Charming market town just 30 minutes from Derby is one of the UK's best places to live in 2025
Nestled in Derbyshire, the historic market town of Wirksworth has long been a hidden gem.
Wirksworth, a charming market town close to Derby, has been recognised as the UK's top location to live in 2025.
It has been praised for its community spirit, independent stores and excellent schools by experts at The Sunday Times.
They analysed various factors including house prices, schools, air quality, transport, broadband speeds, culture, green spaces and the health of the high street to compile a definitive list.
They looked for improving towns, villages or city centres, as well as attractive, well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit.
The guide covers all of Britain with 10 national and regional winners in these areas: North and Northeast, Midlands, Northern Ireland, Southeast, Wales, Southwest, East, London, Scotland and the Northwest.
Wirksworth: The jewel of Derbyshire crowned Best Place to Live 2025
Once a thriving centre for lead mining, Wirksworth has seamlessly blended its industrial heritage with a vibrant, modern community.
Its charming streets, lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, and artist studios, create an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and creatively inspiring.
That close-knit spirit is a key reason why Wirksworth stood out in the Sunday Times rankings. Unlike larger towns, Wirksworth offers a slower pace of life without sacrificing a sense of energy.
From its lively annual Wirksworth Festival, which attracts artists and performers from across the UK, to the much-loved Heritage Centre, which tells the town’s rich story, there’s always something happening.
Beyond its charming streets, Wirksworth boasts an enviable location, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Peak District National Park.
Residents can enjoy scenic walks along the High Peak Trail, explore nearby Carsington Water, or take a ride on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, which runs heritage steam trains through some of Derbyshire’s most picturesque landscapes.
For those looking to relocate in 2026, it’s this blend of rural tranquility and accessibility that makes Wirksworth so appealing. With good transport links to Derby, Nottingham, and beyond, it’s an ideal spot for those who want the best of both worlds—peaceful countryside living with urban convenience within reach.
Wirksworth’s rise in popularity has drawn comparisons to the Cotswolds, with its stone cottages and rolling green hills offering a similar aesthetic at a more affordable price. While house prices have risen in recent years, they remain reasonable compared to nearby hotspots like Bakewell or Ashbourne.
For Wirksworth residents, this recognition from the Sunday Times is well-earned.
The town has long been a place where creativity, history, and community thrive side by side.
Whether it’s the independent spirit of its businesses, the stunning countryside, or the warmth of its people, Wirksworth is a town with a bright future—and now, the whole country knows it.
The 2025 guide says: “Wirksworth more than lives up to its ‘Quirksworth’ nickname. It’s home to a boho collection of families, downsizers and creative types, attracted to its artsy, alternative, almost-anything-goes community-centred vibe, and a scenic view around every corner.
“The high street is dotted with cool independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, a Tuesday market (with a farmers’ market first Saturday of the month), and some rollicking pubs.
“The Red Lion, an 18th-century coaching inn, hides a micropub/record shop, the Feather Star, which holds synth nights, blues nights and a cheese night every Tuesday.
“There’s also the Northern Light Cinema, for arthouse movie nights.”