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Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
The White Peak, including Ilam Park, Dovedale, and Hamps and Manifold Valleys
Ilam, Ashbourne, Staffordshire, DE6 2AZ
Important notice
BBQs and campfires are not permitted anywhere within our grounds, due to a high risk of fire. We encourage picnics but please take litter home with you, or use bins provided. Thank you.
Opening times for 24 May 2025
Asset Opening time Ilam Park Dawn - Dusk Dovedale car park 09:00 - 18:00 Ilam Park tea-room 10:00 - 17:00 Ilam Park Changing Place Open all day MTWTFSS282930123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311OpenPartially openClosedCar park
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Whole day £8.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop
- Car park
Available at Ilam Park and Dovedale.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on lead are welcome in all our outdoor spaces and in the Grab & Go outlet.
- Kiosk
Our Grab & Go outlet at Ilam park is open seasonally and in peak periods. Drinks and refreshments are available from our Grab & Go Van on weekdays in Spring and Summer and between 10am and 3pm at weekends at other times of the year.
- Tea-room
- Toilet
Uneven surfaces and pathways with some steps and stiles. Blue badge parking in main Ilam Park and Dovedale car parks. Changing Place located just off the Stableyard at Ilam Park, which can be accessed with a radar key. The extensive network of bridleways and permissive tracks are shared by walkers, horse riders, climbers and cyclists.
- Accessible toilet
- Changing Places
- Designated parking
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
2.5 miles off the A515 Ashbourne to Buxton 25 miles from M1 junction 28 25 miles from M6 junction 15. Upon arrival to Ilam and Dovedale please drive carefully and be considerate of the local communities and farmers that live and work there. Please do not block access points or roads, these must be kept clear at all times for farmers, local communities and the emergency services.
Parking: Parking is free for National Trust members in both car parks, with a charge for non-members of £5 for up to 4hrs, £7 for over 4hrs. Please have the correct change for the Dovedale car park. The tickets are not transferable between the two car parks. We do not allow any overnight parking in any of our car parks.
Sat Nav: DE6 2AZ Please note - the driving route given on Google Maps to reach Dovedale is incorrect and does not take you to the car park and valley entrance. Please drive to the road between Thorpe village and Ilam village to access the our Dovedale car park and footpath to stepping stones and the valley. This is a very popular area so if you cannot park safely and responsibly, please come back at a less busier time.
- On foot
Quiet roads and footpaths off the Tissington trail (Ashbourne to Buxton) and Limestone Way (Matlock to Uttoxeter)
- By train
Matlock 11 miles, Uttoxeter 11 miles, Buxton 15 miles and Derby 16 miles. For any information on trains please copy and paste this link in to your search bar: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
- By bus
For Ilam and Dovedale: services from Buxton train station to Ashbourne, daily, alight Thorpe, 2 miles (Monday to Saturday, Ilam village Sunday and Bank Holidays). For Winster Market House from Bakewell to Matlock train station, daily. *There is now a community bus service which covers Ilam and Thorpe, please copy and paste this link for more information*: https://www.ashbournect.org.uk/derbyshire-connect For any information on buses please copy and paste this link in to your search bar: https://moovitapp.com/
- Cycling
NCN68, 2 miles
Planning your visit
Events at Ilam Park
Find out more about upcoming events and seasonal activities.
Article
Things to do at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Explore the great outdoors at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak. Enjoy a walk, find a spectacular view, or spot fossils in the limestone.
Article
Accessibility at Ilam Park
Plan your visit to Ilam Park and understand more about the accessibility of this special place so you know what to expect when you arrive.
Article
Organising outdoor events in the Peak District
Planning an outdoor event in the Peak District? Find guidance for organising events on National Trust land here, along with top tips for submitting an application.
Article
Visiting Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak with your dog
Find out all you need to know about visiting Ilam, Dovedale and the White Peak with your dog.
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PDF
Highlights
Ilam Park
Ilam Park is nestled beneath steep-sided hills on the bank of the River Manifold. It features a formal Italian Garden, views across to Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill and walks through ravine woodlands. Ilam Hall is managed by the YHA as a youth hostel.
Dovedale
Dovedale National Nature Reserve boasts ancient ravine woodland, wildflowers, limestone crags and a variety of wildlife.
The White Peak
White Peak countryside has numerous pathways and bridleways to explore across the Manifold Valley, Ecton Mine, Stanton Moor Edge, Miller's Dale, Ravenstor and High Wheeldon.
Eating
Hot and cold drinks, cakes and seasonal lunches are available from our cosy Manifold Tea-room.
Second-hand bookshop
Second-hand bookshop located within the stableyard area at Ilam Park. Wide selection of pre-loved books, with some indoor seating and is dog friendly.
Visiting with your dog
Dogs on leads are welcome at Ilam Park, Dovedale and in the White Peak all year round and there are plenty of places to walk with your four-legged friend while you are here.
Spotlight events
Spring and half-term adventures at Ilam Park
Spring and half-term at Ilam Park offers enjoyable activities for everyone; whether you're seeking adventure, creativity, exploration or the chance to relax and take things at your own pace.
Mini Acorns - Nature based crafts and activities for preschool children aged 2 -5
On the third Monday of the month bring your Mini Acorns along for a morning of nature based craft, discovery and play. Every month will be a new theme and a new experience.
Article
Summer of Play at Ilam Park
Come and join in the fun at Ilam Park's biggest and most adventurous Summer of Play yet. There's something for all ages to enjoy; from exciting outdoor play events and Mud kitchen to a Ribbon Maze, dance and music.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Explore the great outdoors at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak. Enjoy a walk, find a spectacular view, or spot fossils in the limestone.
Article
Family days out at Ilam Park and the White Peak
Ilam, Dovedale and the White Peak has lots of opportunities for a great family day in the outdoors.
News
New accessible paths allow more visitors to explore further at Ilam Park.
We've welcomed Gillian Scotford from AccessibleUK back to Ilam Park, where a second phase of work to ensure more visitors can explore further into the parkland, has been completed.
Article
Connecting art, nature and fun: artist Bruce Asbestos' new project with Ilam Park.
Artist Bruce Asbestos and Ilam Park are connecting art and nature for the public and schools this summer, with a new project backed by Arts Council England. A new sculpture will be on display and you can get involved in creative workshops.
Top trails
Trail
Ilam Park to Wetton circular walk
A scenic walk from Ilam Hall and Park that goes via the River Manifold and River Hamps, taking in stunning views of limestone rock formations on the way.
Trail
Ilam Park to Dovedale Stepping Stones trail
Explore the White Peak with a walk from Ilam Park to the stepping stones at Dovedale.
Trail
Manifold Valley walk
A 10-mile walk around the River Manifold valley that takes in Thor's Cave, and other distinct landscape features in Dovedale and Ilam Park.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Take a break at Ilam Park and enjoy lunch or a cream tea with stunning views of Thorpe Cloud and the Italian Gardens.
Places to stay
Ilam Bunkhouse
A large bunkhouse on the Ilam Park estate with the formidable hills and rocky outcrops of the Peak District nearby.
Norbury Manor
Soak up the history of this luxury manor house, where views extend over the Peak District.
Kedleston Park House
On the edge of Kedleston Hall's vast parkland, this cottage is a great spot to explore the Peak District.
Upcoming events
Event
Ilam Park: Nature Journals
Escape into nature at Ilam Park this May half term and capture it all in your own nature journal! Sketch the stunning views, colour in wildflowers, and collect found treasures. We'll provide everything you need, just bring your imagination!
Event
Dovedale: Nature Journals
Slow down and discover nature in Dovedale National Nature Reserve this May half term and capture it all in your own nature journal! We'll provide everything you need, just bring your imagination!
Event
Dovedale National Nature Reserve: Great Big Green Week Litter Pick
It's Great Big Green week again and we're celebrating with a great big litter pick! There is no greener place than the beautiful White Peak to celebrate Green Week!
Event
Ilam Park: Guided Walk: Seasonal Social Walk
Join us for a guided social walk, get to know the White Peak a little better and grow your confidence walking in a friendly group setting.
Event
Ilam Park: Monday Mini Acorns
Join us for a new and exciting monthly event at Ilam Park. Designed for tiny tots aged roughly 2-5, a creative and nature based activity morning.
Event
Ilam Park: Make your own flower origami
Drop in between 10am and 1pm and join our crafting volunteer team for a simple and beautiful craft
Event
Ilam Park: Guided Walk: Geology and Archaeology in the landscape
Ever wondered about how this magnificent landscape was created? want to learn more about the people who first called it home, and how you can spot their marks on the landscape? This is the walk for you!
Event
Ilam Park: Guided Walk: Map Reading for Beginners
Join us for the day and learn a skill that has been used to travel the world for thousands of years!
About Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Situated in the spectacular setting of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Peak District, Ilam Park makes an ideal base to explore the other parts of the White Peak area.
White Peak incorporates several key areas. These include: Dovedale; the Manifold Valley; Ilam Park; Ecton Mine, Stanton Moor Edge; Miller's Dale and Ravenstor; and High Wheeldon.
Places of interest:
- In Dovedale: stepping stones, Milldale, Wolfscote Hill and Biggin Dale
- In Manifold Valley: Wetton Mill, Ecton Mine Engine House, Manifold light railway track, the disappearing Rivers Hamps and Manifold, Apes Tor and Beeston Tor
- In Ilam Park: the River Manifold and Boil Holes, Italian Garden and tea-room.
- Around Monyash House Farm: Monyash Moor and Ferndale
- Near Stanton Moor Edge: Stanton Moor
- In Miller's Dale and Ravenstor: Bellamy's Bank, Tideswell Dale, River Wye, Monsal Trail and Ravenstor YHA
Please help to look after the places you love by taking only photographs and leaving only footprints #peakdistrictproud
History
Article
The history of Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Over 360 million years ago, Ilam Park lay under a shallow sea as coral reef. Read about the moments that have shaped the landscape.
Our work
Article
Tackling ash dieback across the Peak District
The nation is currently witnessing the widespread effects of ash dieback. Learn about how the National Trust is tackling this issue in the Peak District.
News
Planting trees to create healthy woodlands
Rangers and volunteers in the White Peak have been busy planting trees as part of a project to tackle the effects of ash dieback and create healthy woodlands for the future.
News
Connecting and developing woodland and grasslands in the White Peak
New land in our care at Grindon in the White Peak area of the Peak District will help us protect, connect and develop important woodland and grassland.
News
New acquisition of a key site to help nature's recovery
Find out how land at New Hanson Grange, near Milldale in the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park, will help nature’s recovery, by making more space for wildlife to thrive and improving the areas resilience to climate change.
Support us
Article
Volunteering in the Peak District
Find out about the many ways to get involved with our work across the Peak District as a volunteer and discover the benefits volunteering can bring.