave, Manifold Valley
Distance: 7 miles
SK17 0SW
Peak District National Park
Distance: 10 miles
DE45 1PP
Ashbourne Countryside Trails
Distance: 2 miles
DE6 1AE
Ashbourne Town Centre
Distance: 2 miles
DE6 1GH
Church Lane Deli
Distance: 1.5 miles
DE6 3GB
Ashbourne Market
Distance: 2 miles
DE6 1ES
Derby City Centre
Distance: 14 miles
DE1 2PY
Matlock Bath
Distance: 15 miles
DE4 3NT
Bakewell
Distance: 18 miles
DE45 1BT

Is The Old Forge Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The Old Forge welcomes children with a ground floor twin bedroom and en-suite shower room providing easy access. A travel cot and highchair are available on request. The enclosed garden offers safe outdoor space for play. Alton Towers sits within a short drive for theme park excitement. Carsington Water provides cycling and water activities. The Peak District offers family-friendly walks at Dovedale within 10 minutes.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan living area creates a brilliant social hub where your group can gather together. The well-equipped kitchen flows into the living space with a 3D Smart TV and flame effect burner. The enclosed garden provides outdoor seating for al fresco dining with countryside views. A charcoal BBQ allows groups to cook together outdoors. The spacious layout and four-car parking make this ideal for families celebrating special occasions together.
Pet Friendly
The Old Forge does not allow pets. The property operates a strict no pets policy across all premises and grounds. If you're travelling with animals, you'll need to make alternative arrangements. The owners maintain this policy to protect the property and accommodate guests with allergies. Consider kennels or pet-sitting services in the Ashbourne area if you need to bring pets to Derbyshire during your stay.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old Forge

The Red Lion

Located Walking distance from your accommodation.

Postcode: DE6 3GB

Saracens Head, Shirley

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DE6 3AS

Church Lane Deli

Located 1.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DE6 3GB

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old Forge

How many people does The Old Forge sleep?
The Old Forge accommodates 5 guests across two bedrooms. The master bedroom upstairs has a king-sized bed and the ground floor twin room is perfect for children.
Is The Old Forge pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at The Old Forge. The property has a strict no pets policy so you'll need to make alternative arrangements for your animals.
How many cars can park at the property?
The property provides private off-street parking for four cars on the driveway. This generous parking allocation works well for groups arriving in multiple vehicles.
What cooking facilities are available?
The well-equipped kitchen includes an electric oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine and free-standing fridge freezer. You'll find everything needed to prepare meals for your group.
Is there a bathroom on the ground floor?
Yes, the ground floor twin bedroom has an en-suite shower room. The master bedroom upstairs features a free-standing bath for relaxing soaks after countryside walks.
What entertainment is provided?
The living room has a 3D Smart TV with internet access and WiFi throughout. There's also a laptop-friendly workspace and a flame effect burner for cosy evenings.
Can the owners greet us on arrival?
Yes, the owners will greet you upon arrival at the property. For late arrivals, keys can be left in the lockbox for convenient self-check-in.
What outdoor space is available?
The property has an enclosed garden with seating for al fresco dining and countryside views. A charcoal BBQ is provided for outdoor cooking during warmer months.

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