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="Cicchetti by Carlo Wirksworth Derbyshire" 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>Feel like pigging out? Try <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sizzlingpigwirksworth/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sizzling P</a><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g499600-d13688475-Reviews-The_Sizzling_Pig-Wirksworth_Derbyshire_England.html">ig</a> and its gut-busting Yorkie pud wraps. Head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Otto-coffee-wirksworth-100091809721784/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otto</a> for amazing Italian coffees and sweet bites. New on the scene is <a href="https://casacarlo.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L</a><a href="https://www.lemistral.co.uk/wirksworth/">e 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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dining Room </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheDiningRoomWirksworth/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfYt8zvdnzLayrfm0BbRBiOhpZczB_x04lm6EHYCAufObMOCr085D-YKPd_YB5vyz8Y&amp;_rdr">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/https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/dining-at-home/how-host-perfect-party-tips-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">F</a><a href="https://www.thefeatherstar.co.uk/">eather 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hope &amp; Anchor</a> pub bang, slap in the middle of town or the cosy, stone-built The Quarryman<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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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. <a href="https://everything-art.shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackpop</a> for elegant fabrics and furniture, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimosaantiquites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mimosa</a> for vintage finds, <a href="http://www.seymourinteriors.co.uk/">Seymour In</a><a href="http://www.seymourinteriors.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a><a href="http://www.seymourinteriors.co.uk/">eriors</a> for papers and paints, <a href="https://beauvamp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beavamp</a> for hand-stitched lampshades and <a href="https://www.goodwinskbb.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goodwins</a> for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom revamps. For some of the most stunning (and colourful) contemporary lighting, check out <a href="https://curiousa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosa</a>. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mitchell’s Artisan Butchery</a> or <a href="https://discoverwirksworth.co.uk/business/steve-walker-butchers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wirksworth Art Trail</a>&nbsp;in September. There’s also the ever-burgeoning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wizardingday.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wirksworth Book Festival</a>&nbsp;each Spring,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064849658013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>Alas, the fascinating <a href="https://www.storyofwirksworth.co.uk/">Wirkswor</a><a href="https://www.storyofwirksworth.co.uk/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8xj79z7g4o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">th Heritage Centre</a> recently closed, but locals are hopeful it may open again, so keep an eye out. 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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Light Cinema</a> tucked away in the old Malthouse.</p>



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



<p>On the rise. Property prices in the town are 15% up on last year, coming in at an average of £323,358.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</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/23/2025/09/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25.jpg" alt="georgian cottage in wirksworth derbyshire" class="wp-image-15133" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/Wirksworth-property-Oct-25-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fancy a pretty-as-a-picture Georgian Cottage a short stroll from the heart of the village? Try <a href="https://www.grantsofderbyshire.co.uk/property-details/34093604/derbyshire/wirksworth/wash-green">this</a> for size – yours for £375,000.</figcaption></figure>



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



<p><a href="https://www.mylittlewonders.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Wonders</a> in the town is rated Good as is <a href="https://wirksworthplaygroup.wixsite.com/wirksworthplaygroup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Anselms</a> Prep and Pre-Prep in Bakewell or, further afield <a href="https://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abbotsholme</a> or sporty <a href="https://www.denstonecollege.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Wirksworth

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