Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>With a clutch of cool indie eateries, stunning scenery and a thriving, arty community, Wirksworth is an absolute gem. People who live here, love the friendly people, buzzing festivals and community vibe. Narrow alleys wind up the hillsides from the market place, past pretty stone cottages and lead to lovely rural walks with jaw-dropping vistas. You can have that middle-of-nowhere feeling within 10 mins of leaving the town on foot. If you&#8217;re after a town and country, with a strong sense of community and oodles of quirky character, then boho Wirksworth is the place for you.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Wirksworth-Cichetti-by-Carlo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5815" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Wirksworth-Cichetti-by-Carlo.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Wirksworth-Cichetti-by-Carlo-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Wirksworth-Cichetti-by-Carlo-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/Wirksworth-Cichetti-by-Carlo-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cicchetti by Carlo</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.wirksworthheritage.co.uk/websters-cafe/">Webster’s</a>, the Heritage Centre Café, is a popular pitstop with lovely outdoor courtyard that welcomes muddy boots and cyclists. Feel like pigging out? Try <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g499600-d13688475-Reviews-The_Sizzling_Pig-Wirksworth_Derbyshire_England.html">The Sizzling Pig</a> and its gut-busting Yorkie pud wraps. Head to <a href="https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/business/otto-coffee/">Otto</a> for amazing Italian coffees and sweet bites. New on the scene is <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g499600-d26456795-Reviews-Cicchetti_By_Carlo-Wirksworth_Derbyshire_England.html">Cicchetti by Carlo</a>, serving up tapas and brunches in a cosy space, while tiny Italian <a href="https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/business/ginos/">Gino’s</a> is a charmer. French-inspired <a href="https://www.lemistral.co.uk/wirksworth/">Le Mistral</a> is a cosy, romantic bistro and café/bar that’s always bustling (look out for their marvellous ‘moules nights’). For good value, no-nonsense breakfasts, head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheDiningRoomWirksworth/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfYt8zvdnzLayrfm0BbRBiOhpZczB_x04lm6EHYCAufObMOCr085D-YKPd_YB5vyz8Y&amp;_rdr">The Dining Room café</a>. If a party is looming, check out <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/rhubarb-kitchen-caterer-party-wirksworth-derbyshire/">Rhubarb Kitchen</a> which creates fantastic home-cooked food for gatherings and events.</p>



<p>Duck inside quirky craft beer specialist <a href="https://www.thefeatherstar.co.uk/">Feather Star Alehouse</a> which mixes it up selling vinyl records. Down the hill there’s the traditional <a href="https://www.hope-and-anchor.co.uk/">Hope &amp; Anchor</a> pub bang, slap in the middle of town or the cosy, stone-built <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062078298476">The Quarryman</a><a href="https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/business/royal-oak/"></a> (complete with beer garden for summer and log burners for winter).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1142" height="1253" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/430726966_1001922481326885_7286206604029146806_n.jpg" alt="SKopa zero waste shop Wirksworth Derbyshire" class="wp-image-10671" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/430726966_1001922481326885_7286206604029146806_n.jpg 1142w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/430726966_1001922481326885_7286206604029146806_n-273x300.jpg 273w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/430726966_1001922481326885_7286206604029146806_n-933x1024.jpg 933w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/430726966_1001922481326885_7286206604029146806_n-768x843.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1142px) 100vw, 1142px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Skopa zero waste shop</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/business/marsdens-gifts/">Marsdens Gifts</a> is an Aladdin’s Cave of gifts, treats and cards (that transforms into a wizarding pop-up shop each October). Be sure to look up at the Italianate plaster ceiling dating back to the 1630s. The <a href="https://www.wirksworthheritage.co.uk/shop/">Heritage Centre gift shop</a> and its mix of gemstones, fossils and quirky gifts is a must for mini magpies too, while <a href="https://everything-art.shop/">Everything Art</a> is a brilliant emporium of art and crafts supplies. Building on the town’s eco-credentials, there’s Zero waste place <a href="https://skopazerowasteplace.co.uk/">Skopa</a></p>



<p>Interiors more your thing? You’re spoilt for choice in Wirksworth. There’s supercool indie designer <a href="https://www.blackpop.co.uk/">Blackpop</a> for elegant fabrics and furniture, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimosaantiquites/">Mimosa</a> for vintage finds, <a href="http://www.seymourinteriors.co.uk/">Seymour Interiors</a> for papers and paints, <a href="https://beauvamp.com/">Beavamp</a> for hand-stitched lampshades and <a href="https://www.goodwinskbb.co.uk/">Goodwins</a> for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom revamps. Although you’ll need a trip to Matlock or Belper for a big shop, there are a few mini-markets dotted around the town and two brilliant butcher’s – <a href="https://www.mitchellsartisanbutchery.co.uk/">Mitchell’s Artisan Butchery</a> or <a href="https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/business/steve-walker-butchers/">Steve Walker family butcher’s</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>No pool, but <a href="https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/wirksworth-leisure-centre/">Wirksworth Leisure Centre</a> has a sports hall, outdoor pitches, gym and fitness classes as well as fabulous climbing walls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Festivals are Wirksworth’s thing. Not your mainstream, musical kind, but your quirky fun-to-stumble-across variety. One of the best is&nbsp;<a href="https://wirksworthfestival.co.uk/art-trail/">Wirksworth Art Trail</a>&nbsp;in September. There’s also the ever-burgeoning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wizardingday.com/">Wirksworth Wizarding Day</a>&nbsp;every October when thousands of wannabe wizards take over the town for Harry Potter-esque activities.</p>



<p>Local traditions are kept alive here and May’s Carnival weekend culminates in the well-dressing festival. There’s also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/wirksworthbookfestival/">Wirksworth Book Festival</a>&nbsp;each Spring,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064849658013">Antiques in the Street</a>&nbsp;in July. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Carsington-Water-SevernTrentWater.jpg" alt="man paddleboarding at carsington water" class="wp-image-10327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Carsington-Water-SevernTrentWater.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Carsington-Water-SevernTrentWater-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Carsington-Water-SevernTrentWater-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Carsington-Water-SevernTrentWater-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paddleboarding <a href="https://www.carsingtonwater.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carsington Water</a> / Image by &nbsp;Severn Trent Water</figcaption></figure>



<p>Wirksworth may be land-locked but you can paddleboard, kayak and sail just four miles away at <a href="https://www.carsingtonwater.com/">Carsington Water</a>. There&#8217;s also a brilliant family-friendly cycle path that runs for eight miles around the lake and is a lovely spot for weekend walks or long runs. Head towards Cromford and you’ll find Black Rocks, a popular climbing spot, picnic place and access to the High Peak Trail for stomps with stunning views.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.storyofwirksworth.co.uk/">Wirksworth Heritage Centre</a> is fascinating and fun, with three floors of interactive displays that bring the town’s past to life. For a cultured evening out, bag a squishy sofa (stylishly covered in local Blackpop fabric) and pour yourself a drink at cute, quirky, arthouse cinema <a href="https://www.tnlcinema.co.uk/home">Northern Light Cinema</a> tucked away in the old Malthouse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Property prices in the town are 5% up on last year, coming in at an average of £296,471.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/wirksworth-house-1024x683.jpg" alt="georgian town house" class="wp-image-11041" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/wirksworth-house-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/wirksworth-house-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/wirksworth-house-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/wirksworth-house.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This handsome townhouse in the heart of Wirksworth has seven bedrooms and three bathrooms. <a href="https://www.grantsofderbyshire.co.uk/property-details/33094067/derbyshire/wirksworth/coldwell-street">Yours for £700,000.</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.mylittlewonders.co.uk/">Little Wonders</a> in the town is rated Good as is <a href="https://wirksworthplaygroup.wixsite.com/wirksworthplaygroup">Wirksworth Pre-school Playgroup</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>There are three primaries close by, all of which rated Good in their last inspections – Wirksworth Junior School, Cromford CofE Primary and Middleton Community Primary. For &#8216;good&#8217; secondary aged kids have a nose at Anthony Gell School, a comprehensive and Sixth Form in the town. For independents, check out <a href="https://www.sanselms.co.uk/">St Anselms</a> Prep and Pre-Prep in Bakewell or, further afield <a href="https://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/">Abbotsholme</a> or sporty <a href="https://www.denstonecollege.org/">Denstone College</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST-KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Don&#8217;t miss the stunning <a href="https://stardisc.org/">Star Disc</a>, a 21<sup>st</sup> century stone circle (illuminated at night) inscribed with the constellations. Well worth the very steep walk up Green Hill, you’ll be rewarded with stonking views and most likely have this amazing spot all to yourself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Derby is a 30 min drive, and you&#8217;re within an hour&#8217;s reach of Nottingham, Sheffield and Stoke. Matlock and Ashbourne are both 15 mins away, but there&#8217;s a strong WFH community here too.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Wirksworth

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