If you are a family of six or a group of friends, with three dogs between you and a hankering for the Peak District, Ashbourne could be the perfect spot to get-together. Its greatest attributes are Georgian terraces, the13th-century church (which George Eliot described as having the finest single spire in England), a vibrant market square that is a visual treat, and a heritage trail. With a plethora of dog-friendly pubs and cafes in this town, lap up the seriously delicious local Bakewell Tart with homemade custard that will surely set tails wagging. The Tissington Trail is a few minutes walk away so tongues out and tails up for an adventure.
This former black and white Tudor pub conversion offers warmth and tasteful bespoke décor with vibrant splashes of colour. The hallway is the perfect place to hang up your collars and coats, shake off the mud and dry your paws after a day of exploration. An open-plan space consists of a country-style kitchen and dining/living area with French doors opening to the pretty, enclosed courtyard. Sit out a while with a bottle of wine or curl up on the sumptuous sofas, engage in ear and belly rubs and revive the soul.
The famous Dovedale, with its picturesque stepping stones, is just 4 miles away and from the River Dove, you can take in the view of Thorpe Cloud. Take your walking boots, let your energetic hounds take the lead and climb this magnificent hill to be rewarded by visually-striking views of the Peak District. Check your walking route beforehand, some paths require dogs have leads on due to wildlife, and some have stiles. Further afield, Chatsworth House is 20 miles away and Matlock is 13 miles.