top tips when visiting Rivendale
- activities
- food and drink
- holidays
Whether you have been to Rivendale Lodge Retreat before or not, this blog will be a handy guide for all.
Located in Ashbourne, Derby, you will find plenty of things local to the resort but it’s good to know about them before you visit. So, we’ve put together this blog full of all the useful information you may need during your stay, from the closest shops to things to do in the area. Have a read below and keep this blog to look back on whilst you are staying with us. If you have any other questions have a look at our Rivendale FAQs page.
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what to do before checking in?
When you book a holiday to Rivendale you won’t be checking in on the day of arrival until 4pm. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t head to the area and do something before you check in. There is plenty to do nearby one of the most popular things being the Dovedale Stepping Stones. Dovedale is a valley in the Peak District which is a National Trust beauty spot. There is a car park close by that you can start your walk at. From here enjoy making your way along the River Dove until you get to the stepping stones that go across.
what are the top things in the area?
Rivendale is in the perfect location for exploring all that the Peak District has to offer. Whether you are wanting a walk, a family day out or something completely unique you will find the perfect thing for your group to enjoy.
1. Alton Towers
31 min drive from resort
Calling all thrill seekers and the adrenaline junkies, you will be pleased to know that Alton Towers is around a half hours drive away from the resort! It is the UK’s biggest theme park and has a great selection of rollercoasters to suit all ages making it an amazing family day out. As well as rollercoasters they also have plenty of restaurants including the popular Rollercoaster Restaurant and a huge waterpark that is open all year round.
2. Thor’s Cave
16 min drive from resort
An extremely popular natural cavern that many visit during their stay in the area. Thor’s Cave is in the Manifold Valley of the White Peak and has a huge arched entrance that is extremely impressive. You can park in various areas near the Valley and walk up to the cave depending on how long and strenuous you want the walk to be. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear too as it can be muddy throughout the year.
3. Chatsworth House
29 min drive from resort
If you love visiting stately homes, then Chatsworth House is worth a visit. Just half an hour away from the resort you will be able to explore the house and gardens and learn all about the impressive history through each room and the 105 acres. Throughout the year you will find various events on inside the house and in the gardens like their infamous Christmas at Chatsworth event they hold each year.
4. Brackenfield Alpacas
34 min drive from resort
Visit Brackenfield Alpacas in the Amber Valley in Derbyshire. Here you can enjoy a stroll around their 17 acres farm as you take part in Alpaca Trekking. During the walk you will take the alpacas round and find out all about them from the experienced and knowledgeable guides. There will also be a chance for you to feed them and spend time with them in their paddocks.
5. Acclimbatize
17 min drive from resort
Experience the Peak District in a totally unique way and book an activity with Acclimbatize. There are so many options to choose from like rock climbing and abseiling to kayaking and raft building, even caving, mine exploration and gorge scrambling. So, if you are a group of adventurers and want to enjoy something a little more unique during your stay then this is definitely worth a visit.
closest shops for essentials?
Each of the lodges at Rivendale are self-catering which means they come with fully-equipped kitchens. So it will be useful to know about where the closest shops are for when you are needing to pick up a few bits during your stay.
- The Village Stores Hartington – 10 min drive from resort
- ALDI – 16 min drive from resort
- M&S Simply Food – 16 min drive from resort
- Co-op Food – 16 min drive from resort
- Sainsbury’s – 17 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
Since every lodge is self-catering across the resort you will probably be cooking up your own delicious meals or enjoying a bite to eat at the bistro on site. But if you are wanting to head out for a meal during your stay, we have put some suggestions below for you.
1. The Bentley Brook Inn
9 min drive from resort
Known for being an award-winning wedding venue, hotel, restaurant, and bar in the heart of the Peak District. The Bentley Brook Inn is just down the road from the resort and is the perfect place to visit for a bite to eat during your stay. Enjoy food here 7 days a week with plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have plenty of indoor seating and beautiful gardens with outdoor seating for the warmer months.
2. The Old Dog
9 min drive from resort
The Old Dog is a family run country pub in Thorpe, Ashbourne serving plenty of delicious gastropub food. They use high quality, local ingredients where they can to create all their food, here you can enjoy anything from a Sunday Roast to pie and burgers. Due to its location it’s a great place to stop if you have been on a walk local to the resort and fancy rewarding yourself to a well-earned meal.
3. Sycamore Inn
10 min drive from resort
The Sycamore Inn is a traditional country pub that can be found in Parwich village in Derbyshire. This is another pub that has some great walks nearby which makes it a great place to go before or after you’ve done some exploring. They have a variety of delicious home cooked food from fish and chips to chicken skewers and everything in between, as well as a great selection of cask ales.
4. The Royal Oak
14 min drive from resort
The Royal Oak is a small family run pub in the quaint village of Wetton in the Peak District. There is an impressive history behind The Royal Oak, it has been around for over 400 years, and they have the list of landlords dating back to 1760! Since 2018 they have done a lot of work to the pub whilst keeping its character and charm. If you are wanting to enjoy some delicious pie, veggie chilli enchiladas or even a burger this is a great place to go.
5. The Miners Arms
20 min drive from resort
Ran by The Thompsons, a local family, The Miners Arms prides themselves on fresh food and supporting local suppliers and farmers to create the best quality food. They are a dog friendly pub serving a range of delicious pub food, local ales, and plenty of seasonal treats to enjoy. As well as a huge beer garden with plenty of seating to enjoy in the summer months.