Hope House Costume Museum, Alstonefield

Hope House Costume Museum is a small independent museum located in the picturesque Peak District village of Alstonefield, near Ashbourne. Housed within Hope House, a Grade II listed eighteenth-century building, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of fashion and textiles across several centuries. The museum was founded by Notty Hornblower, a passionate collector and expert in historic costume. Hornblower began collecting vintage clothing and textiles in the late twentieth century after developing a lifelong fascination with historic dress. Over time her personal collection grew into a substantial archive, eventually leading to the creation of the museum within the grounds of her home. Today the museum houses over 1,000 items of clothing and accessories, spanning from the late eighteenth century through to the 1970s. The collection includes women’s, men’s, and children’s garments, as well as bridal wear, military uniforms, shoes, hats, gloves, bags, and other fashion accessories.  In addition to its displays, the museum also operates as a restoration workshop, where historic garments and textiles are carefully preserved and studied. Visitors can arrange guided visits by appointment, and the museum regularly hosts talks, fashion shows, and educational events that explore the evolution of clothing and craftsmanship through the centuries. Located within one of the Peak District’s historic villages, Hope House Costume Museum provides an unusual and intimate museum experience, preserving an extensive collection of garments that reflect the changing styles, materials, and social history of dress in Britain.