Derbyshire is a great place to live.
Our county is home to many gorgeous locations, from chocolate-box villages to bustling towns and cities.
If you're looking to move to the area it can be a daunting decision when you're picking the right place to settle down.
Proud Derbyshire native and journalism graduate, Emma Nelson is here to tell you where she thinks the best places to live are.
Her top picks include pretty market towns like Wirksworth and a village with a very famous literary link (Hathersage).
Take a look through our photo gallery to find out more about Derbyshire’s ‘most desirable’ areas.
5. Tideswell
Tideswell, is a large village in the heart of the Peak District. It offers a great selection of independent shops, pubs, and cafes to enjoy. If you’re looking for somewhere with great views, this is the perfect place, surrounded by some of the most beautiful White Peak limestone uplands in the area. Its impressive cathedral which contains some majestic wooden carvings, brasses, and monuments is known as "the Cathedral of the Peak," and once you see it, you understand why it's been given this title by many. This village is particularly perfect for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, as it's brimming with different walks to explore. The village is home to the nature reserve of Tideswell Dale, a limestone gorge that is part of the Wye Valley site of special scientific interest. It's home to many species of wildflowers and butterflies for you to see. | Anne Burgess Photo: Anne Burgess
6. Bakewell
Bakewell has to be included in this list, famously known for the Bakewell pudding. This idyllic town is situated on the river Wye. Like all places in the Peak District, the views are incredible. It is rich in history with mellow stone buildings, a medieval arched stone bridge, and cute courtyards, making for the perfect scenic walks. It's the largest town in the Peak District National Park and is full of character. The town is full of a variety of shops selling a huge range of local products and big brands, including high fashion and outdoor clothing. It is also home to an array of cafes, restaurants, and pubs for you to enjoy." | Peter McDermott Photo: Peter McDermott
7. Ashbourne
Ashbourne is sometimes referred to as the gateway to Dovedale. Much like Tideswell, Ashbourne is known for its unique limestone landscapes in the White Peak area. Ashbourne is a great place to live if you're a history enthusiast, boasting over 200 listed buildings such as townhouses, coach inns, and historic almshouses. It's also home to St Oldwald’s parish, described by author George Eliot as having "the finest single spire in England." For those who enjoy shopping, Ashbourne offers a wide range of local businesses and hosts a weekly open-air market. Additionally, there are numerous cafes and tea rooms for those in need of a caffeine fix. Furthermore, Ashbourne is ideal for avid walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, serving as the starting point for the popular Tissington trail, which leads to Dovedale and the Pennine Bridleway. It also provides the opportunity to link up with the High Peak Trail, ensuring there's always a new route to explore. | Davis Weston Photo: David Weston
8. Matlock and Matlock Bath
Of course we had to include the neighbouring towns of Matlock and Matlock Bath. Great public transport links make 'The Matlocks' the perfect place to settle, allowing you to easily access the Peak District and the rest of Derbyshire. Matlock is a thriving town with plenty of things to do. If you are lucky enough to live or visit, you can explore Hall Leys Park with its boating lake, tennis courts, riverside walks, and skateboard park, making it a perfect day out for fun. Matlock Bath is often referred to as the "beach town in the Midlands" despite not having an actual beach. Surrounded by hills, this town offers incredible views and plenty of places for locals to explore. Its high street is lined with shops, cafes, amusement arcades, and visitor attractions, all connected by walking paths that allow for peaceful strolls through the hills and along the River Derwent. | Ashley Dace Photo: Ashley Dace