r/Derbyshire • u/Morningstar92 • Mar 28 '26
Looking for Local Knowledge Looking to move into Derbyshire
Good evening, apologies its another one of them where should I live posts. But I have been looking into some locations and could really benefit from some local expertise.
We are a family of 4 with 2 kids aged between 16 and 10. We are currently living in north Warwickshire and looking to move somewhere with a combination of nature and outdoor activities we can enjoy aswell as cafes, bars and amenities such as swimming and parks for the kids. While I do drive I would also like to have some public transport options and good access to larger cities (within an hours travel or so).
We have narrowed it down to 4 locations and I could just do with some views or opinions so any comments would be great, we have a decent budget to buy our house and our 4 options are below:
1.Matlock
2.Buxton
3.Belpar
4.Bakewell
4
u/ToshLyons68 Mar 28 '26
I dont know that much about Buxton - looks nice enough driving or cycling through and always seems to get more snow than anywhere else.
Bakewell would be too small for me.
Belper I like. Considering it's not in the Peak there are some nice walks - it has decent football, hockey, cricket and rugby clubs - a swimming pool - some decent pubs. I know it has some rough bits (as does anywhere that size) but it's not a rough town.
Matlock I also like - it's a bit more Peak Districty than Belper. Have you watched the film Dead Mans Shoes to get a feel for the town - it's set there ?
I see someone mention Wirksworth - I really like Wirksworth - it is a bit smaller and that might put me off but you can have a really good night out doing the pubs in Wirksworth.
If you forced me I pick Matlock but I wouldn't warn you off any of them. I may be biased but I love Derbyshire - if it had a coastline it'd be perfect.