Bakewell: The Ancient Capital of the Peak District
The picture-perfect town of Bakewell in the Derbyshire Peak District, with its beautiful setting on the River Wye, is often referred to as the ancient capital of the Peak District. It is a relatively small market town with a population of less than 5,000, but its wealth of historic buildings, shops and restaurants make it a very popular destination for visitors to the area. It is a wonderful place to explore, with pretty riverside walks, old stone cottages, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards.
Planning a visit? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from top attractions and walking routes to practical tips for making the most of your trip to this beautiful Derbyshire market town.
Things to do in Bakewell – Events
A thriving, busy community today and the town hosts a number of annual events, so there are always things to do in Bakewell. Like many Peak District towns and villages, it has a well dressing ceremony every June, as part of which local people decorate the town’s wells and springs with large clay pictures made entirely of natural materials, usually flower petals, leaves, seeds, and pebbles. Carnival week, culminating in a procession through the town, is held at the beginning of July.
The Bakewell Agricultural Show, held every August, is one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, bringing around 65,000 visitors to the Bakewell Showground. Bakewell also hosts an annual Arts Festival every August, as well as the Peak Literary Festival in Spring and Autumn. The town’s literary connections include its setting as Lambton in Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. The Christmas Market brings the town square to life every December with festive food, craft and gift stalls.
Bakewell is close to the tourist attractions of Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Arbor Low. For energetic visitors the nearby Monsal Trail provides a safe, level walking and cycling route out of the town into some of the most stunning scenery in the Peak District. And once you have worked up a thirst, try a brewery tour and sample delicious craft beers at the local Thornbridge Brewery.
The beautiful Bakewell Bridge with its five Gothic arches and triangular quoins, is one of the oldest bridges in England. So when passing over it, spare a thought to its history.
Top Attractions in and near to Bakewell
Monsal Trail
Take a walk, or hire a bike and travel along the disused railway towards Buxton on the Monsal Trail.
Chatsworth House
Visit the amazing Chatsworth House and wander around the house and gardens.
Bakewell Old House Museum
Browse around the Bakewell Old House Museum.
River Wye Walk
Take a walk hand in hand along the pristine River Wye.
Thornbridge Brewery
Take a tour of the Thornbridge Brewery.
All Saints Church
Visit the All Saints Church.
Magpie Mine
Take a short drive to Sheldon and explore the industrial past at Magpie Mine (lead mine).
Arbor Low Stone Circle
Delve into ancient history with a drive to the English Heritage site, Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow.
Where to Stay in Bakewell
Bakewell offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From historic hotels to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.
Accommodation Options
- Historic hotels in the town centre
- Charming guest houses and B&Bs
- Self-catering cottages in the surrounding countryside
- Camping and caravan sites nearby
Top Tips for Your Bakewell Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the town and surrounding countryside. The well dressing ceremony in June and the Agricultural Show in August are highlights of the calendar.
- Getting There: Bakewell is easily accessible by car via the A6, and has bus connections from Sheffield, Buxton and Matlock.
- Parking: There are several car parks in the town centre, but they can fill up quickly during peak times and events.
- Don’t Miss: A traditional Bakewell Pudding from the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop.
- Explore: The Monsal Trail offers a safe, level walking and cycling route through stunning scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bakewell
Is Bakewell worth visiting?
Absolutely! Bakewell is a beautiful market town with a wealth of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and stunning riverside walks. It is the perfect base for exploring the Peak District.
What is Bakewell famous for?
Bakewell is famous for its Bakewell Pudding, its setting on the River Wye, the Monsal Trail, and its proximity to Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. It is also known as the ancient capital of the Peak District.
When is the Bakewell Agricultural Show?
The Bakewell Agricultural Show is held every August and is one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, attracting around 65,000 visitors.
What is the Monsal Trail?
The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free walking and cycling route along a disused railway line, offering stunning views of the Peak District countryside. It is easily accessible from Bakewell.
Is there parking in Bakewell?
Yes, there are several car parks in the town centre. However, they can fill up quickly during peak times and events, so arriving early is recommended.
What is well dressing?
Well dressing is a traditional Peak District custom where local people decorate wells and springs with large clay pictures made entirely of natural materials, such as flower petals, leaves, seeds and pebbles.
For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide and plan your adventure in this remarkable part of Derbyshire.
ℹ️ Tourist Information
- Bakewell Visitor Centre 0.1 miles
🥾 Nearby Walks
🍺 Local Pubs
- The Charleston 0 miles
- Lathkil Hotel 1.4 miles
- The Ashford Arms 1.5 miles
☕ Cafes & Tearooms
- The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop 0 miles
- Hassop Station Café & Monsal Trail Cycle Hire 1.3 miles
- Peak Village 2.9 miles
🏨 Places to Stay
- Riverside Cottages, Bakewell 0.1 miles
- 2 Lumford House 0.2 miles
- Hassop Station Rooms B&B 1.3 miles
- Lathkil Hotel 1.4 miles
🏛️ Attractions
- Haddon Hall 1.7 miles
- Chatsworth House 2.8 miles
- Peak Rail 3.8 miles
- Eyam Brewery – Craft Beer Inspired by the Peak District 6.1 miles
🎪 Coming Up
Distances are straight-line and approximate. Actual travel distances may vary.
