This is a guest post written by Alfreton resident Fiona Baulking
There is something quietly reassuring about Alfreton, a market town tucked into the gentle folds of Derbyshire.
It does not shout for attention. It does not try to reinvent itself every five minutes. Instead, it gets on with being exactly what it is, a friendly, well placed, surprisingly characterful place to live. For those who have spent any time here, the appeal tends to creep up gradually. One day it is simply the place where the weekly shop happens, and before long it feels like home in the fullest sense of the word.
While some towns rely on glossy brochures and big promises, Alfreton’s strengths are more grounded. They are found in its green spaces, its history, its location, its people and the small everyday conveniences that make life easier.
Here are six of the very best things about living in Alfreton, each one rooted in real detail rather than vague praise.
Green space on the doorstep at Alfreton park
Right in the heart of town sits Alfreton Park, and it is far more than a patch of grass with a few benches. The park stretches across more than 40 acres and feels generous in every sense. There are mature trees that have clearly seen a century or two, wide open lawns perfect for impromptu football matches, and winding paths that make a brisk lunchtime walk feel like a small countryside escape.
The children’s play area is well maintained and genuinely varied, rather than a token slide and a lonely swing. On sunny afternoons it fills with families from across the town, the soundtrack a mix of laughter and the occasional dramatic retelling of playground politics. There is also a skate park that is often busy with teenagers practising tricks, giving the park an energy that keeps it from ever feeling sleepy.
Alfreton Park is also home to Alfreton Golf Club, where early morning golfers can be seen moving across the greens as mist hangs low over the grass. In autumn, the trees turn rich shades of amber and copper, and the crunch of leaves underfoot is deeply satisfying. The park hosts community events throughout the year, from funfairs to charity runs, and it becomes a natural gathering place. Living within walking distance of such a space changes daily life in subtle ways. It means fresh air is never far away, and that even on the busiest weeks there is always somewhere nearby to clear the head.
A location that makes life remarkably convenient
One of Alfreton’s most underrated strengths is its location. Sitting just off the A38 and close to junction 28 of the M1, it offers easy access to both north and south. For commuters heading to Nottingham, Derby or even Sheffield, the journey is straightforward enough to make daily travel realistic without feeling punishing.
Alfreton railway station adds another layer of convenience. Direct trains run to Nottingham and Leeds, making city days or nights out pleasantly simple. There is a particular satisfaction in being able to hop on a train for a concert or shopping trip and return home to quieter streets and familiar faces.
For those who travel further afield, East Midlands Airport is within reasonable driving distance, which makes early flights slightly less painful than they might otherwise be. Even closer to home, the nearby McArthurGlen East Midlands Designer Outlet provides a shopping option that draws visitors from across the region, yet for locals it is simply another practical amenity.
This balance between connectivity and calm is rare. Alfreton feels separate from the constant rush of larger cities, yet never isolated. That middle ground is where much of its appeal lies.
Real community spirit that still feels genuine
There is a noticeable warmth in Alfreton that reveals itself over time. It shows up in small exchanges, a quick chat at the butcher’s counter, a neighbour who takes in a parcel without fuss, or the friendly nods exchanged on school runs. It is not forced or overly sentimental. It simply feels natural.
The town has a long industrial history, particularly in coal mining, and that shared heritage seems to have left behind a strong sense of solidarity. Generations of families have grown up here, and there is pride in that continuity. Local events, from Christmas light switch ons to charity fundraisers, are well attended, and people genuinely turn up for one another.
Community groups are active and varied, from sports clubs to historical societies. Alfreton Town Football Club, affectionately known as The Reds, draws loyal supporters to the Impact Arena. Match days bring a lively buzz to the area, and even those who are not die hard football fans often enjoy the atmosphere.
This sense of belonging can be difficult to quantify, yet it shapes everyday life in powerful ways. It is easier to settle, easier to make connections, and easier to feel that home is more than just an address.
Affordable housing with character and space
Compared to many parts of the country, property in Alfreton remains relatively affordable. This is not simply about lower prices, it is about value. Many homes offer generous gardens, decent room sizes and solid construction that reflects the town’s Victorian and Edwardian growth.
Traditional red brick terraces sit alongside semi detached homes from the mid twentieth century, and newer developments have expanded options further. Areas such as Swanwick and South Normanton, just on the edge of Alfreton, provide additional choice while keeping the town’s amenities close at hand.
For first time buyers, Alfreton can represent a realistic step onto the property ladder rather than a distant dream. For families, it means space for children to play and perhaps even a home office that does not double as a laundry room. The relative affordability also contributes to the community feel, as people are less transient and more likely to put down long term roots.
In a housing market that often feels daunting, Alfreton offers something refreshingly grounded. Sensible prices, solid homes and neighbourhoods that feel lived in rather than staged.
Close to the Peak district without the tourist crowds
Living in Alfreton means having the beauty of the Peak District National Park within easy reach, yet without being in the thick of its busiest hotspots. A short drive can lead to rolling hills, dramatic gritstone edges and charming villages such as Bakewell and Matlock.
Weekend walks become wonderfully accessible. One Saturday might involve exploring woodland trails near Crich, another could mean a longer hike across open moorland with panoramic views. The change of scenery is immediate and restorative.
At the same time, returning home to Alfreton after a day in the Peaks feels comfortable and unhurried. There are no endless lines of tourist coaches outside the front door. Instead, there is the steady rhythm of a market town that carries on at its own pace.
This proximity to nature encourages an active lifestyle without requiring complicated planning. It is entirely possible to decide on a whim to chase a sunset from a hilltop and still be back in time for a late supper. That kind of flexibility is a quiet luxury.
A high street that blends practicality with personality
Alfreton’s high street is not polished to within an inch of its life, and that is part of its charm. Alongside familiar names such as Boots and Iceland, there are independent shops that have served the community for years. Local butchers and bakers continue to draw regular customers who value quality and conversation in equal measure.
The indoor market, though more modest than it once was, still offers a mix of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to household essentials. There is something reassuring about being able to pick up fruit and vegetables from a trader who remembers regular customers.
Cafes and takeaways reflect the town’s straightforward tastes. A proper cup of tea, a hearty breakfast, or fish and chips wrapped in paper rather than served with unnecessary fuss. It is food that understands its audience.
Essential services are easy to access, from pharmacies to banks and opticians. Daily errands can often be completed on foot, which adds to the overall ease of living here. There is no need to navigate sprawling shopping complexes for every small purchase.
In a world where many high streets have lost their identity, Alfreton’s retains a grounded authenticity. It may not be glamorous, but it is dependable, and that counts for a great deal.
Ultimately, the best things about living in Alfreton are not flashy or exaggerated. They are woven into daily routines and familiar surroundings. Green space that invites regular use, transport links that make commuting manageable, housing that feels attainable, and a community that still values connection. Add in easy access to the Peak District and a high street that remains practical and personal, and the picture becomes clear.
Alfreton does not try to be somewhere else. It is content to be a solid, welcoming Derbyshire town with a surprising number of strengths. For many residents, that steady reliability is exactly what makes it such a good place to call home.