Magical market town 60 minutes from Derby is one of the UK's best places to live
A charming market town just an hour from Derby is praised for its community spirit, eateries and festivals, making it one of the UK's top living spots.
A Derbyshire town has been named one of the best places to live by lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos.
The ‘quintessentially Derbyshire’ town of Bakewell is a hit with the experts at Muddy Stilettos who rated the stunning location packed with ‘great community spirit’ ‘fab pubs’ and top schools in the region.
Where to eat in Derbyshire?
Derbyshire could well be described as one of the region’s top foodie hotspots.
It is packed with critically acclaimed restaurants including Restaurant Lovage by Chef Lee Smith. (If it’s good enough for Tom Cruise, it’s good enough for us.)
Fine dining eateries in the vicinity are The Peacock at Rowsley and Fischer’s at Baslow Hall which also feature in the Michelin Guide.
Rafters at Riverside House is another foodie favourite boasting a whopping 5 AA Gold Stars and 2 AA Rosettes.
The newly refurbished The Ashford Arms near Ashford-in-the-water also serves up seasonal dishes using locally sourced produce.
The Manners, The Woodyard and Piedaniels are also great places that offer chilled out dining vibes, perfect for a weekday supper.
Looking forward to Friday, why not dive into pizza at Thornbridge Tap or enjoy toe-tapping tunes and live music at The Wheatsheaf?
We can’t forget Derbyshire institution The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop which also offers a dine-in experience where you can tuck into afternoon tea.
Derbyshire’s hidden gem Thornbridge Bewery
Thornbridge Brewery is a 200-cover taproom where you can sample a wide range of beers including keg and cask lines brewed literally a stones throw away.
Where to shop in Bakewell?
If you’re visiting Bakewell then why not pick up a souvenir to make everyone back home jealous?
Treat yourself to fancy artisan trinkets at pretty gift shop Birdsong.
Keen cooks can also stock up their pantry at the Bakewell Cookshop.
Need to update your summer wardrobe? Head on over to Brocklehursts for exquisite country living inspired ensembles.
Other top shops to enjoy retail therapy include Bridgens, Fatface, Seasalt and Chic.
If you’re feeling lucky and in the mood for a spot of antique hunting why not head on over to Lead Tin Yellow Antiques.
Bakewell walks and trails
There are plenty of lush walks and hiking trails to explore in Bakewell and the Peak District.
If you don’t know where to start check out Summat coffee shop where runners and cyclists meet up ahead of, and post-walk in the Peaks.
Bakewell Festivals 2025
From the Bakewell Country Festival in July to Bakewell Christmas Market in November - a must-visit for any Christmas fans - there is a great sense of community spirit in Bakewell.
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