Set in the valley of the River Derwent, Duffield is a peaceful village that skirts the southern fringes of Amber Valley.
With strong transport links, plenty of modern amenities and a friendly community atmosphere, there are many reasons to stop by at Duffield during your trip to Amber Valley.
Visitors can easily pass several hours browsing the village’s independent shops or taking a break in its many pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Duffield also holds historical significance as one of the oldest settlements in Amber Valley, with many of its most notable historical buildings and landmarks still intact today.
Perhaps the biggest draw is Duffield’s access to green space – not only with the surrounding landscapes of the Derwent Valley, but also within the village itself with Eyes Meadow and Millenium Meadow.
Places of interest include Duffield Castle, once one of England’s largest medieval castles and keeps, all that remains are the foundations, but the site is still a great place soak up the history and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside from the hill on which the castle once stood.
Eyes Meadow is a 48-acre site for sports, walking and wildlife spotting. Bounded by the River Derwent, the space provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It also plays host to Duffield’s annual carnival.
Dating back to the medieval period, St Alkmund’s Church is a Grade I listed building with striking architecture, impressive stained glass windows and a spacious churchyard.
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Duffield’s reputation as a wonderful place to live is reflected in the value of the village’s properties.
According to Rightmove, the UK’s largest online real estate property portal (rightmove.co.uk), properties in Duffield had an overall average price of £516,366 over the past year.
The majority of sales in Duffield during the past year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £630,419 and making up over half of all properties sold over the period.
Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £555,665, with terrace properties fetching £255,661.
Overall, sold prices in Duffield over the last year were similar to the previous year and two per cent down on the 2020 peak of £524,351.
In the past 12 months, 38 properties have been sold in Duffield, including 20 detached houses, ranging from £340,000 to £1,096,689.
Duffield has an impressive 40 listed buildings, one of which is Grade I listed (St Alkmund’s Church), the highest grade possible.
The population of Duffield was recorded as 5,100 people in the 2021 Census (rounded to the nearest 100 people) meaning the population of the village has remained very consistent over the past decade, with the 2011 Census recording a population of 5,046.
AMENITIES
In total, 2,129 pupils are currently attending three schools in the Duffield area in the 2024/25 academic year, according to statistics from Snobe, the only free and comprehensive school directory in England (snobe.co.uk).
The top ranked schools in Duffield are The Ecclesbourne School, William Gilbert Endowed Church of England Primary School, and Duffield the Meadows Primary School. Rank is based on an overall Snobe grade.
Duffield is also home to two nurseries – Treetops Castle Garden and Duffield Preschool – both of which were ranked ‘Good’ by Ofsted at their last inspection.
Duffield’s high street offers a number of shops, boutiques, services and hospitality options (including pubs, restaurants and independent cafes).
It also holds a popular monthly farmers market where locals can purchase a range of quality local produce.
The village has a Post Office, medical centre and various open spaces and recreational areas set in beautiful countryside. It also has a thriving cricket club and a well respected golf course.
Regular buses and trains run along the A6 through Duffield, with the local population well served.
The village lies just four miles north of the city of Derby and three miles south of Belper, both of which offer abundant amenities and professional opportunities.
The Grade I listed St Alkmund’s Church was originally constructed by the Normans in the 12th century and once comprised a chancel and nave. It is one of only six churches in England dedicated to St. Alkmund, an exiled Prince of Northumbria who was murdered in 800AD in Mercia at Northworthy (renamed Derby after a Danish Viking occupation in 877). The church was restored in 1847 and again between 1896-97.
