A pretty market town is a "must visit" for those who like exploring antique shops, relaxing in cafes and shopping in independent retailers. The historic Derbyshire town has just undergone a major £15.2million regeneration project to landscape the area and widen the pavements, making them more pedestrian-friendly. Once described as "run down", shop owners now believe the regeneration, which promised to "transform the public spaces", will boost trade, and there are more updates to come.

Visitors have also raved about the improvements. Writing for Derby World, Ria Ghei said the diverse shops offer "whatever you want from one big-hearted town". They added: "From award-winning eateries to cute café culture, Ashbourne should be a must-visit place for any self-respecting good food appreciator."

The streets are lined with colourful independent shops, like the House of Beer, selling traditional ales, The Clayrooms offering pottery workshops, or the family-run Avanti Jewellers.

At Cheddar Gorge deli, which specialises in pies and cakes, manager Tom Ertman told the BBC that things were looking up after sales were hit during the roadworks. He said the narrow road were a "big improvement" and you could feel the difference when you walked around.

The changes were funded by £13.4million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, alongside £1.8million raised locally.

Pavements were widened on Dig Street, home to Little Shed cafe, where local worker Lara Myles enthused that the changes made it easier for people to explore. She admitted Ashbourne had previously been a "little bit run down".

Ashbourne district councillor Stuart Lees said the street changes would make a difference to tourists and shoppers due to the "better" shopping experience.

Located in the rolling countryside of the Derbyshire Dales and on the outskirts of the Peak District National Park, there are plenty of walks nearby too, like Mam Tor, although this has become particularly busy since the pandemic. The scenic Dovedale Stepping Stones are far closer, about a 10-minute drive away.

It is within reach of several market towns, like Bakewell, Matlock Bath and the stately Chatsworth House, which has an award-winning farm shop for the full country experience.

The second phase of Ashbourne Reborn is expected to cost £7million from the Government Levelling Up Fund. It will be used to create a new performance venue and community hub at the town's Methodist Church.