Dovedale
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
The National Trust is a registered charity. With your help, we protect some of the most important spaces and places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Dovedale is a National Nature Reserve that is owned and cared for by the National Trust, with important woodlands, wildflower meadows and impressive limestone rock features throughout the valley. Dovedale and Ilam Park car parks are free to National Trust members and non-members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please park safely and responsibly and there is no overnight parking allowed. There are toilets beside the Dovedale car park and these are owned and maintained by the Peak District National Park Authority. There is a charge of 20p to use these toilets. BBQs/campfires/camping are not allowed as they are a severe risk to the health and safety of wildlife and other people. Please respect and protect Dovedale and leave no trace of your visit by taking all of your litter home with you. Thank you.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Carolyn WSt. Albans, United Kingdom14 contributionsBeautiful havenAwesome place, apart from the crowds! However, you are rewarded by the beauty of the place. Take a picnic if its a nice day. Great place to walk by running water, at your leisure. Loved it.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 May 2023
- Paradise7680548 contributionsStart collecting your pound coins today!Amazing scenery! It was very busy the day we were there. You need £7 in pound coins to park (i know?!?) +20p in change if you want to use the loo. Get there early for a space in the car park. I really think National Trust could make the whole process much less stressful by introducing card payments. I am writing this in May 2023!! It is a short but steep clamber up to thorpe cloud. Very sad to see litter left in this beautiful national park.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 May 2023
- Peej MOxford, United Kingdom278 contributionsOne of the best peak walksDovedale is always well worth a visit. If you're a national trust member you can park in the NT car park for free, and usually pick up a coffee and a cake in their mobile cafe van. The walk itself is well maintained but be prepared to get your feet wet on rainy days. When we went the stepping stones were flooded (with the NT posting warning signs to say so) but we still made it across the river to complete the walk. Dovedale is full of amazing rock formations and lots of nature, a great place to get killer selfies and pics. Walking right along the trail you'll find a beautiful village at the end (and if you're lucky you can pick up refreshments there). We loved this walk. Parking can get busy, bit miffed you have to pay for the loos (that's par for the course everywhere in the Peaks or so it seems) and sometimes thoughtless dog walkers seem to think the dog poo bag fairies will clean up after their messes but don't let that put you off.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 July 2023
- TraceyEngland, United Kingdom5 contributionsStunning sceneryA beautiful place with breathtaking scenery and lovely walks. My experience was however spoilt by absolutely disgusting toilets. Not sure who is responsible but £5:00 to park plus 20p to visit the toilets in that state is an absolute disgrace.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 August 2023
- Jim the dogBirmingham, United Kingdom27 contributionsAvoid ice cream in car park - vegan disgustingGreat area best to get there early and I would avoid weekends. The car park area - used to be a great little place selling all sorts of ice cream. Now you can have a vegan ice cream for nearly £4. Avoid at all costs. Why cater for 2-3% of people. See proper Ice cream. !!Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 15 September 2023
- chezbbCambridge, United Kingdom12 contributionsScenic beauty but don’t visit with kids.Rated 5 for the beauty. Unfortunately the experience was more a 2 due to flood damage. Both sides of river flooded but passable if you don’t mind wet feet. Diversion Route around Thorpe cloud like a bog and impassable with younger children. Our two, 8 and 6, loved the scrambling over the rocks but didn’t enjoy when the water got deeper so we couldn’t get much further. I’d give it a miss until late spring.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,834 reviews
Excellent
1,268
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Average
80
Poor
32
Terrible
38
chezbb
Cambridge, UK12 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Rated 5 for the beauty.
Unfortunately the experience was more a 2 due to flood damage.
Both sides of river flooded but passable if you don’t mind wet feet.
Diversion Route around Thorpe cloud like a bog and impassable with younger children.
Our two, 8 and 6, loved the scrambling over the rocks but didn’t enjoy when the water got deeper so we couldn’t get much further.
I’d give it a miss until late spring.
Unfortunately the experience was more a 2 due to flood damage.
Both sides of river flooded but passable if you don’t mind wet feet.
Diversion Route around Thorpe cloud like a bog and impassable with younger children.
Our two, 8 and 6, loved the scrambling over the rocks but didn’t enjoy when the water got deeper so we couldn’t get much further.
I’d give it a miss until late spring.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey G
Halesowen, UK2,080 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
A good walk up to stepping stones. Very muddy due to all the rain and snow.
Stones closed probably due to high water level
Fascinating the clothes especially footwear that some people have!
Stones closed probably due to high water level
Fascinating the clothes especially footwear that some people have!
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derbyshirewalker76
Crich, UK205 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The National Trust should close the site. Only go if you want to see the natural beauty of the Peak District being destroyed.
The stepping stones are impassable due to the flooding. The path was flooded when we were there.
This was causing people to walk up the other side to the river. If you know the site the river comes very close to the river with a steep rocky side slope. Not to bad if you are fit and confident, not so great to the younger for older visitor. Ideal way to generate work for the local mountain rescue team, I say two people slip over in the 30Mins we were there.
The National Trust were doing nothing to prevent damage. The £5 parking fee, £5 for your coffee and 20p to have a pee is more important to them than your safety of the safety of the environment.
The stepping stones are impassable due to the flooding. The path was flooded when we were there.
This was causing people to walk up the other side to the river. If you know the site the river comes very close to the river with a steep rocky side slope. Not to bad if you are fit and confident, not so great to the younger for older visitor. Ideal way to generate work for the local mountain rescue team, I say two people slip over in the 30Mins we were there.
The National Trust were doing nothing to prevent damage. The £5 parking fee, £5 for your coffee and 20p to have a pee is more important to them than your safety of the safety of the environment.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat B
Macclesfield, UK7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Dovedale is lovely if you go at a quiet time (challenging), and if you go just a short way beyond the stepping stones or start at the Milldale end. But shame on the National Trust for charging 20p for using the loos at the Thorpe Cloud end (or it might be Peak Park who own the loos), when you've already had to pay for the car park. This is the 'national trust' (or Peak Park) that is meant to encourage people to enjoy the treasures of the UK. Although other reviews suggest you can get into the loos for free anyway (just push through the turnstile?), we didn't know this and I simply hung on; I don't carry change on me in general, and especially not when going for a walk - what century are the loo owners in? This stupid 20p for the loo policy could utterly spoil the visit for a family, or encourage people to use the 'free outdoor toilet'.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah R
14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The place is stunning! A beautiful place to visit…..however don’t go if there has been a very high amount of rain. You can’t go over the stepping stones if the rainfall has been high and people were accessing the walks by going the other side of the river which was highly dangerous as I found out! Having never been before I assumed, as people were going that way and the National Trust were allowing it that all was ok. I got so far, the rocky path turned into a muddy slope, I slipped and fell and ended up feet and legs first in the river! I had Regatta waking boots on but they didn’t help! I have badly hurt my leg and knee, a miracle that I didn’t break my leg! The National Trust should not of allowed any visitor on site. The main path also had some flooding. It was £5 to park and 20p to use the toilet! Wasn’t the £5 enough! There were National Trust staff there so they should have shut the site. Also I bought one can of drink and 2 small bars of chocolate from their food truck, nearly £5! Visit in the summer but not Autumn and Winter. I would advise good shoes and a trekking pole. I saw other people fall after me. I’m very disappointed in the National Trust.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderer A
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Visited a number of times over the years as such a beautiful place but not for last few years.
WOW what a difference ! is this what is to come to all our British beauty spots ! Huge gangs/family’s of 20+ people loaded with rugs/pots & pans/shisha pipes bbqs the latter two supposedly prohibited. We arrived at the stepping stones after enduring our walk up there ! oh my god I have never seen anything like it!
Shisha pipes going ,tents everywhere and I mean hundreds,rubbish all over ,people climbing up every hill side the damage done in years to come to the place I can’t even imagine.
Not sure what can be done by the national trust but they need to think fast !!
WOW what a difference ! is this what is to come to all our British beauty spots ! Huge gangs/family’s of 20+ people loaded with rugs/pots & pans/shisha pipes bbqs the latter two supposedly prohibited. We arrived at the stepping stones after enduring our walk up there ! oh my god I have never seen anything like it!
Shisha pipes going ,tents everywhere and I mean hundreds,rubbish all over ,people climbing up every hill side the damage done in years to come to the place I can’t even imagine.
Not sure what can be done by the national trust but they need to think fast !!
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim the dog
Birmingham, UK27 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Great area best to get there early and I would avoid weekends.
The car park area - used to be a great little place selling all sorts of ice cream. Now you can have a vegan ice cream for nearly £4. Avoid at all costs. Why cater for 2-3% of people. See proper Ice cream. !!
The car park area - used to be a great little place selling all sorts of ice cream. Now you can have a vegan ice cream for nearly £4. Avoid at all costs. Why cater for 2-3% of people. See proper Ice cream. !!
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GingerLadies
3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Dovedale is absolutely stunning. So peaceful and beautiful. We went on a Friday morning and didn’t see anyone else until we were heading back to the car about midday.
Would definitely recommend checking it out.
Would definitely recommend checking it out.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mix V
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Dovedale is a disaster waiting to happen. People climbing the mountains with large rocks nearly missing people head. Witnessed a small rock hitting a poor young child. Seen delinquents rolling rocks from the top of the mountain. If those rocks hit anyone it's game over for that person. Multiple barbecues being held on site with people smoking shishas. No security on site. No signs of any rangers in site. Litter everywhere. A disaster waiting to happen from what I saw today
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan C
Shenstone, UK16 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Saddened and dismayed to see what has become of one of Derbyshires most stunning areas of natural beauty. Don’t come here if you are expecting a peaceful walk in the countryside. The place is now overrun with people and if it were not for the lovely scenery you could just as easily be walking around any modern British town centre. Others who remember Dovedale for what is was will know what I’m taking about. A microcosm of what has happened to this country in general.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emilypayne86
Market Harborough, UK6 contributions
I understand the stepping stones are closed, can you still cross the bridge at the start just after the car park to walk round the back of Thorpe Cloud? Or can anyone recommend anywhere else close to walk?
Jim the dog
Birmingham, UK27 contributions
Bridge open 👍
Is it possible to park there at 8 am? Or only after 9?
Carolyn W
St. Albans, UK14 contributions
Im not sure. Sorry.
Katy S
4 contributions
Is there a height restriction for the car park as I have my roof box on.
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, no height restrictions for Dovedale or Ilam Park car parks but please be aware that our car parks are very small and spaces become very limited by 9am on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. National Trust members park for free and non-NT members, the charge is £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please help us look after this area and leave no trace of your visit. Many thanks.
johnhough
Sandbach, UK113 contributions
Hi, is parking free for motorcyles and is there somewhere to get refreshments please?
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, for Dovedale and Ilam Park car parks the charge for all vehicles is £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 all day. Please be aware that these car parks are very small and spaces are limited especially on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. We own and look after the Stableyard Grab and Go at Ilam Park and there is a refreshment hut in Dovedale car park which is privately owned. Please help us to look after this area for nature and for people and leave no trace of your visit. Many thanks
Sharon D
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK4 contributions
What is the correct postcode for car park for stepping stones
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, the Dovedale car park (which gives you the nearest access to the very popular stepping stones) is free to National Trust members with proof of membership card and for non-NT members the charge is £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 all day. The best postcode to use to get you to that area is DE6 2AY but please carefully follow the roadside signs that point you to the Dovedale car park. This is a very popular car park and is often full by 9am on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. Please check our website and social media for updates and help us to look after this special place by leaving no trace of your visit. Thank you.
Is the car park open new years day?
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, our National Trust car parks are open daily throughout the year. Dovedale car park is open 9am - 7:30pm every day. National Trust members can park for free with proof of membership card and non-NT members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 all day (no overnight car parking allowed). The rest of our car parks are open from 8:30am until dusk but again there is no overnight car parking allowed. Please help us to look after these special places by leaving no trace of your visit. Many thanks.
kmoffett11
Leicester, UK9 contributions
How much of the walk is pushchair friendly (the toddler is happy to walk so the pushchair is taken as a back up and easily folds down to be carried over shoulder)?
Peter S
Warwick, UK1,044 contributions
I’d say about half of it at least. Maybe a mile or two
Is it still open and can you walk dogs there.
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, Dovedale National Nature Reserve is open to the public and we welcome well behaved dogs on leads to help protect wildlife and other people from disturbance. Dovedale car park is owned by the National Trust and is open 9am - 7:30pm and overnight car parking is not allowed. National Trust members can park for free and non-NT members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please be aware that this area is very popular on weekend, bank holidays and school holidays, Ilam Park and Dovedale car park being full by 9am on busy days. Please help us to look after this special place for nature and for people by planning your visit carefully and leaving no trace of your visit. Thank you.
kevin hudgell
7 contributions
how much is the dovedale car park
NationalTrustPeak
Peak District, UK1 contribution
Hi there, Dovedale car park is owned by the National Trust and is open 9am - 7:30pm and overnight car parking is not allowed. National Trust members can park for free and non-NT members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 for all day. Please be aware that this area is very popular on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, with Ilam Park and Dovedale car park often being full by 9am on busy days. Please help us to look after this special place for nature and for people by planning your visit carefully and leaving no trace of your visit. Thank you.
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Claim your listingDOVEDALE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dovedale
- Dovedale is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 19:30
- Hotels near Dovedale:
- (0.47 mi) Hillcrest House
- (0.56 mi) The Izaak Walton Country House Hotel
- (1.54 mi) Beechenhill Farm
- (1.29 mi) YHA Ilam Hall
- (3.15 mi) Uppermoor Farmhouse and Holiday Cottages
- Restaurants near Dovedale:
- (0.91 mi) The Old Dog
- (0.53 mi) Haddon Restaurant
- (0.55 mi) The Izaak Walton Hotel
- (0.55 mi) The Dovedale Bar
- (1.72 mi) Coach and Horses Inn
- Attractions near Dovedale:
- (0.02 mi) Dovedale Stepping Stones
- (0.06 mi) Thorpe Cloud
- (0.05 mi) Wolfscote Dale
- (1.31 mi) Ilam Park
- (6.82 mi) Alton Towers Resort