I discover pretty Derbyshire town named top place to live in 2025 feels like ghost town and needs help now

Ashbourne in Derbyshire, renowned for its charm, has been named the top market town to live in for 2025, but its quiet streets on weekdays show it needs support now.

Derbyshire is filled with beauty spots and magical spaces.

One of my favourite places to while away a Saturday afternoon, is the pretty market town of Ashbourne.

Having lived in Derby for around a decade, and visited Ashbourne regularly over weekends, it has become one of my favourite places in the UK.

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Ashbourne most recently appeared in our roundup of top places to live, and I honestly was not surprised.

Extensive roadworks are being carried out in Ashbourne centreExtensive roadworks are being carried out in Ashbourne centre
Extensive roadworks are being carried out in Ashbourne centre | Ria Ghei

What did shock me was how different Ashbourne is on a weekday.

I usually visit on a Saturday, seeing it as a treat that calms my soul after a full-on week.

It’s a 35-minute drive from my home in Littleover, Derby so it’s not too far out.

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I visit Ashbourne in Derbyshire and discover empty shops and deserted streets. Pictured is Howell and Marsden Deli Ashbourne, one of the empty units in the town centre.I visit Ashbourne in Derbyshire and discover empty shops and deserted streets. Pictured is Howell and Marsden Deli Ashbourne, one of the empty units in the town centre.
I visit Ashbourne in Derbyshire and discover empty shops and deserted streets. Pictured is Howell and Marsden Deli Ashbourne, one of the empty units in the town centre. | Ria Ghei

There are a range of bustling shops. A few of my favourites are Chic, and Second Chances, where I have in the past picked up treats including a vintage, preloved Ralph Lauren bag.

I know what you’re asking - why was I shocked by my visit to Ashbourne on a Tuesday?

Anayas on Dig Street is a restaurant in Ashbourne that is closedAnayas on Dig Street is a restaurant in Ashbourne that is closed
Anayas on Dig Street is a restaurant in Ashbourne that is closed | Ria Ghei

Our small but perfectly formed town has plenty going for it, but I was stunned by how quiet it was.

Howell and Marsden Deli opened around eight months ago. It is now closed.

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Anayas, an Indian restaurant on Dig Street has been closed for several years, showing a ‘dissolved company status since December 2018.

Cafe Impromptu was closed when I visited, although I understand it is now under new ownership.

Photos taken on April 22, 2025 show a largely deserted town.

Graves of Ashbourne, another prominent building at 12 St John Street on Ashbourne Market Place is closedGraves of Ashbourne, another prominent building at 12 St John Street on Ashbourne Market Place is closed
Graves of Ashbourne, another prominent building at 12 St John Street on Ashbourne Market Place is closed | Ria Ghei

This is the exact opposite of what I usually experience on the weekend, where you have to often shift momentarily on the road as pavements are busy with crowds.

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When the photos were taken, there was extensive roadworks going on in the town centre.

It is all part of the £15.2m Ashbourne Reborn programme, aimed to transform the town by improving pedestrian areas with wider pavements, safer crossings, and creating community facilities.

This has led to several main roads in the town centre including St John Street to shutter for workmen to carry out the revamp.

Lou Lou's at 9-11 St John Street in Ashbourne Market Place posted a bold and courageous call to actionLou Lou's at 9-11 St John Street in Ashbourne Market Place posted a bold and courageous call to action
Lou Lou's at 9-11 St John Street in Ashbourne Market Place posted a bold and courageous call to action | Ria Ghei

The work is set to end later this year in autumn, however I experienced first-hand a drop in footfall as reported by BBC.

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I know places are always going to be busier at the weekend as people get out and about.

The streets felt deserted which greatly saddened me, as I had never seen Ashbourne like that before.

Imagine seeing a vibrant relative, say a sprightly and fun aunt your whole life - then one day, seeing them elderly, infirm and needing support. That’s how I felt during my last visit to Ashbourne.

Traders are saying fewer people coming into the town centre, and I get that.

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So I have to ask, what can be done to help high streets in the battle of survival?

It’s not just Ashbourne that is in this battle for survival, but high streets across the country.

I try to be positive wherever I can, and I have high hopes for when Ashbourne Reborn comes to fruition.

But we have to get out and about to support our local high streets and independent businesses.

Here are a selection of photos taken at around 3.45pm on Tuesday, April 22.

As LouLou says, ‘Use us or lose us’.

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