Not exactly in the water, but certainly on the River Wye, Ashford is a candidate for the Peak District’s prettiest village. It is perhaps most famous for its six beautifully executed well-dressings, which are held annually in early June.
Visiting the village? Here's our quick guide to the best things to see, where to walk and how to visit the charming Bull's Head pub.
- Peak District walks
- 12 fairytale towns and villages to visit
- Britain's most beautiful rural churches
Things to see and do in Ashford in the Water
The medieval Sheepwash Bridge, which crosses the Wye on its low arches framed by overhanging willows, is a favourite subject for artists, and was recently named by Visit England as the best location in the country to play the popular family game of Poohsticks. The walled enclosure to one side gives away its name, and it is still occasionally used for its original purpose when sheep are unceremoniously tossed into the river to clean their fleeces before shearing.
Sheepwash Bridge is close to the grey limestone Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, which was largely rebuilt in 1870, but retains the base of a 13th-century tower. It also has a Norman tympanum, complete with Tree of Life, lion and hog, from the original church over the south door. Hanging from the roof of Ashford’s church are the remains of four ‘virgin’s crants,’ paper garlands which were carried at the funerals of unmarried village girls.
Also inside the church are some fine examples of Ashford’s most famous product, the so-called Black Marble, which was really a highly-polished grey limestone won from mines near the village. This attractive stone became very popular in Victorian times and was exported all over the world.
The Bull's Head
The rest of the village has a pleasant range of mainly 18th-century cottages, and The Bull’s Head pub in Church Street, is a cosy option offering classic brews and pub fare.
Ashford in the Water walk
There is a short, three-mile stroll downstream along the banks of the Wye to reach the market town of Bakewell.
