Why visit Bakewell?
If the Peak District were to have a capital, then Bakewell would be it. It’s the busiest town in Derbyshire but don’t let that stop you coming if you’ve come to stay up here for peace and quiet. There are so many tucked away little places, tiny nooks and crannies within the bustling streets and alleys, you’ll certainly be able to find a moment to sit and have a quiet, restorative cup of tea. Not only this, but with the surrounding countryside full of quiet shady places, it’s easy to find a spot to yourself under the weeping willows. Why not find time to have a picnic and dip your toes in the crystal clear waters of the glorious River Wye?
Bakewell is the gem of the Peak District, the treasure in Derbyshire’s chest. With its glorious character cottages and wonderful old buildings, the architecture alone is definitely worth a visit to look at if you’re here for a day trip or lucky enough to be staying longer. It’s a chocolate box village with wild fowl roaming free. If you enter Bakewell on foot from Baslow, you will no doubt cross over the River Wye and marvel at the Gothic five arched 14th century bridge. It’s one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Stand and pause awhile, tucking yourself into the half diamond viewing spots and gaze down into the crystal waters and see trout the size of your arm – they’re huge!
The River Wye is definitely one of the major features of Bakewell, running through the centre and meandering all the way through the park. With its banks of green willow, it is a scene that is quintessentially English, and an absolutely gorgeous sight to make you pause a while. Ducks and geese jostle for scraps but they never fear they won’t get food; they simply must be the best fed ducks in this area. The park is a great place to sit down and draw breath, to allow the children to play in the wonderful playgrounds. Why not treat yourself to an ice cream or possibly some fish and chips in the great outdoors; they’re the best for miles around. There’s nothing nicer than to sit outside in the summer and let the dog roam free and sample the delights Bakewell has to offer.
If it’s shopping you’re after then look no further, the little town is packed to the rafters with gift and crafts, practical and functional but also outdoor gear, kitchen accessories and photographic services -you name it, it’s a shopaholic’s delight. There are so many shops packed into the little place you could spend days here and still not see them all. Granby Arcade is fantastic for the unusual and there are so many unique boutiques you’ll certainly be able to find something for that hard to buy for person. With an art gallery too, if it’s gifts you need to take back home for the relatives, then you’re certain to find all you need in Bakewell.
Being a historic market town, it’s bustling when market fever hits on a Monday, a great excuse to buy locally and support the farmers, the tradesmen and women. The agricultural centre over the river is the place to go for buying and selling cattle, the showground the place for the famous Bakewell show. With a historic 17th century Market Hall, the Tourist Information Centre is the head of the Market Square.
Bakewell has all the amenities, the necessities for residents and visitors too, a library, a supermarket, and with doctors and chemist’s a safe stay is on the cards. With swimming baths, a cricket pitch and a neighbouring golf course it’s perfect if you’re feeling sporty. If not, then simply wander through the streets, people watch and spend some time with loved ones or make new friends. There are an abundance of cafes and it’s a town like no other with a rich and varied life, a history including battling bakeries with a pudding at the centre of an argument! With bistros serving home cooked local produce, there are pubs and many restaurants so a varied diet can be easily arranged.
It’s a great piece or a fantastic day out, and with the wonderful Chatsworth house or Haddon Hall just around the corner, a rainy day certainly doesn’t need to dampen your stay. For the walkers amongst you there are treks small or large from Bakewell’s doorstep, a cycle trail to take you on a viaduct bird’s eye view if you’re feeling energetic.
Whatever your reasons to visit Bakewell as your destination you will certainly never be disappointed. It’s photogenic, picturesque and will stay in your memory a long time afterwards. Make Bakewell a must on your things to do list while you’re here.
So there you have it, plenty of reasons to visit Bakewell.!