The pretty village of Thorpe lies where the River Manifold meets the River Dove and is dominated by the wonderful conical hill of Thorpe Cloud – a 1000ft limestone hill which guards the entrance to Dovedale. It was the arrival of LNER’S Ashbourne to Buxton line that really started the Thorpe tourist boom. Today, the railway is no more, but every year, thousands of visitors make the journey to Dovedale – one of England’s most famous and photographed beauty spots. Thorpe itself has two country house hotels with bar and restaurant, and a pub, whilst further amenities are available in the many nearby villages – Ilam, Tissington, Longnor and Hartington. A fabulous area for outdoor pursuits, the famous Tissington Trail is located close by, little over a mile to the east of the village. The nearby market town of Ashbourne – once a fashionable social centre of the 18th Century – boasts an eccentric street plan, quaint cobbled alleyways littered with old market stalls and welcoming coaching inns. Many fine Georgian buildings remain, hosting a good selection of restaurants, wine bars and interesting antique shops. A great touring base, with Alton Towers just a short drive away!
