Enjoy cosy rooms, rustic-chic dining, free Wi-Fi, parking & pet-friendly comfort at The Cow Dalbury Inn in Ashbourne. Close to Alton Towers & Kedleston Hall.
Guests appreciate the cozy rooms, attentive service, and standout food at this rustic-chic inn. Its peaceful rural location offers a relaxing stay, although its remote setting and parking may require planning.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Situated in the countryside near Ashbourne, The Cow Dalbury is a refined inn offering cosy, well-appointed rooms featuring modern comforts such as blackout curtains, Nespresso machines, and walk-in rain showers. Guests frequently praise the comfortable beds and tasteful Cow-themed decor that adds character without overwhelming the space, making it suitable for visitors seeking a quiet rural retreat with a touch of boutique style.
The property combines its role as a boutique inn with a rustic-chic gastropub and seafood restaurant, where locally inspired dishes are served piping hot alongside an appealing selection of wines and desserts. Reviewers often commend the quality and presentation of the food as well as the attentive, helpful service. While parking can become tight during busy periods, free parking is available on-site, and the inn offers free Wi-Fi and a smoke-free environment to enhance guests' convenience and comfort.
Located a few miles from main highways, The Cow Dalbury provides reasonable access to nearby attractions such as Alton Towers, Kedleston Hall, and Derby Museum & Art Gallery, making it a practical choice for those planning sightseeing or recreational excursions. However, its somewhat remote setting down narrow lanes may require advance planning for arrivals and departures. The inn is pet- and kid-friendly, supporting a range of visitor types from families to those travelling with pets.
Reviewers describe a welcoming atmosphere suitable for weekend breaks, Sunday lunches, or even special occasions like weddings. Some note the absence of overnight staff and the relatively limited parking as minor drawbacks, but appreciate the overall hospitality and high standards maintained throughout their stays. With its blend of countryside charm, practical amenities, and gastropub dining, The Cow Dalbury appeals to guests looking for a relaxed yet quality countryside experience.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Very comfortable rooms and excellent service. Restaurant has a wide range of good quality options. Parking a bit tight later in the evenings - would have been nice to have dedicated residents spaces. It is a bit remote being a few miles down narrow lanes from the main highways, but still reasonably accessible for Derby and Ashbourne
Wonderful Sunday lunch at the Cow. First time visiting the Cow. Lovely setting in the countryside. Service was excellent, prompt and super helpful. Good menu, recommend the beef. Food is piping hot and the vegetables fresh. Nice selection of desserts, the Banoffee pie was delightful. Menu contained good set menu. Building has a country charm which adds to the experience. Highly recommend.
Great Sunday lunch and genuine great service. We went in to see what it was like before booking out the place for a wedding nearby. Loved the food can’t wait to return!!
Dropped on for an impromptu mid week meal. Had a main course each and shared a cheeseboard, accompanied by some very nice wines. There was a little issue with one meal but this wa sorted to our satisfaction with the minimim of fuss. A really enjoyable evening.
Enjoyed a really lovely meal at The cow. The food was really tasty and served piping hot. Great service too. All made for a very enjoyable evening.
A fabulous pub, wonderful service, food and accommodation. What more could you want? We stayed while visiting family and it was outstanding. I wish it was my local!
Stayed at The Cow Dalbury and had a really lovely time. Found The Cow Dalbury on Booking.com at a really good rate for the night so decided to get away for the night. We were in Room 5, which was smart and modern, with doors opening straight out onto a private patio area and then a garden area beyond that.The bed was fantastic, the kind you melt into and instantly forget about everything else. And the blackout curtains… unreal. Proper pitch‑black darkness. I got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and couldn’t see a thing — exactly what you want for a deep, uninterrupted sleep. Also loved the pictures on the wall — proper Cow‑themed artwork that gave the room personality without feeling overdone. The little touches really made the stay feel special: a Nespresso machine, hair straighteners, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, a large smart television, a mini fridge, and an amazing walk‑in rain shower that felt like a proper spa moment. All those thoughtful details added up to a stay that felt genuinely high‑quality. The only slight negative — and it didn’t impact our stay at all — was that the building isn’t manned overnight. It’s worth knowing, but everything felt safe and well‑set‑up regardless. Overall, a brilliant experience. Stylish room, incredible comfort, and loads of well‑considered extras — would happily return.
Stayed here for a night away from the kids. Great room. Very comfy bed and excellent food. Booked it through Mr & Mrs Smith and didnt know what to expect as it was in the middle of nowhere. However, for a night away and a meal, we couldn’t asked for nicer. The staff were so helpful and great. It was exactly what good hospitality should be.
Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around
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