Spring is well and truly here, beautiful gardens and views around the cottage. The donkeys and cats are loving it basking in the sun.
The geese have returned again this year and have produced 8 lovely goslings, we have had baby ducks and wrens and a host of other chicks around the gardens. The Koi and other fish in the pond have produced young, along with frog and toad spawn, the heron is a pain and continues to arrive every morning to inflict itself on the pond-its wing span must be over 6 foot across. The goslings are about 2 weeks old now and growing fast, lessons have begun and their parents hold several classes a day- fantastic to watch.
Had an interesting few hours at Peak Ales visitor centre at Chatsworth, brewers of Ales and Gin.An interesting talk on the brewing process and history of their business. Plenty to taste and buy. There is lots to do in the area with Chatsworth House, the Chatsworth farm shop, garden centre and the Richard Whittlestone Art Galley all on the doorstep of the Chatsworth Estate. Owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, beautiful Chatsworth House is full of treasures, the house and gardens give an amazing day out, it also has a play area, children’s farm and restaurant with something for everyone. Located just 14 miles from Offcote Grange Cottage Holidays its a great day out for all the family to enjoy.
Ghost Hunter Tours head to the Town Hall in Ashbourne to investigate this very haunted location With sightings and strange happenings this location must be on every paranormal fans to do list !!! It has been said that this amazing location is the Most Haunted building in the whole of Ashbourne, you will be investigating here with the GHT team of investigators.
Ashbourne Town hall is in the heart of Ashbourne, this building was built in 1861 and stands on the previous built Talbot Inn. This location is a hidden gem with an array of many rooms. The ballroom here is known for its disembodied voices, on many occasions the door has been seen and heard slamming shut from unforeseen hands. The upper floor kitchen dark tall black figures have been seen, and some have reported seeing figures in the upper floor windows. The main hall is known for its sudden drastic temperature changes, many people feel extremely uncomfortable here alone.
The History of Ashbourne Town Hall
The building is faced with ashlar stone with the over-fussy decorative embellishments typical of the mid-Victorian period.
A purpose-built meeting room was first suggested in 1852, and was combined with a proposal to build a Market Hall. Subscriptions were collected and various premises in the Market place were considered, but the scheme was postponed through lack of sufficient funds. A number of local tradesmen formed a trust to purchase a property in St John’s Street, which was rebuilt as a lecture and meeting room (now St John’s Gallery and Café). The Market or Town Hall went ahead as a separate project and, eventually, another property was purchased in the Market Place and rebuilt as the Market Hall. The stone pediment shows the date 1861 along with the names of the Trustees.
The Hall was built on the site of the Talbot Inn, mentioned in Izaak Walton’s and Charles Cotton’s “The Compleat Angler”. In the book, Piscator Junior and Viator stopped here for a drink on horseback before heading for the River Dove at Milldale; an early form of a “drive through”.
There has been hundreds of reports of strange unexplained happenings within these walls at Ashbourne Town hall. There have numer
Ghosts at Ashbourne
ous reports of footsteps coming up and coming down the stairs when noboby is present. Doors heard and seen slamming shut from unforseen hands. The sound of disembodied voices and even childs laughter and singing has been heard. Items have been left in a certain position and staff members upon their return have found these items moved. Sudden and unexpected drastic temperature changes. Dark tall figures are seen. Many believe is location is home to many lost souls
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Ghost Hunt At The Haunted Ashbourne Town Hall 22/2/20
Come and enjoy a warm welcome late break within the beautiful county of Derbyshire and the amazing Peak District National Park.
During February 2020 at our large party cottages we have some weeks, weekends and mid weeks still available in both Billys Bothy ( www.offcotegrange.com )and Hillside Croft.( www.hillsidecroft.co.uk ). There is 10% off most dates and some special mid week break offers at 15% off. Dont miss some great deals at these two fabulous luxury cottages.
There are hot tubs, and a sauna available for hire, catering by arrangement.
Both cottages are ideal bases for viewers of Royal Shrovetide Football in Ashbourne on the 25th and 26th February and the snowdrops at Offcote Grange and at Hopton Hall. Sleep 14 each cottage.
Ring 01335 344795 or 0780 8899493 and let us give you a quote.
Quote February 2020 when enquiring
Snowdrops at Offcote GrangeSnow Drops at Offcote Grange
Held every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday each year in the historic Market town of Ashbourne this two day medieval event is a sight to behold. With crowds from all over the world either viewing or taking part in this very hands on event. This year it will be the 25th and 26th February 2020 with the throw up of the ball at 1.00pm from Shaw Croft Car park.
Ashbourne resembles a war zone with shops boarded up throughout the game which can take place anywhere between the goal posts which are located at Sturston Mill and Clifton approximately 2 miles apart and swamps the town centre, and roads and river in between with 1000′s of ‘players’, the game will continue until late evening or until a goal is scored.
Come dressed for cold and wet conditions, its a spectacle to enjoy even if once in a lifetime. If you are wanting accommodation over the period of the game then contact us on 0780 8899493
It rained, it blew but it didn’t dampen the spirits of those visiting this small but interesting agricultural show. The Manifold Valley sits above the village of Ilam, atop rolling hills with fantastic views in all directions. Cattle, chickens, sheep, geese, ducks, shire horses, ferrets, tractors and stationary engines, horse jumping, craft and beer tents, dogs and so much more to see, Plenty of great food to tantalise your taste buds. A great day out for all the family, visitors to Derbyshire and our guests at Offcote Grange Cottage Holidays. We welcome large groups to our large, luxury, Derbyshire cottages a great place to stay whilst visiting the many attractions in the area.
Found a lovely little exhibition centre for arts and crafts with a beautiful garden at Leabrooks Arts Complex, Leabrooks situated between Swanwick and Somercotes. Address. 36 Leabrooks Rd, Somercotes, Leabrooks, Alfreton DE55 4HB Phone: 01773 602961 See www.leabrooksartscomplex.com
I attended to see a collection of paintings by local artist Martin Davis, you can view his beautiful works on www.martindavisartist.co.uk. Martin has a passion for oils. Commissions can be arranged for those wanting a special work of art.
We stayed in Billy’s Bothy cottage a few weeks ago and honestly had the best weekend. It was so well maintained and relaxed there and Pat was so helpful. The views were stunning. We would definitely recommend it to anyone and will be returning next year
Derbyshire and the Peak district have some great attractions for all your family holidays. Why not try a day out at some of the Steam Train railways and Museums on offer in the area. A fun day for all ages, experience a ride on an atmospheric steam train, enjoy a meal watching the beautiful scenery go by. There are even activities and special events tailored for groups wishing to celebrate birthdays and hen parties.
Steam trains are to be found at Midland Railway at Butterley www.midlandrailway-Butterley.co.uk where there are several interesting things to see, not only a large collection of trains, but stationary and steam engine, lorries to meander around. Check their site for special events.
https://www.peakrail.co.uk
Peak Rail provide steam train rides Midlands. Based in beautiful Derbyshire Peak District. Special Events, Santa Specials, fine dining, Kids go free days.
www.e-v-r.com the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Wirksworth to Duffield where there is a steam train driving experience here, it was a great day out, the station is only small but made up with the enthusiasm of the staff, I have done several steam journeys but this was the first time I felt like part of the family. Plenty of free parking, great events.
Our fabulous, family size luxury, Derbyshire self- catering cottages are within 30 minutes of all of these railways for some great fun and nostalgic days out.
If you are planning a visit to Derbyshire and the Peak District and need large group accommodation at the centre of the many attractions around here, then Offcote Grange Cottage Holidays can offer you large, self-catering, luxury group accommodation at the very heart of this wonderful county.
Specialising in large groups and hen parties we are now working with a company offering a new experience for our visitors.
You can now enjoy a visit to Derbyshire’s first and only whisky and gin distillery ‘White Peak Distillery’.
Based in the village of Ambergate, which is in the centre of Derbyshire, it is part of the regeneration of the aged ‘Johnsons Wireworks’ buildings, sitting alongside the beautiful river Derwent which flows down the UNESCO Derwent Valley World Heritage trail.
This small, family firm focuses on producing small batches of spirits and offering a unique visitor experience.
Take the distillery tour and experience the smells, tastes and atmosphere of a working distillery. You will visit the still house and cask stores before finally moving on to the tasting rooms for samples of Shining Cliff gins.
Adults and children are welcome on regular tours, and for those larger groups wanting a fun experience – such as hen and stag dos – special group parties can be arranged.
