Thornbridge Estate - Derby Days Out

Discover Thornbridge Hall - A Beautiful Heritage Garden & Visitor Attraction in Derbyshire

Looking for top things to do in Derbyshire or a scenic day out near Derby? Thornbridge Hall in Ashford-in-the-Water is a standout destination in the Peak District, blending stunning formal gardens, rich history, family-friendly trails and artisanal shopping all set against breathtaking countryside views.

🌳 Explore the Famous Gardens & Parkland

Thornbridge Hall is surrounded by 10–12 acres of quintessentially English formal gardens, originally designed in the late 19th century to reflect the owner’s vision of a “thousand shades of green.” The gardens feature a variety of distinct areas, including:

The Italian Garden with elegant hedging, classical statues and an ornamental fountain.
Terraced lawns overlooking Derbyshire countryside, perfect for photos and relaxing walks.
The Scented Terrace filled with roses, irises and honeysuckle, creating a fragrant and colourful experience.
Water features, herbaceous borders, grottos, temples and a Koi lake.

These beautiful gardens are an ideal place for leisurely strolls, nature watching or simply soaking up the landscape and tranquillity of Derbyshire’s Peak District.

🐾 Outdoor Fun for Families & Nature Lovers

Thornbridge Hall is more than just gardens - it’s a family-friendly attraction where children can enjoy garden trails, a duck fountain, sandpit areas and the Thornbridge Smallholding’s meet-the-animals zone. The adjacent Nature Trail guides visitors through woodland and parkland habitats rich in local wildlife, from butterflies and bees to resident birds and aquatic life.

Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens and café areas, making it easy to bring the whole family on your Derbyshire adventure.

🏡 House Tours & Historic Insight

For visitors keen to learn more about the estate’s past, Thornbridge offers guided House Tours that explore the Great Hall, Music Room, Carriage House and other fascinating historic rooms. These tours provide insight into the hall’s architecture, heritage and the lives of its owners through the centuries.

🍽️ Quackers Café & The Emporium

Take a break in the charming Quackers Café, where you can enjoy coffee, homemade cakes, light lunches and local Thornbridge beer - all available to savour in the gardens or indoors. The adjacent Thornbridge Emporium is a delightful space to browse plants, unique gifts, artwork and locally made crafts.

🎉 Seasonal Events & Workshops

Thornbridge Hall hosts a variety of seasonal events and creative workshops throughout the year. Past highlights have included:

The Thornbridge Pumpkin Patch - family autumn fun with pumpkin picking and photo moments.
Willow Basket Workshops - hands-on craft experiences inspired by the garden’s natural beauty.
Santa’s Grotto and festive activities in the gardens at Christmas.
Creative art sessions like needle-felting workshops.

Whether you’re seeking seasonal celebration or creative inspiration, there’s often something special happening at Thornbridge Hall.

📍 Visit & Plan Your Trip

Location: Thornbridge Hall, Baslow Road, Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire DE45 **- nestled in the Peak District National Park and within easy driving distance of Derby. Please don't use the postcode; instead, use what3word///gather.mango.tank
Opening: Gardens, café and emporium are open daily from 10 am – 4 pm; pre-booking not always necessary (check seasonal schedules).
Facilities: Accessible grounds, dog-friendly areas, refreshments, gift shopping and guided experiences.
Perfect For: Families, couples, gardeners, walkers and visitors seeking relaxing outdoor attractions in Derbyshire.

🌼 Why Visit Thornbridge Hall?

Thornbridge Hall offers one of the most scenic and varied experiences in Derbyshire’s Peak District, blending heritage gardens, historic tours, seasonal events and family activities into a standout attraction for visitors searching for things to see and do in Derby and Derbyshire, UK. With its quirky charm, panoramic countryside views and cultural appeal, it’s a destination worth adding to your itinerary.

Plan your visit to Thornbridge Hall - where natural beauty, history and creativity meet in the heart of Derbyshire!

ℹ️ For the most up-to-date information, visit their official website.