Leisure

Where to enjoy a special Sunday lunch this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day gives Chesterfield the perfect excuse to slow down, gather around the table and enjoy the kind of Sunday roast that defines our town’s warm, welcoming character. We’ve pulled together a line-up of venues that champion local flavour, celebrate Derbyshire produce, and turn a simple roast into a moment that feels worth sharing.

1. The Tickled Trout

The Tickled Trout delivers a confident and generous take on the Sunday roast, especially with its much-loved ‘A Bit of Both’ option. Featuring Derbyshire roast beef and pork loin sharing one abundant plate. Mashed and herbed roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, glazed vegetables and applesauce complete a dish that leans fully into comfort.

Set just outside Chesterfield, the pub’s countryside backdrop creates a gentle escape from everyday life.

2. The Coach House Restaurant

Inside Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa, The Coach House showcases technique and attention with its standout twice-roasted pork belly. Crisp crackling, rich tender meat, and a sense of occasion throughout.

It’s a refined option that works as part of a spa day or a leisurely afternoon in grand surroundings.

3. Red Lion restaurant

The Red Lion at Peak Edge offers a Sunday roast experience that leans towards luxury dining whilst championing its local roots, with Derbyshire Spring lamb and Belted Galloway beef sourced from its own Walton Lodge Farm.

The stylish countryside setting just outside Chesterfield adds a sense of calm indulgence to Mother’s Day lunch.

4. SMH Group Stadium

Home of Chesterfield FC, the SMH Group Stadium hosts a Mother’s Day carvery that celebrates classic roast flavours alongside generous trimmings.

As an added treat, mums receive a complimentary glass of prosecco or a soft drink, creating a relaxed and fuss-free experience for families seeking a casual celebration.

5. Casa Hotel

Indulge in exceptional flavours, freshly prepared and beautifully presented, with a delightful three-course Mother’s Day menu for just £50 per person. Enjoy a taste of Walton Lodge with beautifully crafted main courses, including Roast Striploin of Beef or Loin of Pork. Both dishes are served with braised red cabbage, a classic Yorkshire pudding, and rich red wine gravy, creating a traditional yet refined Mother’s Day experience.

6. The Galleon Restaurant

The Galleon goes all-in on choice and generosity, with Three-Meat Dinners for those who love variety and a Sharing Roast for Two built around a show-stopping four-bone rack of lamb. Classic sides include creamy mash, beef-fat roasted potatoes, sage and sausage stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables, and a generous serving of rich gravy.

Right in the heart of Chesterfield, The Galleon sits only moments from our Crooked Spire and surrounding historic streets. Its central spot allows families to pair a slow, generous Sunday lunch with a wander past local landmarks or through Queen’s Park, bringing an easy, unhurried flow to your day.

7. The Pig & Pump

Also in Chesterfield town centre, The Pig & Pump stands out for making a proper Sunday roast feel easy and accessible. Along with usual favourites such as honey and mustard roast gammon, their menu features a whole lamb shank, providing a unique alternative to sliced meats.

Housed in a historic building with a modern pub atmosphere, it offers a relaxed setting that’s ideal for meeting in town, combining lunch with shopping, or simply enjoying a no-fuss yet satisfying Mother’s Day meal.

8. The Peacock Inn, Cutthorpe

The Peacock offers a wide choice of roast meats – topside beef, gammon, pork with crackling, lamb, and chicken – along with comforting desserts such as toffee apple crumble and custard. Recognition through awards like Best Dining Pub 2023 highlights the venue’s commitment to quality and family-friendly service.

With walks around Linacre Reservoirs just minutes away, the pub encourages families to turn lunch into a full afternoon out.

9. The Bulls Head Holymoorside

The Bulls Head delivers a quietly refined Sunday lunch, shaped by precision, seasonal ingredients and its Michelin Guide recognition.
Dishes such as 40-day dry-aged Derbyshire sirloin with Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes showcase confident cooking, rooted in local flavour.

Surrounded by Holymoorside’s village charm and Peak District views, this spot rewards you for heading just outside our town centre.

To discover more local and independent places to eat across town, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2026/02/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Young local artists create new exhibition

‘Chesterfield Through Our Eyes’ was created by members of the Next Gen collective and is being displayed in the Pavements Shopping Centre until Sunday 14 March.

All the artists are aged between 16 and 30 and were invited to take part in an opportunity to gain experience responding to an artist brief to produce work for a public exhibition as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme.

Each of the artists was asked to think about what Chesterfield means to them, their connection to the town and what they think the future could hold for our town.

The young artists all produced a range of work, using different formats and techniques.

Emma White, one of the Next Gen participants, said

“It feels really good to take part in the exhibition, which has come together over the last year. I live in Chesterfield, and the town has inspired my artwork and creative expression. I’m looking forward to taking part in the Next Gen exhibition and showing different pieces of art that the group and I have created.”

The new exhibition display stands are funded through Animate Chesterfield – a programme of public art taking place throughout the regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley.

After ‘Chesterfield Through Our Eyes’ finishes the boards will be used for an exhibition by Derbyshire Makes. In the future they will be available for community groups to host public exhibitions in Chesterfield.

Art exhibition in the town centre.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“We’re excited to be able to offer young local artists the opportunity to gain experience of working to a brief and exhibiting their work – what they have created for this exhibition showcases their fantastic talents and it’s well worth visiting.

“These new exhibition stands will also ensure that other members of the community will have the opportunity to showcase their work in the town centre. We’ll share more information about how local groups can book the exhibition stands on our website.”

Next Gen is a Junction Arts project that brings together young people aged 16–30 who are interested in pursuing a creative career. The project helps them develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence through a series of workshops and events led by professional artists.

Junction Arts Project Manager, Jemma Burton, said:

“Next Gen has been running for three years, and during that time we’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredibly talented young people who have grown in confidence through the expert guidance and support the programme offers.

“Our 2024/25 cohort had the added excitement of working on a live brief. The Animate Project helped to focus their creativity and gave them the fantastic opportunity to see their work showcased in a public exhibition. Experiences like this inspire young people to push themselves, see real possibilities in creative careers, and recognise Chesterfield as a town that champions young people, culture, and the arts.”

Animate Chesterfield is a programme being led by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation. It has included the appointment of an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors with Chesterfield town centre, Christmas window trails, careers insight for students at Chesterfield College, and a new town centre mural. The programme also includes a new heritage arts trail and sculpture in Staveley town centre.

Funding for the public art project was secured through planning agreements as part of the council’s percent for art scheme, which was part of the previous Local Plan (and now continues on a voluntary basis), and the funding must be used for the delivery of public art.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Local club reopens following £25,000 transformation

Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre reopened its doors for the first time last weekend following a £25,000 transformation project.

The centre, which provides social, recreational and cultural facilities for local residents, successfully secured funding from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund. The charity has used the investment to renovate the building and revitalise this important community hub.

Funding from the scheme has enabled a major refurbishment of the centre’s main room, creating a modern, welcoming space that can be used as a social gathering point for residents to come together and take part in a wide range of events and activities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, visited the club before the grand reopening. She said:

“It was fantastic to go along to Duckmanton Miners Welfare this week to see how the money awarded through our Community Grants Fund scheme is being used to renovate this space – providing a valuable place for this close-knit community to get together and socialise.

“Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre have really transformed the space, and it is clear to see that a lot of hard work has gone into the project.

“This is just one of over 100 projects benefitting from our Community Grants Fund scheme and I’m looking forward to seeing even more progress like this one.”

Isabell Herrmann, Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre’s stewardess, said:

“All the works that have been carried out means everything to me! I love my job and all people who come in. With the change of the outlay, the decorating works and all other bits, I don’t feel scared to invite people in. I have always tried to make people feel welcome, now it looks welcoming too!

“We are looking forward to more community events and activities.  We want people to feel the club is for them – to come and socialise and come to us with ideas of what they would like to see.”

Sue Ready from “This Girl Can Paint”, a Chesterfield-based painter and decorator, was heavily involved in the transformation of the space working alongside Craig Watson Joinery, other local trades, and the club’s team to understand the overall vision for the refurbishment.

During the project, Sue and Craig also welcomed and mentored painting and decorating students from Chesterfield College onto the project, offering them support, guidance, and real-life experience of working in the trade.

Since the Community Grants Fund scheme launched in 2023, more than £500,000 in grant funding has been awarded to community groups and voluntary organisations across Chesterfield.

The aim of the scheme is to help community groups and voluntary organisations from across our town to deliver key projects that have a positive impact on local communities.

More information on the scheme can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Heritage, Home, Leisure

Local licensed venues invited to sign up to Best Bar None scheme

The council urges local licensed venues to join the Best Bar None scheme to boost safety and vibrancy in the day and night-time economy.

All pubs, bars, clubs, and other licensed venues can register for 2026 accreditation. For the first time, restaurants can also take part, giving more venues the opportunity to champion higher standards and safer socialising.

The Home Office backs Best Bar None, which helps customers spot well-run pubs, bars, clubs, and other alcohol-serving businesses.

Launched in Chesterfield town centre in 2024 by the council in partnership with Best Bar None, Chesterfield Pubwatch, and Derbyshire Constabulary, the scheme aims to reduce alcohol-related crime and ensure safer socialising.

It also builds positive relationships between the licensed trade, police, and local authorities, encourages best practice, and improves venue management.

Since its launch, Chesterfield Borough Council has expanded the scheme to include all licensed premises, including restaurants, across the borough. Over 20 venues currently hold Best Bar None accreditation, and the council hopes this number will grow as more premises commit to safe socialising.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“Chesterfield is a very safe place to live, socialise and visit, and while alcohol-related crime and disorder can occasionally arise – as it does in towns and cities across the country – we are committed to ensuring that Chesterfield remains safe, welcoming and fun for everyone, and the Best Bar None scheme helps us to achieve this.

“We’re lucky to have so many great bars, clubs and restaurants across the town and we would love to see as many of them as possible become accredited venues and work together to help keep Chesterfield’s day and night-time economy thriving.

“If you own a licensed premises, please do get in touch so we can tell you more about the benefits of becoming an accredited venue, and help raise the bar on standards for your customers and staff.”

More information is available at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/best-bar-none

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure

Council reveals exciting programme of events for 2026

Chesterfield Borough Council has announced its programme of events for 2026, bringing a mix of returning favourites and new activities to the town.

The programme aims to encourage more people to visit the town centre and enjoy unique experiences as residents, families and visitors.

Building on the success of events held in 2025, the year ahead will see the return of several popular events alongside a number of new additions to the calendar:

  • Chesterfield Glow Up, a new event, will take place on Friday, 27 and Saturday, 28 March. Delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme, the event will feature a light show projected onto the Market Hall by international projection artists Illuminos. There will also be funfair rides, free UV face painting, live entertainment and a night market.

Chesterfield Glow Up

  •  The popular 1940s Market returns on Thursday, 28 May and is expected to draw in large crowds once again. The market will also be taking part in the national Love Your Local Market campaign.

Visitors at Chesterfield 1940s Market in front of a vintage vehicle

  • The Chesterfield International Market is to be held from 19 to 21 June. The market brings a range of international street food and traders to our town centre.
  • Saturday, 15 August, will see a new event celebrating the emergency services.
  • The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday, 22 November, marking the start of the festive season in Chesterfield.

Xmas light switch on

The council will host more events in summer 2026, including a new food festival with details to be shared on the website and social media as they are confirmed.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“With the improvements across the town centre set to be completed this year, we’re excited to unveil our events programme and make great use of the new spaces to attract visitors and provide free entertainment.

“Whilst this is just a selection of everything that will be happening this year, we wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to start planning for the year ahead. We’ll be announcing more events and activities in the spring.

“Events like these are a great way of attracting new visitors to support town centre businesses and market traders – I hope that you can join us for these fantastic events.”

These events are part of a wider range of cultural activity happening across chesterfield discover what’s on in chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Easter, Half term, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Celebrating creativity, community, and local milestones

Junction Arts secures National Lottery Funding

Junction Arts is marking a major milestone with the launch of 50 Stories for 50 Years, a year-long heritage project supported by a £56,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

What began as a small grassroots organisation in South Normanton has grown into a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England, delivering creative projects that tackle inequality, spark imagination and bring people together.

More recently, Junction Arts has gained national recognition for its family festivals and STEAM work, including contributions to projects for Bradford City of Culture and the Science and Media Museum.

This December, Junction Arts will mark five decades at the heart of the UK’s community arts movement. 50 Stories for 50 Years, made possible by National Lottery players, will capture and share the stories of participants, artists, volunteers, partners and staff whose lives have been shaped by the organisation’s work. These stories will form a new digital archive, alongside a documentary film and a touring exhibition created by artists responding to the collected material.

The exhibition will feature at Junction Arts’ flagship festivals, including the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival and Bright Winter Nights.

Managing Director Emily Bowman said the project will safeguard a unique strand of cultural heritage in post-industrial and rural Derbyshire, celebrating creativity, resilience and connection while evidencing the long-term impact of participatory arts.

Junction Arts invites local people to share their stories as part of the celebration, with events happening across the county in February and March.

For more information on 50 Stories for 50 Years, visit: Junctionarts.org

Creative Revolution pop-ups across Chesterfield

Chesterfield is entering a new chapter as Creative Revolution (formerly Chesterfield Cultural Education Partnership) expands its programme to bring creativity into everyday life across the town.

Since 2015, the partnership has worked with cultural, educational and community organisations to ensure everyone in Chesterfield can live a creative, healthy and culturally rich life. With new Arts Council England funding and a name shaped by local young people, Creative Revolution is growing its impact.

The programme includes a youth voice group, artist-led school workshops, a network for creative adults and artists, and a series of Pop-Up Events showcasing creativity across Chesterfield.

Young people have helped shape the project through YouSpeak! Creatives, including choosing the name Creative Revolution (CCEP). Ten local schools are involved in the Schools Creativity Programme, while 11 local artists have taken on paid roles. Creative adults are supported through a monthly Artists Jam at Open Hus, 81A Saltergate.

The Pop-Up Events will transform familiar spaces into vibrant showcases of work by young people, schools, community groups and artists. Alongside exhibitions, the events will offer hands-on creative activities and interactive experiences for families and residents.

Delivered in partnership with Chesterfield College, Kakou CIC, Barrow Hill Community Trust and Community Growth CIC, and supported by Derbyshire Voluntary Action, the pop-up events will also act as listening spaces, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of Creative Revolution.

For more information on Creative Revolution, visit www.ccep.org.uk

 New heritage arts trail will help guide visitors and residents around our town centre.

“A Sense of Chesterfield” is part of Animate Chesterfield, a public art programme that will create new artworks and activities for visitors over the next two years as part of the regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley. The new tactile heritage trail will feature heritage information boards, digital content, and public artworks, bringing the town’s history to life in innovative ways.

There are several organisations which will work together to develop this project, including community groups like the Chesterfield Civic Society, Chesterfield and District Local History Society, Chesterfield Canal Trust and Derbyshire Victoria County History.

Members of the community will also be able to help shape the trail through a series of workshops and visits to schools and community organisations.

The next steps for the project are to appoint experienced freelancers to support the project and an artist to create pieces that will be on display throughout the trail. Almost £80,000 of funding has been awarded to this project by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

The programme is being delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council. It will also include an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors, town centre trails to explore, outdoor exhibitions, a Christmas window trail, and wall art.

Communities will be at the heart of the programme, helping to shape, influence, and participate in the artworks and activities, ensuring they authentically reflect the town.

To find out more information on ‘A Sense of Chesterfield’ and Animate Chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

To find out more and keep up to date with what’s happening in our local communities visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/news

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure

East Midlands at centre of major new tourism campaign

Open, welcoming and ‘At the Centre of it All’ – that is the message our town is sharing as part of a new regional campaign showcasing the East Midlands.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has launched a new marketing campaign, ‘At the Centre of it All’, celebrating the strengths of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and positioning the region at the heart of the country.

For Chesterfield, the campaign reinforces the town’s unique appeal: a place that offers space to breathe, time to connect and the balance many people are now actively seeking. With a strong local economy, easy access to major cities and the Peak District on our doorstep, Chesterfield combines opportunity with quality of life.

The campaign is designed to showcase the very best of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, encouraging visitors, businesses and residents from London, the South East and across the UK to explore the region’s culture, sport, landscapes, and hospitality.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:

“The visitor economy is one of my key priorities, because every place in the East Midlands has something to share with the world – and because we are at the Centre of it All, we are just a short journey away for most people in the UK.”

“This campaign is about working together to proudly showcase everything that makes the East Midlands special. From vibrant cities to wide-open landscapes, world-class sport to rich culture and warm hospitality, our region has so much to offer.”

Delivered in partnership with tourism organisations Visit Nottinghamshire, Visit Derby and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the campaign brings their work together under one clear message: the East Midlands is open, welcoming, and full of unforgettable experiences.

Launching this week, the double-headed campaign will promote the region as an easily accessible short-break destination in a bid to drive overnight stays, encourage visitors to explore more deeply and boost the regional visitor economy, supporting the region’s £1 billion tourism growth ambitions.

The ‘At the Centre of it All’ campaign will target London and the South East, positioning the Peak District and Derbyshire as a relaxing getaway, with Derby less than two hours from the capital by train.

‘At the Centre of the Action’ will highlight Nottinghamshire’s colour, culture and world-class sport, encouraging eventgoers and culture seekers living up to two hours away to stay longer, return more often and discover more of the county’s unique offer.

Mayor Claire said:

“We want visitors from London and beyond to discover the experiences, people and places that make Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire such unique destinations.”

The Peak District tourism already contributes £2.9bn to the local economy and supports almost 30,000 jobs, yet significant untapped potential remains.

Jo Dilley, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire managing director, said: “The launch of ‘Centre of it All’ is a major step forward for the Peak District and Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands visitor economy. Tourism is a powerful driver of growth, and this campaign shows the impact of working collaboratively to raise the region’s profile.

“With the support of the EMCCA, and in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Derby, we’ve created a campaign that showcases the East Midlands as an accessible and compelling destination for overnight breaks.

“With London just a short journey away, ‘Centre of it All’ encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more and spend locally – supporting tourism businesses and delivering sustainable growth for communities across the region.”

To discover places to visit and stay in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

New bespoke, handcrafted design business opens at Chesterfield Market Hall

GL Laser Creations is a new independent business now trading from Chesterfield Market Hall, offering handmade and personalised wooden gifts designed and made on site.

Owner, Gemma spent many years working as a manager for a large corporate company, having worked her way up from the bottom. Alongside a busy family life, she always had a creative side, which first came to light when she designed unique items for her own wedding. With support from her husband, a chief engineer working with industrial machinery, including lasers and CNC equipment, those early designs were cut and made with industry professionals and quickly became a hobby.

The business has its roots in a very personal story. Gemma’s mum always encouraged her to follow what she loved and noticed how her passion for creating lit her up. After her mum sadly passed away 16 months ago, shortly after reaching retirement age, that encouragement became the motivation to finally take the leap.

While organising the funeral, Gemma created wooden book-style covers for the order of service, as she wanted people to keep something meaningful rather than something that would be folded away. These later developed into her now best-selling wooden cards.

After leaving her corporate role to support her dad, an opportunity came through a friend who offered workshop space and access to an industrial laser at Arena UK in Grantham. This allowed her to continue creating while also caring for her family, and gave her the confidence to see whether the business could stand on its own.

Speaking on her decision to open at the Market Hall, Gemma said:

“When it came to opening a shop, Chesterfield Market Hall stood out for its support of new and independent businesses. The affordable setup allowed GL Laser Creations to start small, build a customer base, and test the market.”

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers returning regularly to check in and support the business.

Around 80% of the products sold are original designs, exclusive to the shop. Everything can be personalised at no extra cost, and bespoke items are made to order. Customers only pay once they are happy with the finished piece.

All products are made by hand from start to finish. Gemma designs each item on her own software, runs the laser herself, and completes all building and painting. A laser engraver is also available in the shop, allowing customers to have items personalised while they wait and be involved in choosing fonts and layouts.

Popular products include wooden cards, wine holders, and decorative lanterns, all designed to offer something different from what is usually available on the high street.

New designs are added weekly, and the business continues to grow through word of mouth, leaflets, and support from Market Hall management through social media.

GL Laser Creations is open at Chesterfield Market Hall and can also be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com

For more independent retailers in Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Stay, Visiting

£2 million funding boost for Staveley Town Deal projects

£2 million of funding will help to enhance key projects in Staveley and deliver more benefits for the local community.

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is providing additional funding to enhance two of the Staveley Town Deal projects, creating an improved green space at the Moorings at Staveley Basin and delivering more for the local community at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall, especially for children and young people.

Chesterfield Borough Council applied for the funding on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board.

Barrow Hill Community Trust is leading the refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. With support from the Town Deal, the Trust is developing a new community pantry, community bar and café, and a health hub. Town Deal funding has also enabled essential building upgrades, including new electrical and ventilation systems.

Funding from EMCCA will support the creation of a nursery and a physical activity space with youth provision in the evenings, as well as provide match funding to help kick-start works on the second storey. This phase will deliver a new events venue alongside additional community facilities.

Staveley Town Deal projects

Derbyshire County Council have built and operate the Moorings at Staveley Basin – the mixed-use development sits next to the historic town basin and aims to attract new businesses to the area. Additional funding from EMCCA will enhance the landscape around the building and create new pontoons for boats to moor in the basin.

Both Staveley projects align with EMCCA’s ‘Vision for Growth Spatial Strategy’ and will support the ambitions of the East Midlands Investment Zone to regenerate the area.

The funding also ensures these projects are delivered as originally envisioned in the Staveley Town Investment Plan.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This investment is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about people. By working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and communities in Staveley, we’re creating inclusive places where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to thrive.

“I am committed to making the East Midlands a place that everyone is proud to call home, and that begins with investing in projects that regenerate our towns, villages, and cities.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice-chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is fantastic news for Staveley that will see an important green space improved and a much-used community asset reach its full potential. We’ll work closely with the project sponsors to ensure they have the support they need to deliver these projects for the benefit of Staveley residents.”

Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust said: “This funding will make a major difference to the lives, wellbeing and economic inclusion of the people of Barrow Hill and the surrounding communities to the east of Chesterfield. Finally local people will have the community-led facilities for families, young people and physical activity that they deserve and need.”

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This funding demonstrates how investment from the Town Deal has helped secure further funding for Staveley that will deliver even more benefits for the local community.”

For more information on the Staveley Town Deal project, and other local development’s, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Stay

Why homebuyers are choosing Chesterfield for value, connectivity, and community

A new study highlights that people are deciding to settle within Chesterfield, taking advantage of the convenience of commuting to Sheffield while benefiting from the area’s strengths as a place to live.

The study by sellhousefast.uk assessed commuter towns for England’s five biggest cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Sheffield), and ranked them on livability and commuting factors.

Chesterfield came in at the top for commuting to Sheffield, and fourth overall, with an approximate commute time of 40.5 minutes by car and 12 minutes by train, and an average house price of £212,576, as well as, 64% of schools rated good/outstanding within five miles. The study also calculated the crime risk score of 626/1,000 giving Chesterfield an overall score of 6.29.

Neighbouring town Dronfield came in fifth with a commute to Sheffield of 29 minutes by car and 10 minutes by train, with  average house prices of £273,863

Bolsover, just 15 minutes away from our town centre, placed seventh in Up-and-coming areas with the most significant house price increases, helping buyers identify up-and-coming areas before prices peak, with an 86.1% increase in house prices since 2015.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes said:

“What really sets Chesterfield apart is the quality of life it offers. Residents benefit from excellent connectivity to major cities while enjoying lower housing costs, good schools, and a strong sense of community. It’s no surprise that more people are recognising Chesterfield as a place to build a long-term future.”

Chesterfield continues to be recognised as a great place to live, once again ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

Also in 2025, Chesterfield was named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, as well as being recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queens Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal.  Thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments and regeneration projects, including the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood, which will bring more new homes.

Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/living

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Locals celebrate Queen’s Park Sports Centre tenth birthday

Over 900 of our local residents and visitors attended Queen’s Park Sports Centre’s open day on January 11th to celebrate the facility’s tenth birthday.

Over the last ten years, the sports centre has grown to be a community hub for many different groups, organisations and individuals to use, learn and enjoy.

As part of the open day, the centre encouraged local people to come along and join them to take part in a range of free or low-cost activities that were suitable for everyone.

The open day included a range of activities, from fitness classes and swimming lessons to opportunities to explore the gym facilities, participate in racket sports, try netball, experience pre-school gymnastics, and participate in an on-site treasure hunt where participants could find prizes hidden around the centre.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“Marking 10 years of Queen’s Park Sports Centre is fantastic. The centre is an inclusive space that provides activities that bring communities together, from activities for children to specific sessions such as Outswimming Cancer. There is something on offer there for everyone.

“Getting active has so many benefits both physically and mentally, so I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited the centre to find out how they could join what has become a community.”

Queens park dancing class

People can find out more about Queen’s Park Sports Centre here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk  and learn about New Year membership offers by following this link: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure