Chesterfield is one of Derbyshire's largest towns and an important regional centre situated between Sheffield and Derby. The town stands at the meeting of the River Rother and River Hipper and lies close to the eastern edge of the Peak District. Its history reaches back to Roman times, while its medieval market charter helped establish Chesterfield as an important commercial centre. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, coal mining, engineering and manufacturing became major parts of the local economy, leaving a strong industrial heritage that remains an important part of the town's identity.
Chesterfield: Historical sights and information
Facts about Chesterfield
- Latitude:
- 53.237004
- Longitude:
- -1.429206
- GPS Coordinates:
- 53°14' N, 01°26' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
Chesterfield's most famous landmark is the crooked spire of the Church of St Mary and All Saints, whose unusual twisted appearance has made it one of Derbyshire's best-known sights. The town also has a long-established open-air market and the historic Shambles, a collection of narrow medieval streets close to the centre. Chesterfield Museum and local heritage attractions provide further insight into the area's industrial and social history. Its position close to the Peak District makes the town a useful gateway for exploring dramatic landscapes, walking routes and villages, while Sheffield and the wider Derbyshire countryside are also easily accessible.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Chesterfield has a broad selection of restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops, with traditional Derbyshire food available alongside international cuisine. The market and Market Hall provide opportunities to experience the town's long commercial tradition and find local produce and everyday goods. Spring through early autumn is particularly suitable for combining a town visit with walks in the nearby Peak District, while the historic centre remains interesting throughout the year. Excellent rail and road connections also make Chesterfield a convenient base for travelling between Derbyshire, Sheffield, Nottingham and the Peak District.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Chesterfield.