We ditched London to live in trendy Derbyshire market town full of independent shops and community spirit

Paul Ride shares his experience of moving from London to the charming town of Wirksworth, named the best place to live in Derbyshire by the Sunday Times 2025 guide.

When Paul Ride got a job offer in the East Midlands, he didn’t just look for a new house - he went in search of the perfect place to call home for his young family.

After exploring Derbyshire and the Peak District, one small market town stood out above the rest: Wirksworth.

Read more: 'Hidden gem' market town named best place to live in Derbyshire for 2025 by Sunday Times guide

“Hands-down, the most amazing place we viewed,” Paul says. “Ancient and quaint, with a real community spirit, independent shops, cafés, award-winning pubs, a steam railway, and even an independent cinema - it just ticked every box.”

Swapping London life for this Derbyshire gem wasn’t just about charm. Wirksworth has top-rated schools, including Anthony Gell School, where students consistently achieve some of the best A-Level results in the county.

For work trips, Derby station is only 20 minutes away, offering direct trains to London St Pancras. And if he ever needs to fly, there’s easy access to three major airports: Manchester, Birmingham, and East Midlands.

Then, there are the events that make Wirksworth truly unique. The town hosts an annual two-week arts festival, drawing creatives from all over. And for Harry Potter fans? Wirksworth holds an annual wizarding day, attracting enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.

Paul isn’t alone in making the move. “A few of us came up from London on recommendations, and it was the best thing we ever did! I’ve been all over Derbyshire, and nothing comes close to Wirksworth.”

With its mix of history, culture, and convenience, this Derbyshire town is proving to be a true hidden gem—and Paul wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else.

He said: “It is an absolute jewel in the Derbyshire crown.”