Bakewell’s characterful riverside location with Chatsworth around the corner, coupled with great community spirit, good restaurants and pubs and some of the best schools in the county have made the Peak District hotspot top choice with readers of the lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos.
Belper was voted runner-up and Melbourne placed third.
Readers across 28 counties were asked to choose the best places to live outside London in the poll which was run in conjunction with estate agents Strutt & Parker.
Hero Brown, the founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos says: “When people move out of London they are searching for more than just a house, they want to find a new lifestyle that works for them. This reader vote gives a truly independent view on the towns and villages with the most popular postcodes, schools, restaurants and amenities.”
Readers across 28 counties were asked to choose the best places to live outside London in the poll which was run in conjunction with estate agents Strutt & Parker.
5. Buxton
Known as the Bath spa of the north, Buxton is voted fifth in the best places to live in Derbyshire. International cuisine is on offer at Sushi Kaji, Ithaca, Lonestar, Khomkhai and Santiago. Check out Buxton institutions Hargreaves & Sons which is over 150 years old, and sells homeware and kitchenware, Scrivener’s bookshop or Maggie May's antique shop. The cultural mecca is home to Buxton International Festival and Fringe. Buxton Infant School is outstanding, while Burbage Primary School and Buxton Junior School are both good, states Muddy Stilettos. Properties in Buxton sold for an average price of £239,981 over the past year, up 14% on the 2018 peak of £211,098. Photo: Google
6. Duffield
In sixth place, Duffield is a stone's throw from Derby city and a short drive from the Peak District. Cosy pubs in the town include The White Hart, The Strutt Arms and The Bridge Inn. Eat out at Viceroy Indian or The Little Kitchen. Look out for pre-loved designer finds at Second Love of Duffield or be inspired to renovate your home by visiting Ecclesbourne Interiors. Take a stroll around the ruins of Duffield Castle, which was once one of England’s largest castles. Duffield Meadows Primary School was rated good after a short inspection in 2019. The average house price over the last year was £430,626, down 16% on the previous year. Photo: Google
7. Repton
Repton has handsome Georgian homes and is surrounded by rolling farmland. For relaxed fine dining, visit award-winning The Boot Inn which has its own Boot Beer. For high quality meat and deli treats visit A Moss Butchers. The annual Repton Literary Festival hosts authors and luminaries and now has a film and a kids spin-off. Repton's Woodend Day Nursery has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, Repton Primary School was rated ‘good’ in 2019 and John Port Spencer Academy for teens had a 'good' rating in 2022. The average house price over the last year was £372,347, down 12% down on 2021. Photo: Google
8. Tideswell
In eighth place, Tideswell is described by Muddy Stilettos as a picture perfect ancient village in the heart of the White Peak. Friendly village pubs include The Star Inn, which offers homemade pie night, and The George Inn with live comedy and music nights. The Merchant's Yard is a 2AA restaurant and H&D is an exotic tea shop, cafe and bistro. Shops include Keepers Cottage organic butcher and Tindalls of Tideswell bakery. Peak District Yarns Studio sells hand-dyed yarns, knitting and crochet accessories. The village school, Bishop Pursglove C of E Primary School, became an academy three years ago. Homes in Tideswell sold for an average price of £328,921 over the last year, up 7% on the previous year. Photo: Google