Bakewell
The Ancient Market Town of Bakewell
The picture-perfect town of Bakewell, 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’s a wonderful place to explore, with pretty riverside walks, old stone cottages, narrow lanes and hidden courtyards.
As you enter Bakewell from the north, take note of the beautiful bridge with its five Gothic arches and triangular quoins. It dates from 1300 and is one of the oldest bridges in England.
Bakewell has a thriving, busy community and the town hosts a number of annual events. 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 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. The nearby Monsal Trail is a traffic-free walking, cycling and horse-riding route out of the town into some of the most stunning scenery in the Peak District.
Bakewell to Ashford-in-the-Water Walk
To explore further, why not try our beautiful Bakewell to Ashford-in-the-Water walk (6 miles)? It takes you along the banks of the River Wye from Bakewell into the picture-perfect village of Ashford-in-the-Water. From there the route heads up through pastureland onto the Monsal Trail, before returning on quiet field paths to Bakewell.
Things to Do & Attractions Near Bakewell
To help you explore the best of the area, here is a bulleted list of fantastic attractions and activities, all within easy reach of the town centre. Distances are approximate travel times by car.
Within the Town (0 miles)
- Explore the Historic Bridge: Walk across the 14th-century bridge and admire its ancient stonework and views along the River Wye.
- Visit All Saints’ Church: Discover the Saxon cross, the grand Vernon Chapel, and climb the churchyard for lovely views over the town.
- Sample a Real Bakewell Pudding: Head to the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop for the authentic taste. Don’t leave without one (or two)!
- Browse the Independent Shops: Wander through the town’s courtyards and streets, exploring the butchers, delis, bookshops, and boutiques.
- Stroll Along the River Wye: A beautiful, flat riverside path runs through the town, perfect for a relaxing walk. You can walk from the bridge towards Whitworth Park or in the other direction towards Holme Bridge.
- Visit the Monday Market: If you’re visiting on a Monday, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the town’s historic market.
Within 1-3 Miles
- Monsal Trail (1 mile): Access this incredibly popular traffic-free route for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearest access point is at Coombs Road (a 5-minute drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk from the town centre). From here, you can walk or cycle through former railway tunnels and over viaducts with stunning valley views. Bike hire is available at the trailside cafe at Hassop Station (2 miles).
- Haddon Hall (2 miles): One of England’s finest and most romantic medieval manor houses. A 5-minute drive takes you to this enchanting fortress-like hall, which has appeared in countless films. Explore its ancient kitchens, banqueting hall, and terraced rose gardens.
- Ashford-in-the-Water (2 miles): The “chocolate-box” village of Ashford-in-the-Water is a 5-minute drive away. Visit the famous Sheepwash Bridge, a medieval gem and one of the most photographed spots in the Peak District.
Within 4-6 Miles
- Chatsworth House (5 miles): The magnificent seat of the Dukes of Devonshire is just a 10-15 minute drive. You could easily spend a full day exploring the opulent state rooms, the incredible art collection, the farmyard and adventure playground, and the vast, award-winning garden.
- Monsal Head & Viaduct (5 miles): A 10-minute drive leads to one of the Peak District’s most iconic viewpoints. Park at Monsal Head and walk a few steps to the stunning vista of the majestic Monsal Viaduct crossing the deep valley of the River Wye. The Monsal Head Hotel and stable bar are perfect for a post-view drink.
- Magpie Mine (5 miles): A 10-minute drive via Sheldon takes you to this atmospheric ruined lead mine, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. A short walk from the road lets you explore the well-preserved engine house and chimney, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s industrial past.
- Longshaw Estate (6 miles): A 15-minute drive towards Sheffield. This National Trust estate offers miles of heathland and woodland walks with dramatic views across the Derwent Valley.
Within 7-10 Miles
- Arbor Low Stone Circle (8 miles): A 20-minute drive across the limestone plateau. Often called the “Stonehenge of the North,” this is a remarkable Neolithic henge monument with a circle of around 50 large recumbent limestone slabs, surrounded by a bank and ditch. A truly atmospheric and important ancient site.
- Castleton (9 miles): A 20-25 minute drive through beautiful scenery. Famous for its show caves (Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern), the Norman Peveril Castle, and the start of the hike up to Mam Tor, the “Shivering Mountain.”
Own or work here?
Nearby Listings
Ashford in the Water..
Ashford in the Water, Bakewell...
Over Haddon..
Over Haddon, Bakewell, UK...
Beautiful Youlgreave..
Youlgreave, Bakewell, UK...
Stoney Middleton..
Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley,...
Birchover..
Birchover, Matlock, UK...
