Surrounded by glorious countryside, Watermill Barns at Bradbourne are the ideal base for exploring the countryside and attractions of the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District.
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Situated on the edge of the historic Tissington Estate – renowned for its attractive buildings and annual well dressing - Watermill Barns are also convenient for the villages of Bradbourne, Parwich and Brassington. The market town of Ashbourne with its quaint shopping streets and many leisure facilities is a ten-minute drive. With rural footpaths and traffic-free cycle routes running close by, there is easy access to the wide open spaces, plus activities such as rock climbing, cycling, pony trekking, sailing and windsurfing are available in the district. There is a choice of pubs and eateries, both in the local villages of Tissington, Bradbourne, Parwich and Brassington. Ashbourne has a range of restaurants and several take-aways. Here are just some of the attractions that are within easy reach of Watermill Barns. Click on the links to find out more. |
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Tissington (www.tissingtonhall.co.uk) A quintessentially English village, complete with duck pond and village green, presided over by Tissington Hall, a Jacobean mansion, now a party and event venue. Six wells in the village are colourfully decorated in May every year in a well dressing festival that dates back generations. |
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Carsington Water (www.moretoexperience.co.uk) Set in impressive rural location just a couple of miles over the hill from Watermill Barns, Carsington Water hosts a great range of outdoor activities, from a gentle walk around the shore to mountain biking, angling, windsurfing and kayaking. Visitor centre and children’s play facilities. |
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Chatsworth House (www.chatsworth.org) One of the country’s finest stately homes, set in beautiful grounds and filled with art treasures. For the kids there are farm animals and a great woodland adventure playground. |
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Dovedale (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-ilampark) Inspiring scenery as the River Dove runs through a deep-sided gorge. The picture-postcard village of Ilam is home to the National Trust-owned Ilam Park which hosts a year-round programme of events. |
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Alton Towers (www.altontowers.com) The UK’s leading theme park that’s packed full of thrills and family entertainment. |
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Gulliver’s Kingdom (www.gulliversfun.co.uk) Family-themed adventure park at Matlock Bath. |
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RSPB Coombes Valley Reserve (www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/coombeschurnet/index.asp) Nature reserve with programme of family events. |
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Peak District (www.peakdistrict.org) Hundreds of square miles of fantastic countryside are on the doorstep. Walk, cycle, climb, enjoy. |
Cycling
There is easy access to two picturesque traffic-free trails:
Tissington Trail: A 13-mile route from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay in the Peak Park, passing through Tissington. Cycle hire is available at each end of the trail.
High Peak Trail: Enjoy more of the Peak District scenery from the 17.5 mile trail from Cromford, near Matlock, to Dowlow, south of Buxton.
Cycle route 54A, which acts as a link between the two trails and also provides a route to Carsington Water, runs adjacent to the Watermill Barns.