The Sheff

The Peak District town with a heated outdoor lido that’s been named one of the UK’s best places to live

I was sold at 'lido'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 17th April 2026

A town in the Peak District that's just a stone's throw from Sheffield has been named one of the best places to live in the UK.

Hathersage, which is famous for its heated outdoor lido as well as its easy access to the beautiful Peak District, was selected by The Sunday Times in its annual Best Places To Live list.

The prestigious list sees experts travelling the length and breadth of the UK to assess cities, suburbs, towns and villages for things such as school league tables, broadband speeds, mobile signals and transport links.

And coming out very well this year was Hathersage, a town that The Sunday Times said 'offers the best of both worlds'.

Just a 20 minute drive from Sheffield, this is where you'll find breathtaking hikes, biking trails, and a brilliant, proudly independent village atmosphere.

There are direct trains west to Manchester, or east to Sheffield, which will then link you to basically everywhere else in the UK.

The Sunday Times wrote of Hathersage: "When a man - or woman - is blunted by the steely edge of Sheffield but still wants to be within a 20-minute drive of the city centre, Hathersage offers the best of both worlds.

"You’re close to all the city has to offer: two theatres, concerts at the City Hall, Joro restaurant with its newly minted Michelin star and direct trains to London St Pancras. And it’s only a two-mile walk — it’s worth it, every time — to Stanage Edge, a gritstone escarpment with breathtaking views over the Hope Valley."

Peak District views around Hathersage. Credit: Unsplash, Jamie Kettle
Peak District views around Hathersage. Credit: Unsplash, Jamie Kettle

The guide also praised Hathersage's outdoorsy roots, and, of course, its legendary lido.

The Hathersage Swimming Pool is open all year round, with the water heated to 25 degrees in the winter months.

And there's now a new poolside sauna, Hive, which is open at Thursdays to Sundays too.

You can see where else made The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 list HERE.

Featured image: Instagram, Hathersage Swimming Pool