Dovedale, Ashbourne: Hours, Address, Dovedale Reviews: 4.5/5
Dovedale
4.5
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations • Valleys
Read more
09:00 - 19:30
Monday
09:00 - 19:30
Tuesday
09:00 - 19:30
Wednesday
09:00 - 19:30
Thursday
09:00 - 19:30
Friday
09:00 - 19:30
Saturday
09:00 - 19:30
Sunday
09:00 - 19:30
About
The National Trust is a registered charity. With your help, we protect some of the most important spaces and places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Dovedale is a National Nature Reserve that is owned and cared for by the National Trust, with important woodlands, wildflower meadows and impressive limestone rock features throughout the valley. Dovedale and Ilam Park car parks are free to National Trust members and non-members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please park safely and responsibly and there is no overnight parking allowed. There are toilets beside the Dovedale car park and these are owned and maintained by the Peak District National Park Authority. There is a charge of 20p to use these toilets. BBQs/campfires/camping are not allowed as they are a severe risk to the health and safety of wildlife and other people. Please respect and protect Dovedale and leave no trace of your visit by taking all of your litter home with you. Thank you.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
17 within 5 kms

Haddon Restaurant
53
0.9 km€€ - €€€ • International • European • British

The Dovedale Bar
38
0.9 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Pub

The Izaak Walton Hotel
30
0.9 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Pub

The Old Dog
531
1.5 km€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • Bar • British

Herbert's Fine English Tearooms
352
2.6 km€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British

Coach and Horses Inn
525
2.8 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Pub

Coach & Horses
111
2.8 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Pub

Bassettwood Farm Tea Room and B&B
37
2.6 km€ • British • Vegetarian Friendly

The Okeover Arms
609
3.6 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Pub

Pollys
86
3.6 km€ • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
20 within 10 kms

Dovedale Stepping Stones
279
37 mScenic Walking Areas

Thorpe Cloud
41
91 mLookouts

Wolfscote Dale
8
73 mScenic Walking Areas

Ilam Park
480
2.1 kmParks

Tissington Trail
466
2.6 kmBiking Trails

Tissington Hall
144
2.6 kmHistoric Sites

Thor's Cave
160
Caverns & Caves

Peak Pilgrimage
25
1.9 kmHiking Trails

Church of the Holy Cross
23
2.1 kmChurches & Cathedrals

Carsington Water
1,494
Bodies of Water
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,773 reviews
Excellent
1,244
Very good
406
Average
75
Poor
24
Terrible
24
Gurj S
Walsall, UK335 contributions
Apr 2022
a party of 6 decided to go to Dovedale on Sunday 24th April at a whim, and what a great decision. Had such a lovely day, walking across the peaks and valleys, enjoyed a coffee from the little shop in the village and then had an epic journey back to the car park. One of those places that never gets boring, every visit becomes its own adventure.
Very important to have the right footwear and it can get slippery.
Very important to have the right footwear and it can get slippery.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
morfias
Telford, UK6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Top 5 of my trips. Amazing views. Rolling countryside. Sheep and lambs running past in fields. Sleepy picturesque landscapes.
Definitely go back to spending more time.
Definitely go back to spending more time.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Zibby K
Jersey, UK71 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Nice walk and area is beautiful. We went on Monday when visiting family in Mcr. Sunday gets very busy in all beauty spots in Peak District when sun is out. Take a change as you have to pay coins for car park and toilet.
Stepping stones were flooded that day, it was worth to visit anyways.
Stepping stones were flooded that day, it was worth to visit anyways.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lottie
Essex, UK23 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Its a lovely location but the stepping stones are particually busy however as you continue the walk to Mildale (if you do this) it thins out. Its beautiful, like with many areas of the Peaks, so worth a visit if yoir in the area.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tim J
Banbury, UK214 contributions
Mar 2022
Dovedale exemplifies natural beauty; the hills, the animals, the river. We had an amazing time here and it exceeded our expectations. Can't wait to return!
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Local Person
Ashbourne, UK32 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
A beautiful National Nature Reserve. The valley is full of wildlife, fossils, gorgeous views and is looked after by the National Trust.
The National Trust also run the car park and can only take COINS at their machine.
They charge £4.50 for 4 hours and £6 all day, with members parking free if they scan their cards at the car park machine.
Dogs have to be on leads along the whole of the route and BBQs are not allowed.
Absolutely stunning place, would visit again.
The National Trust also run the car park and can only take COINS at their machine.
They charge £4.50 for 4 hours and £6 all day, with members parking free if they scan their cards at the car park machine.
Dogs have to be on leads along the whole of the route and BBQs are not allowed.
Absolutely stunning place, would visit again.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AMW1970
Heaton, UK533 contributions
Mar 2022
After a great recommendation from someone who had once been a local we walked the Dovedale route from Milldale - there is a smallish car park here just above the lovely hamlet.
This walk takes you about 3 miles to Dovedale car park and is just as easy/accessible as coming up river.
I think this is a quieter and probably better route. Al the same accessibility challenges are here including at Lovers Leap but most of the path was dry, smooth and clear.
This walk takes you about 3 miles to Dovedale car park and is just as easy/accessible as coming up river.
I think this is a quieter and probably better route. Al the same accessibility challenges are here including at Lovers Leap but most of the path was dry, smooth and clear.
Written 8 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
michael g
1 contribution
Jan 2022
Always enjoyable, but my reason for leaving a review is , the parking is CASH only because of lack of telephone signal, so take £3 50 in cash to pay to park
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AMW1970
Heaton, UK533 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
During our recent stay at the excellent nearby Sandybrook Holiday park we visited twice. The first was a walk from Ilam Park, the second was a walk from the Dovedale Carpark.
Visiting during the week when it’s out of season means you aren’t swamped with crowds. (As ever nice places spoiled by their own beauty drawing in too many people etc.)
The river is great and it is worth crossing the steeping stones and then following further over the step bits to a tranquil area with a clear running river and few people. Plenty of birds from ducks to dippers to see.
We will visit Agassi soon as possible.
Visiting during the week when it’s out of season means you aren’t swamped with crowds. (As ever nice places spoiled by their own beauty drawing in too many people etc.)
The river is great and it is worth crossing the steeping stones and then following further over the step bits to a tranquil area with a clear running river and few people. Plenty of birds from ducks to dippers to see.
We will visit Agassi soon as possible.
Written 25 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dgraham76
Hyde, UK1,260 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Came here for a lovely hike with friends and can tell its popular with some great views.
Also walked to milldale, dovedale caves and this cave, well worth a visit and nice areas for photos and a picnic
Also walked to milldale, dovedale caves and this cave, well worth a visit and nice areas for photos and a picnic
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Katy S
1 contribution
Is there a height restriction for the car park as I have my roof box on.
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, no height restrictions for Dovedale or Ilam Park car parks but please be aware that our car parks are very small and spaces become very limited by 9am on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. National Trust members park for free and non-NT members, the charge is £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please help us look after this area and leave no trace of your visit. Many thanks.
johnhough
Sandbach, UK109 contributions
Hi, is parking free for motorcyles and is there somewhere to get refreshments please?
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, for Dovedale and Ilam Park car parks the charge for all vehicles is £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 all day. Please be aware that these car parks are very small and spaces are limited especially on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. We own and look after the Stableyard Grab and Go at Ilam Park and there is a refreshment hut in Dovedale car park which is privately owned. Please help us to look after this area for nature and for people and leave no trace of your visit. Many thanks
Sharon D
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK4 contributions
What is the correct postcode for car park for stepping stones
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, the Dovedale car park (which gives you the nearest access to the very popular stepping stones) is free to National Trust members with proof of membership card and for non-NT members the charge is £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 all day. The best postcode to use to get you to that area is DE6 2AY but please carefully follow the roadside signs that point you to the Dovedale car park. This is a very popular car park and is often full by 9am on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. Please check our website and social media for updates and help us to look after this special place by leaving no trace of your visit. Thank you.
Is the car park open new years day?
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, our National Trust car parks are open daily throughout the year. Dovedale car park is open 9am - 7:30pm every day. National Trust members can park for free with proof of membership card and non-NT members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 all day (no overnight car parking allowed). The rest of our car parks are open from 8:30am until dusk but again there is no overnight car parking allowed. Please help us to look after these special places by leaving no trace of your visit. Many thanks.
kmoffett11
Leicester, UK9 contributions
How much of the walk is pushchair friendly (the toddler is happy to walk so the pushchair is taken as a back up and easily folds down to be carried over shoulder)?
Peter S
Warwick, UK983 contributions
I’d say about half of it at least. Maybe a mile or two
Is it still open and can you walk dogs there.
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, Dovedale National Nature Reserve is open to the public and we welcome well behaved dogs on leads to help protect wildlife and other people from disturbance. Dovedale car park is owned by the National Trust and is open 9am - 7:30pm and overnight car parking is not allowed. National Trust members can park for free and non-NT members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please be aware that this area is very popular on weekend, bank holidays and school holidays, Ilam Park and Dovedale car park being full by 9am on busy days. Please help us to look after this special place for nature and for people by planning your visit carefully and leaving no trace of your visit. Thank you.
kevin hudgell
7 contributions
how much is the dovedale car park
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, Dovedale car park is owned by the National Trust and is open 9am - 7:30pm and overnight car parking is not allowed. National Trust members can park for free and non-NT members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please be aware that this area is very popular on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, with Ilam Park and Dovedale car park often being full by 9am on busy days. Please help us to look after this special place for nature and for people by planning your visit carefully and leaving no trace of your visit. Thank you.
Swran S
United Kingdom
Hi,just I want to know in this place is allowed to do bbq ?
PeakDistrictDeb
derbyshire50 contributions
BBQ's are not allowed at Dovedale.
MothiurR
Leicester, UK130 contributions
Is there anywhere you can have a small disposable bbq or is it completely forbidden and if allowed can anyone suggest where’s best to do it ?
David F
Teanford, UK62 contributions
Sorry but I can't think of anywhere suitable for a disposable bbq in Dovedale given the fire risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dovedale
- Dovedale is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 19:30
- Hotels near Dovedale:
- (0.76 km) Hillcrest House
- (0.90 km) The Izaak Walton Country House Hotel
- (2.47 km) Beechenhill Farm
- (2.06 km) YHA Ilam Hall
- (4.54 km) Alstonefield Manor
- Restaurants near Dovedale:
- (1.46 km) The Old Dog
- (0.85 km) Haddon Restaurant
- (0.88 km) The Dovedale Bar
- (5.86 km) Old School Tea Room
- (0.88 km) The Izaak Walton Hotel
- Attractions near Dovedale:
- (0.04 km) Dovedale Stepping Stones
- (0.09 km) Thorpe Cloud
- (0.07 km) Wolfscote Dale
- (2.62 km) Edward and Vintage
- (2.10 km) Ilam Park