A charming market town tucked away in the heart of Derbyshire's countryside, has been celebrated among the UK's best places to live by The Sunday Times. Famed for its historical allure, featuring tumbling period buildings and quaint cobbled streets, Wirksworth stands out with its unique character despite possibly being overshadowed by more prominent neighbours.

Perched in the scenic Derbyshire Dales within a short jaunt from Carsington Water, Wirksworth is an easy drive from nearby Matlock and Matlock Bath, as well as being conveniently positioned for residents of Belper and Ashbourne. With these larger towns close by, boasting their own local highlights - Belper's award-winning high street, Ashbourne's wild football traditions, and Matlock's inland "seaside" appeal at Matlock Bath - it raises the question if Wirksworth is getting the attention it merits?

Labelled by some as Quirksworth for its love of the eccentric, my anticipation to unravel what makes Wirksworth tickled my curiosity - known for supporting independent shops, hosting offbeat events and markets, crowned by a grand church centre stage.

My exploration revealed that Wirksworth mirrored many traits of its neighbouring rivals, greeted by rows of bunting fluttering overhead and bustling pavements lined with active shoppers.

Yet, it retained something distinctly special - a charm that was elusive yet palpably present.

Wandering down the main road, you're greeted by charmingly wonky buildings, some over a century old, painted in vibrant yellows and blues.

The town's rustic allure is enhanced by numerous snickets and side streets, reports Derbyshire Live.

I found a parking spot on one of these quaint streets, just a five-minute stroll from the town centre. For those who prefer, there are several paid car parks, including one near the popular Hope and Anchor pub.

Strolling along the high street, it struck me that something was out of place. The usual suspects – bookies, vape shops, barbers, even a Poundland – were nowhere to be seen.

Instead, you might be surprised to find a greengrocer displaying fresh produce under a gazebo, reminiscent of a bygone era.

With no major supermarket on the main drag – save for a Co-op on the northern end – Wirksworth's high street thrives with a collection of local businesses that support each other and take pride in their establishments.

Among these gems is Le Mistral, a French eatery managed by Lauren Tunnicliffe, who recently celebrated a decade with the restaurant.

Originally from South Africa, Lauren moved here 20 years ago and has fallen in love with the town's culture and community, declaring there's "really no place like it".

She said: "The town is very cultural, there's lots of things that happen. We have an arts and architectural trail in September, last weekend we had a DJ down at The Maltings, we had a comedy sketch show at the town hall and we also have our Wirksworth Wizarding Day - and that sees people come from all over the world, it's really popular.

"We just have lots of people who do lots of different things, there's always something happening - and you might not think that from a town like this. It's such a lovely place to work, I feel like you always know somebody, and everyone is always looking after each other.

"Sometimes we'd run out of coffee or cups, so we just pop next door and ask if they can help us out and vice versa. We all talk to each other and respect each other, and we also take a lot of pride in the town. We realise that as long as we are all open and operating - not just us, everybody - that more people will come to the town."

Thanks to a shared effort and sense of community care, Wirksworth has captivating charm. Each shopfront displays meticulous decoration and a high standard of upkeep, promising a warm welcome from congenial staff ready for a natter.

For those on a quest for charming knick-knacks, freshly baked dog treats, or perhaps a brew in a quaint local café, Wirksworth promises to deliver – and history buffs will discover yet another gem in this vibrant town.

Nestled behind the bustling Le Mistral and other shops on Wirksworth's main thoroughfare, the historic St Mary's Church bathes in the Derbyshire sunshine amidst an ancient cemetery.

Enveloped in history mostly from the 13th century, the church hosts an Anglo-Saxon coffin lid that echoes back to the eighth century.

Its charm beckons visitors for a serene lunch or a quick coffee takeaway.

The idyllic Wirksworth, embraced by its residents as a hidden gem, was where I encountered Glenn Powell, who traded Chesterfield for this slice of tranquillity five years prior.

Glenn, 71, extolled the town's virtues, saying: "It's such a peaceful place when it wants to be. I live around 15 minutes from the town centre, and it's great to get out and exercise every day, going for a cup of coffee and speaking with other locals.

"I noticed pretty quickly that a lot of people are friendly and happy to talk - it's the kind of place where you can go into a pub or a cafe alone and end up spending the night talking with strangers, only to wake up the next day and see them again."

Though he loves the communal atmosphere, akin to a village community, Glenn did voice one qualm: "Although it's a town, there is certainly a village feel to it.

"The only problem? I'm not a fan of that main road running through the middle, there are so many lorries and HGVs that use the road, I would welcome a ban on traffic at certain times, but I guess that's just one of those things really."

Tracey Hall, who lives nearby and visits Wirksworth regularly, said: "It's a bit of a local gem really. I live in Matlock and love Matlock, but on weekends and sunny days, it can just become so busy with visitors who act like tourists and can sometimes be such a nightmare.

"I find that in Wirksworth, you still get lots of great shops to browse around and also see some friendly faces. People often stand and talk in the street, and you end up becoming familiar with everyone really.

"While I am happy that it is getting some attention, I just hope people don't start flocking here like they do in Matlock and Bakewell, it's perfect the way it is."