Alfreton is a charming market town in Derbyshire's picturesque Amber Valley. It boasts a mixture of high street shops and smaller independent businesses, including a stained glass specialist. It is home to a traditional indoor Market Hall and has plenty of history, with links to Alfred the Great. Alfreton is only 10 minutes from Chesterfield by rail and also has direct train links to Nottingham, in as little as 23 minutes, and Sheffield, in 25 minutes, among other destinations.placeholder image
Alfreton is a charming market town in Derbyshire's picturesque Amber Valley. It boasts a mixture of high street shops and smaller independent businesses, including a stained glass specialist. It is home to a traditional indoor Market Hall and has plenty of history, with links to Alfred the Great. Alfreton is only 10 minutes from Chesterfield by rail and also has direct train links to Nottingham, in as little as 23 minutes, and Sheffield, in 25 minutes, among other destinations. | Google

Derbyshire's best commuter towns 2026: The 16 best places to live just outside of Derby in 2026

Emma Walker
By Emma Walker

Editor

Published 28th Jan 2026, 13:04 GMT

Discover Derbyshire’s best towns for commuting in 2026 with out top 11 picks

Discover Derbyshire’s best towns for commuting in 2026 with our top 11 picks.

From well-connected market towns to quieter villages with easy rail and road access, these locations balance travel time, affordability, and quality of life.

Whether you’re heading into nearby cities like Derby or working hybrid, this list highlights places that make the daily commute simpler without sacrificing where you live.

Here’s our top 11 picks - market towns with railway stations in Derbyshire:

Ilkeston, nestled in the picturesque Erewash Valley, is Derbyshire's third largest town and hosts popular weekly markets. It is mentioned in the Domesday book, has a fascinating industrial history and its attractions include the popular Erewash Museum. Ilkeston Charter Fair, which takes place every October, is one of Europe's oldest and biggest street fairs, with thrilling rides among the attractions today. Ilkeston is only 13 minutes from Nottingham by train, and 36 minutes from Sheffield.

5. Ilkeston

Ilkeston, nestled in the picturesque Erewash Valley, is Derbyshire's third largest town and hosts popular weekly markets. It is mentioned in the Domesday book, has a fascinating industrial history and its attractions include the popular Erewash Museum. Ilkeston Charter Fair, which takes place every October, is one of Europe's oldest and biggest street fairs, with thrilling rides among the attractions today. Ilkeston is only 13 minutes from Nottingham by train, and 36 minutes from Sheffield. | National World Photo: Jason chadwick

Matlock is a charming market town, which boasts lots of lovely independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. It's home to the popular Hall Leys Park, with its pretty boating lake and riverside walks, and is just a stroll away from Matlock Bath, dubbed 'Little Switzerland' by Lord Byron in honour of its majestic setting. Matlock is only 33 minutes from Derby by train and just over an hour from Nottingham.

6. Matlock

Matlock is a charming market town, which boasts lots of lovely independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. It's home to the popular Hall Leys Park, with its pretty boating lake and riverside walks, and is just a stroll away from Matlock Bath, dubbed 'Little Switzerland' by Lord Byron in honour of its majestic setting. Matlock is only 33 minutes from Derby by train and just over an hour from Nottingham. | Rachel Atkins Photo: Rachel Atkins

New Mills in the High Peak, Derbyshire, is a charming market town with a spectacular setting above the rocky gorge known as The Torrs, where the River Sett meets the River Goyt. It's home to many independent shops, cafes and pubs, and has a vibrant arts scene. Trains from New Mills Central station run direct to Manchester in 30 minutes and Sheffield in 49 minutes.

7. New Mills

New Mills in the High Peak, Derbyshire, is a charming market town with a spectacular setting above the rocky gorge known as The Torrs, where the River Sett meets the River Goyt. It's home to many independent shops, cafes and pubs, and has a vibrant arts scene. Trains from New Mills Central station run direct to Manchester in 30 minutes and Sheffield in 49 minutes. | Google Photo: Google

Whaley Bridge is a picturesque market town in Derbyshire's High Peak. It's known as the ‘Gateway to the Goyt Valley’, with some lovely walks on your doorstep. You can get from Whaley Bridge to Manchester Piccadilly by train in as little as 42 minutes, with services running twice an hour at peak times.

8. Whaley Bridge

Whaley Bridge is a picturesque market town in Derbyshire's High Peak. It's known as the ‘Gateway to the Goyt Valley’, with some lovely walks on your doorstep. You can get from Whaley Bridge to Manchester Piccadilly by train in as little as 42 minutes, with services running twice an hour at peak times. | National World Photo: Jason Chadwick

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