Chesterfield has been recognised by travel guide website, enjoytravel.com as the best town in England, and the 2nd best in the UK to raise a family.

The town sits above major cities such as Leeds, Leicester and Newcastle to take 2nd spot on the list, thanks to its ‘affordable and appealing houses and excellent schooling options.’

Enjoytravel.com ranked the towns and cities based on three criteria:

• Property prices and average salaries (house price-to-income ratio) – 30 points
• Education – 20 points
• Safety – 20 points

Other factors such as access to green spaces, transport links and family-friendly attractions were also considered.

Explaining why Chesterfield positioned so highly, the website stated: “The Derbyshire town of Chesterfield is the second-best place to raise a family in the whole of the UK, thanks to its affordable and appealing houses and excellent schooling options. It might be the county’s largest town, but it has managed to retain its friendly, welcoming character despite new developments cropping around the outskirts of the town. It’s a top choice for families who love the ‘Great Outdoors’ too, as it’s just a stone’s throw from the rugged Peak District and a plethora of wildlife reserves and reservoirs.

“House prices currently average £220,825 for properties in the town centre and picturesque suburbs like Holymoorside and Wingerworth. And, when it comes to good schools, the town is brimming with them. Schools like Westfield Infant School, St Mary’s Catholic High School and Parkside Community School have all been rated as ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by Ofsted.”

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions agreed that the area has all the key assets required as a great place to raise a family.

Nigel Mallender, Head of Sales & Marketing at Addooco IT commented: “I’m very proud to call Chesterfield my home. I cannot imagine living anywhere else and that’s down to the friendly people and the community spirit.

“Chesterfield is great for families with its huge range of parks, play centres, sporting appeal and family friendly pubs and restaurants. For history lovers there’s the likes of Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle, the Peak District and many other places close by.

“Chesterfield is so well connected and great for business too with Sheffield and Nottingham on the doorstep, East Midlands Airport within 45 minutes’ drive and London only two hours away by train.”

Theresa Goldsmith, owner of The Goldsmith Clinic added: “Chesterfield has something for everyone – the perfect balance of convenience and serenity. I personally love the countryside, and living in chesterfield has the luxury of easy access to town, city and the countryside.”

“Nick Gorman, Owner of CCM Change Consultancy said: Chesterfield is now definitely where I call home. Moving to Chesterfield 14 years ago I quickly found the town had all the things I find vital – community, good links, football, cricket, a great food and drink scene and proximity to our beautiful Peak District.”

Speaking on achieving 2nd place on the list, Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager said: “We are absolutely delighted by the news that enjoytravel.com has named Chesterfield as the best place in England, and the 2^nd best place in the UK to raise a family.”

“Our town is blessed with affordable properties and great outdoor spaces on the doorstep of the Peak District.

“We’re also placed ideally in the centre of the country, with fantastic road and rail connectivity, superb local amenities, and strong and supportive communities.

“Chesterfield really does have all the ingredients required to help families build rewarding and happy lives.”