Once settled in your choice of our holiday cottages in Staffordshire this historic area invites exploration. It is rare that a history of English football does not mention Ashbourne, just eight miles from this Staffordshire cottage. This market town is the only remaining venue of the Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday 'football' match which was a tradition across the land in the Middle Ages. The comparison to modern day football is tenuous. Despite the name, the ball is rarely kicked, though it is legal to kick, carry or throw it. Instead it generally moves through the town in a series of hugs, like a giant scrum in rugby, made up of dozens if not hundreds of people. The game is played over two days on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, starting each day at 2.00 pm and lasting until 10.00 pm. The two teams that play the game are known as the Up'Ards and the Down'Ards. Up'Ards traditionally are those town members born north of Henmore Brook, which runs through the town, and Down'Ards are those born south of the river. There are two goal posts 3 miles apart, one at Sturston Mill (where the Up'Ards attempt to score), the other at Clifton Mill (where the Down'Ards score).
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Enjoying views over beautiful White Peak countryside, and a peaceful location midway between Leek and Ashbourne, this little detached barn conversion sits just a 0.75 mile walk from a popular dining pub in an area that boasts many excellent country inns. Within 1 mile, the Manifold Valley provides a glorious backdrop for superb walking as well as a cycle trail (cycle hire is available 3 miles away) and all the fun and excitement of Alton Towers is just 10 miles away. This lovely area of the Peak District has a vast array of activities and places of interest to offer – The Potteries, Chatsworth House, Matlock Bath with its famous Heights of Abraham cable cars, and a variety of water sports at Carsington Lake are among the numerous attractions found within 15 miles. Golf and pony trekking are both about 8 miles. There is a general store 0.5 miles away and both Leek (8 miles) and Ashbourne offer interesting shopping.
Beamed sitting/dining room with electric ‘wood burner effect’ stove and French doors to patio garden. Galley kitchen. Shower room/WC. First floor: Double bedroom with high beamed ceiling.
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