To come to Bakewell as a tourist is a bit daunting at first. Where do you start and do you really want to venture out of this gorgeous little chocolate box town you have just entered? If you don’t feel like going very far from your doorstep, perhaps you’ve rented a cottage in Bakewell, or are camping nearby for the week or two? Well there are certainly an array of Bakewell pubs, restaurants and cafes which will mean you certainly don’t have to dine in the same place twice! There are shops galore of all shapes and sizes selling knickknacks, antiques, clothes and good food. There are battling bakeries bursting with Bakewell puddings so fill your suitcases and bring some back for your family and friends.
You could be forgiven for not wanting to move at all from your holiday destination. With stunning scenery surrounding it, Bakewell has the beautiful crystal clear River Wye as it is main feature, which seems host to the entire duck population of Derbyshire! A walk along the River Wye is a must on a clear summer’s day. The showground especially, when it’s the infamous Bakewell show, is jam packed full of things to do. Bakewell market happens every Monday in the town itself with traders selling all sorts of goodies but also over the river, Mondays are the day for the famous cattle market, all housed securely in the agricultural centre and never the twain shall meet!
With its historic buildings, quaint cottages and unusual architecture, Bakewell is considered to be the capital of the Peak District by some and rightly so. It can boast it is the only town inside the Peak District National Park and it truly has a fantastic array of holiday accommodation, which we have listed in our pages just for you. It’s a must to see if you are simply passing through, so ensure your bus driver stops and you can wander awhile. To find the tourist information Centre head for the market square. Its dwelling is inside Bakewell’s atmospheric 17th-century market hall and it has advice and information bursting out of its walls. Enjoyed the Landscape Detectives Interactive Exhibition and learn about this wonderful area of the national Park and wander around the retail shop. Auy souvenirs or find out about the local public transport information. There are, timetables and Day Rover tickets, information about theatre programmes at nearby Buxton Opera house and all the knowledge you need about all the local events in Bakewell.
If you are lucky enough to be spending quite a few days in Bakewell and you have the time, then you must not go home without seeing Chatsworth house or Haddon Hall, the stately homes, made famous by the telly. The Palace of the Peak, Chatsworth house, has been featured in many a Jane Austen film and the antiques Roadshow were up here last year did you know? The stunning stately home can trace its roots back to Bess of Hardwick, who constructed the first building here in the 16th century. With an astonishing collection of works of art, furniture and collectables, shops, a garden centre, farm shop, restaurants and cafes, glorious gardens as well as the first ever adventure farm and playground, Chatsworth is a day out that all of the family will remember. The present Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, who live in the house, are keen collectors of modern art and sculpture and frequently hold displays in the grounds and the house and gardens celebrate the changing seasons with exhibitions and fair- so that’s a week’s worth of entertainment right there!
There are so many walks which start at Bakewell that can take you near or far. There are also cycle trails such as the Monsaldale Trail, which start at Bakewell and go for miles. So if you fancy a day out and leave Bakewell behind, you know you will find plenty to see and do and know all the while that Bakewell will welcome you back when it’s time to go to bed!