museum
Donington Grand Prix Collection
World's largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars spanning from the 1930s to modern F1 at Donington Park circuit.
3 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Melbourne
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Melbourne
Melbourne is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Aston-on-Trent, 35km from Dovedale.
Melbourne is in England, United Kingdom, with about 4,400 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Aston-on-Trent, about 5 km away.
Melbourne Castle was a medieval castle in Melbourne, Derbyshire. It was built on the site of an earlier royal manor house that had provided accommodation for noblemen hunting in a nearby royal park in the reign of King John. Construction of the castle was started in 1311 by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, and continuedRead more
until 1322, shortly before his execution, but the work was never fully completed.
From the early 14th century, Melbourne Castle was mainly in the possession of the Earls and Dukes of Lancaster or the crown. Improvements and repairs were made, particularly by John of Gaunt, and the building was in generally good condition throughout the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. John I, Duke of Bourbon, was kept at Melbourne for 19 years after his capture at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, and the castle was considered as a possible prison for Mary, Queen of Scots, although events led to her incarceration at Tutbury Castle.
The castle was in decline by the end of the reign of Elizabeth I. Although the stonework was sound, minimal maintenance had led to significant deterioration of other parts of the structure. The manor was purchased in 1604 by Henry Hastings, 5th Earl of Huntingdon, who had his own castle in nearby Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The Melbourne property was then demolished and used as a source for building materials. All that remains of Melbourne Castle today is a section of wall about 15 m (49 ft) long and 4 m (13 ft) high and some foundations; nothing is known of the internal layout of the former building. The ruins are grade II listed and the site is a scheduled monument. There is no public access to the castle remains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Melbourne?
Within an hour or so of Melbourne: Donington Grand Prix Collection (3 km), Mallory Park (26 km), Great British Car Journey (28 km), Matlock Bath Motorcycle Strip (34 km).
Are there any good drives near Melbourne?
The nearest famous roads are Monsal Trail, A54 Congleton to Buxton and Goyt Valley road, Peak District.
Where is Melbourne?
Melbourne is in England, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Aston-on-Trent.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 4,404
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 52.8219, -1.4252
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Melbourne
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
racetrack
Mallory Park
Compact lakeside circuit at Kirkby Mallory known as the 'friendly circuit', racing since 1956. Its Gerard's Bend is one of the longest, fastest corners in British motorsport.
26 km · about 30 min drive
museum
Great British Car Journey
Interactive museum in Ambergate telling the story of the British car industry through 130+ vehicles, from Austin 7 to Aston Martin: many of which you can actually drive on site.
28 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Matlock Bath Motorcycle Strip
The entire riverside parade at Matlock Bath transforms into the UK's most famous bike meet every sunny weekend.
34 km · about 40 min drive
natural wonder
Dovedale
A limestone valley of caves and pinnacles crossed by famous stepping stones over the crystal River Dove.
35 km · about 40 min drive
natural wonder
Dovedale and the Stepping Stones
A limestone ravine of caves, spires and the famous stepping stones across the River Dove.
35 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
Alton Towers
Major British theme park set in the grounds of a historic estate in Staffordshire with record-breaking coasters.
36 km · about 40 min drive
natural wonder
Thor's Cave
Vast natural cavern with a 10m symmetrical arched mouth gaping from a limestone crag 80m above the Manifold Valley. The scramble up is short and the view through the arch is one of the Peak District's best.
42 km · about 50 min drive
Driving roads near Melbourne
- 49 kmMonsal TrailAn 8.5-mile traffic-free walking and cycling route along a former railway through the Wye valley, passing through four lit tunnels.
- 50 kmMonsal HeadA viewpoint above the Wye valley looking down on the five-arch Headstone Viaduct, now carrying the Monsal Trail.
- 51 kmCurbar EdgeA gritstone escarpment above the Derwent valley with sweeping views and long-established bouldering and climbing.
- 52 kmFroggatt EdgeA wooded gritstone edge north of Curbar, home to classic climbs and an easy level walk along the escarpment top.
- 58 kmHigger TorA flat-topped gritstone tor above Burbage Valley, looking across to the Iron Age hillfort of Carl Wark.
- 59 kmA54 Congleton to BuxtonA fast moorland alternative to the Cat and Fiddle, rolling over the Peak District's western edge past Danebridge and the Cheshire border.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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