Ilam Park

Historic Building and Park near Bakewell

Ilam Hall
Ilam Hall
Attribution / Rob Bendall

Ilam Park is a National Trust-managed slice of the White Peak, set on the banks of the River Manifold just outside the village of Ilam. It's the kind of place that feels immediately calming: lawns rolling down to the water, steep-sided hills framing the scene, and paths that let you choose between a gentle wander and something more energetic.

What makes Ilam Park especially satisfying is how much variety you get without needing to commit to a long hike. You can stroll through the formal Italian Garden, duck into ravine woodland, pause for views towards Thorpe Cloud, and still be back for a tea-room stop before linking onward to Dovedale if you want to keep the day moving.

History and Significance of the Ilam Park

The landscape around Ilam is classic White Peak limestone country, shaped by ancient geology and later by centuries of farming and estate management. That mix is part of the park’s appeal today: it’s not “wild” in the remote sense, but it still feels distinctly natural, with caves, limestone edges, and valleys that funnel you into memorable viewpoints.

A key moment in the modern story came in 1934, when Ilam Hall was donated to the National Trust, and the estate became accessible as a place for everyday visitors rather than a private retreat. The hall itself was partly demolished in the 1930s, but the setting remains dramatic, and the wider parkland has been cared for as a year-round public landscape ever since.

Things to See and Do in the Ilam Park

Start with the Italian Garden, which is the park’s “designed” heart and the easiest place to get your bearings. Even if you’re normally more of a wild-trails person, the formal layout, water features, and framed views are a strong opening act before you head into the woods and riverside paths.

Next, follow the River Manifold for the most consistently scenic walking, especially when the light catches the water and the surrounding slopes feel almost amphitheatre-like. The riverside routes are also a good choice if you’re visiting with mixed abilities, because you can keep things simple and turn back whenever you’ve had enough.

If you want a slightly more adventurous feel without a big ascent, aim for the ravine woodland and the higher-edged paths that lift you above the valley floor. You’ll get more of the “White Peak” drama here, with limestone underfoot and long views that hint at how close you are to Dovedale’s famous valley scenery.

How to Get to the Ilam Park

The nearest major airports for this part of the Peak District are Manchester Airport and East Midlands Airport, both workable for UK and European connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Bakewell on Booking.com.

By train, the most practical approach is to pick a rail station that matches your onward transport plan, with Derby, Buxton, Uttoxeter, and Matlock commonly used gateways depending on where you're coming from. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Buses in this area tend to be limited and seasonal-feeling even when they run daily, so treat public transport as doable but not friction-free; it often involves a change in Ashbourne and then a short onward ride or a taxi link to get properly close to Ilam.

If you're driving, Ilam Park is easiest reached via the A515 (Ashbourne-Buxton road) with local roads taking you into the Ilam estate area, and the sat nav postcode commonly used is DE6 2AZ.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Ilam Park

  • Entrance fee: Free (parking charges apply for non-members).
  • Opening hours: Park: Daily 9am to 7pm
  • Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak
  • Best time to visit: Late morning into early afternoon gives you comfortable walking temperatures and usually better visibility for the valley views; weekdays are calmer if you want the park at its most peaceful.
  • How long to spend: Two hours works for the Italian Garden and a riverside loop; allow half a day if you want to link the walk towards Dovedale and linger for breaks.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven surfaces and some gradients; stick to the more level riverside and garden paths if you’re managing mobility or using a stroller.
  • Facilities: Toilets and seasonal refreshments are available around the main visitor area, making this one of the more practical countryside stops for a low-effort day out.

Where to Stay Close to the Ilam Park

For a culture-heavy Peak District base, stay in or near Ashbourne for dining choice and easy onward day trips; for an outdoors-first itinerary, base right by Ilam/Thorpe so you can start walks early and avoid the busiest arrival window.

If you want to be as close as possible to the trails, YHA Ilam Hall is the standout for location, especially if you’re prioritising early starts and an outdoorsy, social feel. For a classic countryside hotel with a strong walking base near the Dovedale approach, The Izaak Walton Hotel is a convenient choice in the valley. If you prefer a larger country-house style stay close to Thorpe Cloud and the Dovedale area, The Peveril of the Peak puts you in the heart of the scenery.

Is the Ilam Park Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want Peak District scenery without committing to a strenuous hike. Ilam Park gives you a genuinely beautiful river-and-limestone setting, easy walking options, and a “choose your own effort level” day that can be as relaxed or as active as you like.

The honest pivot: if you're short on time and only want the single most iconic “one-stop” Peak District view, you might skip Ilam Park and head straight to a headline hike or viewpoint. Ilam is at its best when you're happy to slow down, wander, and let the landscape do the work.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Ilam Park works well for families because it's easy to pace: you can start with the Italian Garden, move to the river for a simple “follow-the-water” walk, and build in breaks without the day feeling like a forced march. It's also a good place to reset if you're travelling with mixed ages and attention spans.

If you’re bringing a stroller, keep expectations realistic and choose the smoother, more level paths near the main visitor area. The win here is a low-stress outdoor day where the scenery is constant and you can turn back at any point without feeling you’ve “failed” the plan.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the appeal is the atmosphere: calm river sounds, woodland shade, and viewpoints that feel bigger than the effort it takes to reach them. It’s a particularly good choice if you want a scenic walk that leaves you feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

Pair it with a slow lunch or a café stop and treat the park as a gentle anchor point in a broader Peak District day. If you’re staying nearby, early morning or later afternoon can feel more private and a little more cinematic.

Budget Travelers

Ilam Park is a strong value stop because you can build a full half-day around walking, viewpoints, and simple picnic breaks rather than paid attractions. If you're travelling light, this is the kind of place that rewards good shoes and a plan to spend time outdoors.

To keep costs down, arrive with snacks and water and treat the tea-room as an optional extra rather than the default. If you’re using public transport, factor in that rural connections can add time and complexity, so bundling Ilam with one or two nearby stops usually makes the day feel more efficient.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (4,341)

National Trust - Ilam Park at Ilam Hall, Ilam, Ashbourne DE6 2AZ offers vast, well-kept grounds with plenty of walking routes and open green spaces for children and dogs; visitors highlight a visitor centre, a tea-room/café (with a second smaller eatery and a bar), a shop and caravan site, plus helpful staff and organised activities at times. There's a large car park (pay parking if not a member, coins accepted at machines or card payment available at the café), easy access to nearby walks such as the Stepping Stones at Dovedale, and attractive buildings and a church to admire from the outside — ideal for a full day out.

Nazrul Islam
4 months ago
"Visited Ilam (eye-lam) park today with the family.. we had a amazing time. The kids loved every moment of it.. they were chasing the sheeps around,climbing hills, exploring the vast acres of landscape. A beautiful and clean place to visit for the day. Car parking is £6 for up to 4 hours or £8 for the day, the machines only accept coins or you can walk to the cafe and pay by card...."
Jovita L.
4 months ago
"Lovely park with lots of walking routes, we only came to look around briefly as it was late. Got surprised as we found a small eatery inside the Ilamhall that serves food till late evening, also a bar available with lots of drinks. Outdoors had lots of areas for kids to play in...."
ian foster
3 months ago
"Nice large car park and looks like a overflow when very busy. There is a small cafe and information centre. Short walk up Dovedale to steppingstones,or you can go further to caves etc...."

FAQs for Visiting Ilam Park

Getting There

It sits in the White Peak area near the village of Ilam, on the River Manifold, close to Dovedale. It’s a convenient base for linking estate walks with classic limestone-valley scenery.
The easiest approach is to follow the signed paths into the main visitor area and then pick a short riverside loop as your first “orientation” walk. It keeps navigation simple and gives you the best scenery early.
It’s possible, but it typically involves reaching a nearby town like Ashbourne and then using a limited local bus or a taxi for the final stretch. If you’re relying on public transport, build in flexibility for rural schedules.

Tickets & Entry

You don’t generally need a ticket to walk in the parkland itself, but you may pay for parking if you arrive by car. Any special events or organised activities may have their own booking process.
For normal visiting, booking usually isn’t necessary, but peak weekends can feel busy and parking can become the limiting factor. Arriving earlier in the day is the simplest way to reduce hassle.

Visiting Experience

Plan for around 60-90 minutes to see the Italian Garden and do a short river walk. That’s enough to get the “Ilam Park feel” without turning it into a half-day commitment.
Dovedale is the obvious pairing, especially if you want classic limestone valley scenery and the sense of a “bigger day out.” You can also combine Ilam with a short drive to a nearby village for a pub lunch or a viewpoint stroll.

Photography

Yes, especially for riverside shots, framed garden views, and long limestone backdrops that look dramatic even in soft light. The park is also forgiving for handheld shooting because many viewpoints are easy to reach.
Early morning and later afternoon often give the most flattering light and the quietest paths. If you’re there mid-day, focus on woodland edges and riverside reflections where the light is naturally softer.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas are manageable, but surfaces can be uneven and there are gradients depending on the route you choose. The safest approach is to keep to the more level paths around the main visitor area and the gentler riverside stretches.
Yes, you’ll find spots to pause in the garden area and along the main paths, and the visitor zone makes it easy to break the day into short segments. This is one of the reasons Ilam Park works well for mixed-ability groups.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The simplest option is to take your break around the main visitor area where refreshments are often available seasonally. If you want something more substantial, nearby villages and Ashbourne give you more choice.
Very much so-riverside grass and open parkland make it easy to find a scenic picnic spot. Just be mindful of weather shifts and bring a layer even on mild days.

Nearby Attractions to the Ilam Park

  • Dovedale Stepping Stones: A classic Peak District highlight where a limestone valley walk culminates in the famous river crossing and big-scenery viewpoints.
  • Thorpe Cloud: A short, punchy climb that rewards you with one of the best “small effort, big view” panoramas in the area.
  • Manifold Valley Trail: A scenic route through limestone countryside that’s ideal for easy cycling or a longer, steady-paced walk.
  • Ecton Engine House: A compact industrial-heritage stop that adds mining history to a day focused on landscapes and walking.
  • Milldale: A postcard-pretty village at the head of Dovedale that makes a natural starting point for valley walks and quieter riverside scenes.

The Ilam Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bakewell!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Park: Daily 9am to 7pm

Price:

Free (parking charges apply for non-members).

Address: Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Bakewell: 18 km
Buxton: 23 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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