Ilam Park

The National Trust cares for 158 acres of Ilam Park, which lies on both banks of the River Manifold five miles north west of Ashbourne. It forms part of the South Peak Estate and is open all year.

Ilam Park, at the southern end of the Manifold valley, consists of Ilam Hall and remnants of its gardens, ancient semi-natural woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and open parkland with well preserved 'ridge and furrow' from medieval agriculture.

There are large areas of grassland around the visitors' car park and the Hall where visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful setting.

Ilam Hall was built between 1821 and 1827. By the early 1930s it had been sold for demolition. Three quarters of the Hall had been demolished before Sir Robert McDougal bought it for the National Trust, on the understanding that it be used as an International Youth Hostel . Ilam Hall is leased to the Youth Hostel Association and is not open to the general public.