Welcome To The Izaak Walton Country House Hotel Ashbourne In The Famous Dovedale Valley
A Country House Hotel steeped in history near Ashbourne, Derbyshire with wonderful views and in a great location for exploring the surrounding Peak District National Park and beyond. The Izaak Walton has welcomed notable writers, poets, and artists since Georgian Regency and Victorian times.
Situated between the picturesque villages of Ilam and Thorpe in the Derbyshire Peaks and near the foot of Thorpe Cloud, the Izaak Walton Hotel is an AA rated 3 star, 2 Rosette 17th Century Country House Hotel offering wooden beams, open fires, comfortable bedrooms and views of outstanding natural beauty.
Named after the Staffordshire born author of “The Compleat Angler” who fished the local waters of the River Dove, our privately owned and operated hotel is an idyllic setting with modern facilities offering a unique combination of warm hospitality, tranquillity and tradition, whilst maintaining high standards of service.
We have 38 well-appointed ensuite bedrooms, the majority of which have wonderful views over the hotel gardens and the outstanding surrounding countryside.
Our 2 AA Rosette awarded Haddon Restaurant is the pride of The Izaak Walton Country House Hotel and is recommended as a top fine dining restaurant in Derbyshire. With breath-taking views of the Dovedale Valley and creative interpretations on traditional dishes the Haddon Restaurant is the place to dine in style. We also offer less formal dining in our cosy Dovedale Bar and Lounge set within the walls of the original 17th Century Inn.
The Poet Laureate Alfred Tennyson visited Dovedale frequently and features in our guestbook. Lord Byron said of Dovedale “There are things in Derbyshire as noble as in Greece or Switzerland” - John Ruskin declared the valley “An alluring first lesson in all that is beautiful” - and J W Turner immortalised Ilam Rock in watercolour in 1794.
The importance of Dovedale as a socially noteworthy historic holiday spot features in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, and is again mentioned in Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre”. In more recent times the hotel hosted senior members of the royal family and celebrity guests of The Duke of Rutland when participating in the charity event “It’s a Royal Knockout” at neighbouring Alton Towers.
Originally part of the Duke of Rutland’s estate, the hotel still provides guests with equipment and exclusive permits for fishing the neighbouring waters of the privately owned stretch of river - renowned for Trout, Grayling, Carp, Perch, Pike, Bream, and many more. The hotel also has an access route direct to the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones from within its grounds. Our proximity to Alton Towers, Wild Park Paintball - Shooting & Archery & Quad Biking, The Tissington Trail, and Carsington Water Watersports, ensure plenty of activities for an active stay, as well as some of England’s Finest Stately Homes and Gardens within easy reach.
We look forward to welcoming you for an ideally positioned getaway.
Hotel Breaks & Offers
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DINE
Whether you're looking for 2 Rosette dining or a fabulous meal in our cosy bar, our chefs are proud to offer a quality dining experience for you with fabulous dishes freshly cooked and delivered by our wonderful team. Book a table with us online.
STAY
Stay in stunning surroundings, whether you're looking for a relaxing escape or a base for exploring the incredible Peak District then the Izaak Walton Country House Hotel is the place for you. The best rates are always available by booking with us directly, online or by telephone.
EVENTS
Birthday's, anniverseries, christenings, wakes, baby showers, whatever the occasion our friendly and professional team will be on hand to make your event perfect. Please call to discuss your requirements and one of our team will be delighted to help.
MEET
We have 5 meeting rooms, our largest room is able to seat up to 130 delegates or guests whilst our smaller rooms can accommodate 6 - 30 delegates in a boardroom style layout
WEDDINGS
An unparalleled backdrop for your perfect wedding. Our hotel, set in the most amazing countryside and our professional, friendly and attentive team to make your day special.
AWARDS
TripAdvisor travelers choice, AA 2 Rosette and many other awards. We are focused on delivering excellence at the AA 3 star Izaak Walton Country House Hotel.