All About Bakewell

Bakewell ©Peaklass

The pretty town of Bakewell, with its beautiful setting on the Derbyshire River Wye, is the only town wholly within the boundary of the Peak District National Park. It’s a relatively small market town with a population of less than 5,000 people, but what it lacks in size in makes up for with its wealth of historic buildings, shops and cafés. It’s a wonderful place to explore, with pretty riverside walks, old stone cottages, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards.

Bakewell Bridge ©Peaklass

As you enter Bakewell from the north, make sure you pay suitable attention to the bridge that you drive over, with its five Gothic arches and triangular quoins. It dates from 1300 and is one of the oldest bridges still in use in England.

The Derbyshire River Wye that flows beneath is clear and clean, home to an abundance of wildlife. Don’t miss a riverside walk to look out for the rainbow trout that swim up to greet visitors!

From almost every point in Bakewell you can see the towering spire of All Saints’ Church. There has been a church in this spot since 920 but the existing building dates from 1240. Inside you’ll find spectacular tombs for members of the Vernon and Manners families, who still live at nearby Haddon Hall, as well as magnificent stained glass windows. The churchyard offers great views across the town.

Bakewell has had a weekly market since the 14th century, and you’ll still find agricultural markets and craft/produce markets here every Monday.

Bakewell Pudding

Of course, no visit to Bakewell would be complete without sampling its most famous dish, Bakewell Pudding! Very different to Bakewell Tart, which is the invention of Mr Kipling in a factory in Barnsley, the Bakewell Pudding was created by pure chance in 1860 at a local inn, where The Rutland Arms now stands, when a cook misunderstood the recipe for a strawberry tart. The story goes that, instead of stirring the egg mixture into the pastry, the cook spread it on top of a layer of jam. Happily everyone loved the resulting dish, however, and it’s still made in the town to this day.

Walks from Bakewell

Bakewell is a great base for many walks into the surrounding countryside. It marks the start of the traffic-free Monsal Trail, which continues for 8.5 miles to Chee Dale, following the route of the former Midland Railway line that once connected Manchester to London. The trail offers wonderful views and is perfect for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair-users and horse-riders, taking you via impressive tunnels and over the soaring Headstone Viaduct. There are a number of cafés en route. Alternatively, follow any of the well-marked public footpaths into the lovely nearby villages of Ashford in the Water, Rowsley or Youlgrave.

I have written a number of walks to and from Bakewell, including a lovely 2.3 mile route around the town specially designed for children. Click HERE to follow it.

Bakewell is close to many of the area’s visitor attractions, including the grand Chatsworth House and the ancient, spectacular Haddon Hall.

How do I get to Bakewell?

Bakewell is located in Derbyshire, in the centre of the Peak District National Park. It’s situated on the A6 road between Buxton and Derby. Buses are available from Derby, Matlock, Buxton, Chesterfield and Sheffield. Bakewell doesn’t have a train station; the closest train stations are in Matlock, Chesterfield and Buxton.