Bakewell, England: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

All Saints Church Bakewell
Attribution / Rob Bendall

Nestled alongside the serene river Wye, Bakewell, the largest town in the Peak District National Park, beckons with its warm-hued stone structures, medieval five-arched stone bridge, and delightful courtyards, attracting painters, photographers, and visitors seeking picturesque sights.

According to local lore, the renowned Bakewell Pudding was born out of a culinary mishap by a resident cook in the mid-19th century. Today, this tantalizing “jam tart gone wrong” can be savoured at various bakeries and cafes, and even shipped worldwide!

Every Monday, the lively outdoor market offers an abundance of bargains, while the livestock market provides a thrilling experience with its theatre-like auction ring.

Indulge in the finest local produce at one of the country’s best Farmers’ Markets or explore specialty shops that offer everything from high-end fashion and outdoor clothing to artisanal chocolates and rare whiskies. Enjoy a light snack, lunch, or dinner at the numerous cafes, restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. For beer enthusiasts, a tour of Thornbridge Brewery offers the chance to sample world-class craft beers.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bakewell Carnival Week and Well Dressing in July, or witness the time-honoured Bakewell Show, one of the country’s oldest agricultural events, in August.

Bakewell, cleverly disguised as “Lambton” in Jane Austen’s literary masterpiece Pride and Prejudice, is an ideal destination for a captivating town walk. Wander through its charming streets, discover scenic architecture and picturesque courtyards, or enjoy a leisurely riverside stroll while feeding the ducks.

History of Bakewell

Bakewell: Early Beginnings

Bakewell’s history dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The town’s name derives from “Badeca’s well,” referring to a spring or stream around which the early settlement was formed.

Bakewell: Medieval Development

During the medieval period, Bakewell grew as a market town. The construction of Bakewell Church, which began in the 12th century, marked a significant phase in its development.

Bakewell: Industrial Era

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bakewell became known for its milling industry. The construction of the Bakewell Bridge in 1300 further boosted the town’s growth and connectivity.

Bakewell: Modern Day

Today, Bakewell is renowned for its picturesque scenery, historic buildings, and the famous Bakewell Pudding. It remains a popular destination for tourists exploring the Peak District.

Visiting Bakewell for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bakewell on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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7 Best places to See in Bakewell

This complete guide to Bakewell not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bakewell and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Bakewell Bridge

Bakewell Medieval Bridge
Public Domain / Tony Grist
Bakewell Bridge is one of the top attractions in Bakewell, especially for those who appreciate the rare traces of medieval history still standing in the town today. Crossing the gentle River Wye, this five-arched stone bridge is thought to date to the early 14th century and remains one of the finest medieval river crossings in the Peak District. With its…
Location: Bakewell Bridge, Bridge Street, Bakewell, UK | Distance: 76.1km
Visiting Bakewell Bridge

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Bakewell. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

All Saints' Church

Bakewell All Saints Church Sir George Vernon And His Two Wives
CC BY-SA 4.0 / AndyScott
Bakewell Parish Church, also known as All Saints, is one of the top sights in Bakewell for visitors interested in the deep roots of English Christianity. Set on a hillside overlooking the town, the church sits on a site where worship has taken place for more than 1,300 years. Its Saxon stone crosses, Norman architecture, medieval chapels, and grand alabaster…
Location: South Church Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1FD, UK | Hours: During the spring and summer the church is open from 9am to 5pm. In the Autumn and Winter after until the clocks change it is open from 9am to 4pm. | Distance: 76.1km
Visiting All Saints' Church

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Old House Museum

Old House Museum Bakewell
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Elisa.rolle
The Old House Museum sits just steps from Bakewell’s medieval church, yet it feels worlds away once you step through its modest doorway. Dating back to 1534, it is the oldest house in Bakewell and one of the top attractions in Bakewell for travellers seeking an intimate glimpse into everyday life across five centuries. From original Tudor fireplaces to exposed…
Location: Bakewell Old House Museum, Cunningham Place, Bakewell, UK | Hours: 25 March to 5 November 2023 Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 4 pm | Price: Adult £6.50 | Website | Distance: 76.1km
Visiting Old House Museum

Thornbridge Hall Gardens

Thornbridge Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Natalie-S
Thornbridge Hall is one of the best places to visit in Ashford-in-the-Water for travellers who love grand English estates with personality. Set within rolling Peak District hills, this Grade II listed stately home has been lovingly restored by private owners Jim and Emma Harrison, transforming it into a welcoming, character-filled destination. With formal gardens, cafés, quirky touches, and sweeping views,…
Location: Thornbridge Hall, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, UK | Hours: Daily 10:00 - 16:00 | Price: Gardens: £5.60 House: £12.00 | Website | Distance: 76.1km
Visiting Thornbridge Hall Gardens

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall
Attribution / Rob Bendall
Haddon Hall, just a couple of miles from the centre of Bakewell, feels like stepping directly into another century. With origins stretching from the 13th to the 17th centuries, its atmospheric rooms, uneven stone floors, and glowing leaded windows make it one of the must-see places in Bakewell for travellers who love English heritage and timeless architecture. The hall once…
Location: Haddon Hall, Bakewell, UK | Distance: 76.1km
Visiting Haddon Hall

Monsal Trail

Monsal Trail
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel
The Monsal Trail is one of the best places to visit in Bakewell for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, wheelchair users, and families looking to explore the Peak District at a relaxed pace. Following the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road on the edge of Bakewell, this car-free route offers some…
Visiting Monsal Trail

Magpie Mine, Sheldon

Magpie Mine Square Chimney
CC BY-SA 4.0 / AndyScott
Magpie Mine is one of the most fascinating things to do in Sheldon, offering visitors a rare chance to step into the industrial past of the Peak District. Set within a walled enclosure alongside four other former mines—Dirty Red Soil, Great Red Soil, Maypit, and Horsesteps—it forms a Scheduled Monument that preserves centuries of lead mining history. The atmospheric ruins,…
Location: Magpie Mine, Bakewell, UK | Distance: 76.1km
Visiting Magpie Mine, Sheldon

Best Day Trips from Bakewell

A day trip from Bakewell offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Bakewell provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Arbor Low

Arbor Low Stone Circle Interior View Of Stones
CC BY-SA 4.0 / AndyScott
Arbor Low is one of the top attractions in Monyash for travellers fascinated by ancient landscapes and prehistoric mysteries. Often called the Peak District Stonehenge, this impressive henge-and-stone-circle complex stands on a windswept limestone plateau, offering both archaeological intrigue and sweeping countryside views. Its earthworks, limestone blocks, and Bronze Age barrows create an atmospheric site that feels unchanged for millennia.…
Location: Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow, Long Rake, Monyash, Derbyshire, UK | Hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. | Price: Access through private land, for which the owner issues £1 charge per person. | Website | Distance: 7.7km
Visiting Arbor Low

Buxton

Buxton The Crescent Seen Through Gardens
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mr Eugene Birchall
Buxton takes great pride in its enchanting 10-hectare park, which was established on the banks of the Wye River in 1871 and skillfully designed by the prolific landscape architect Edward Milner. The park exudes the grandeur of the Victorian era, with its picturesque ornamental lakes, vibrant flowerbeds, majestic mature trees, winding pathways, and an elegant wrought iron bandstand. For children,…
Visiting Buxton
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Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

Ilam Hall
Attribution / Rob Bendall
Ilam Park is situated on the picturesque bank of the River Manifold, nestled amidst steep hills. It offers visitors the chance to explore a stunning formal Italian Garden, enjoy panoramic views of Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill, and take leisurely walks through enchanting ravine woodlands. Ilam Hall, which is under the management of the YHA, serves as a youth hostel,…
Location: Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak | Hours: Park: Daily 9am to 7pm | Price: Free | Distance: 18.0km
Visiting Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

Thor’s Cave

Thors Cave View
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Iankelsall1
Thor’s Cave is one of the top sights in Wetton, a spectacular natural cavern set high in a steep limestone crag overlooking the Manifold Valley. Its huge arched entrance, visible from the footpath below, has made it one of the most iconic geological features in the southern Peak District. But its appeal goes far beyond the dramatic setting. Thor’s Cave…
Location: Thor's Cave, Ashbourne, UK | Distance: 18.2km
Visiting Thor’s Cave

Throwley Old Hall, Calton

Throwley Old Hall
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Graham Hogg
Throwley Old Hall is one of the most atmospheric historic sites near Calton, set above the River Manifold in a secluded corner of north-east Staffordshire. Though now a ruin, this Grade II* listed building and scheduled monument remains an impressive example of early 16th-century architecture, with gables, mullioned windows, and a three-storey tower that hint at its former grandeur. Its…
Location: Throwley Old Hall, Farwall Lane, Ashbourne, UK | Website | Distance: 19.4km
Visiting Throwley Old Hall, Calton

Manifold Way

Manifold Valley Visitor Centre
CC BY-SA 2.0 / David Smith
The Manifold Way is one of the top sights in the Peak District, a tranquil 8-mile traffic-free route that follows the old Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway through some of the area’s most dramatic limestone scenery. Often enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and families alike, it offers an easy, scenic journey past historic remnants, ancient caves, and charming riverside spots.…
Visiting Manifold Way

Sheffield

Sheffield Town Hall
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tim Green
Sheffield is a vibrant city in the Yorkshire and the Humber region known for its blend of urban culture and green spaces. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions from modern shopping districts and lively markets to a thriving arts scene with theatres, galleries, and live music venues. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with…
Visiting Sheffield

Derby

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
CC BY-SA 2.0 / David Hallam-Jones
Derby, located in the East Midlands of England, offers a balanced mix of city amenities and access to some of the country’s finest countryside. Compact and walkable, the city centre is filled with pedestrianised streets, independent shops, cafés, and cultural venues. At the heart of it all is the Derby Cathedral Quarter, a charming area of cobbled lanes and hidden…
Visiting Derby

Stoke on Trent

Trentham Gardens Stoke On Trent
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel
Stoke-on-Trent, located in the heart of Staffordshire in the West Midlands, is a vibrant city known for its rich industrial heritage and strong cultural identity. Visitors to Stoke-on-Trent can explore a unique blend of urban life and green spaces, with plenty of museums, galleries, and parks to enjoy. The city is famous for its pottery industry, which has shaped much…
Visiting Stoke on Trent

Nottingham

Robin Hood Nottingham
Situated on the north bank of the River Trent, Nottingham is the county town of Nottinghamshire and encompasses a series of hills. With a rich history as a trading centre and manufacturing hub, the city has gained renown for its exquisite lace production. In recent years, Nottingham has transformed into a thriving cultural destination, offering a wealth of attractions. Visitors…
Visiting Nottingham
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Manchester

Manchester
Manchester, in the heart of North West England, is a dynamic city known for its creativity, music, and sport. Whether you're walking through the Northern Quarter with its independent boutiques and graffiti-covered walls or relaxing in leafy suburbs like Didsbury, there’s a clear sense of character throughout the city. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate, but the experiences…
Visiting Manchester
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Leeds

Leeds
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Andrew Abbott
Leeds, set in the heart of West Yorkshire, offers a dynamic mix of culture, shopping, and green spaces that makes it a rewarding destination for a city break or a longer stay. Its thriving city centre is packed with Victorian arcades, contemporary shopping centres like Trinity Leeds, and a food scene that ranges from global street food to upscale dining.…
Visiting Leeds
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Leicester

Leicester Clock Tower
CC BY-SA 3.0 / NotFromUtrecht
Leicester, located in the heart of England’s East Midlands, is a lively and culturally diverse city that's perfect for a short visit or weekend break. Its central location makes it easily accessible by train or car, and it serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside of Leicestershire. The city centre offers a mix of modern shopping, dining,…
Visiting Leicester
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Lincoln

Lincoln Market Square And Cathedral
Visiting Lincoln offers a charming experience in the heart of the East Midlands. The city is known for its stunning medieval architecture and compact city centre, making it easy to explore on foot. Lincoln’s cathedral, one of the finest in England, dominates the skyline and is a must-see for any visitor. Alongside the cathedral, the historic castle grounds provide beautiful…
Visiting Lincoln

Wolverhampton

England Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, situated in the West Midlands region, is a dynamic city offering a blend of culture, green spaces, and urban energy. The city centre is compact and easy to navigate, with pedestrianised shopping areas, galleries, and theatres all within walking distance. One of the highlights is the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, which features a broad collection of fine and contemporary art…
Visiting Wolverhampton

Where to Stay in Bakewell

Bakewell’s town centre is a popular area for visitors who want to be close to the charming shops, cafes, and the famous Bakewell Pudding sellers. Staying here puts you within easy walking distance of the river and the historic market square. For example, The Rutland Arms Hotel offers classic comfort with a traditional feel, right in the heart of the town. This area suits those looking to soak up Bakewell’s village atmosphere and enjoy local eateries on foot.

For a more peaceful and scenic stay, many visitors choose accommodations on the outskirts of Bakewell, close to the Peak District National Park. This area is ideal for walkers and nature lovers wanting quick access to countryside trails and stunning views. Hodgkinson’s Hotel is a cozy option slightly out of the centre, providing a quieter environment while still being a short drive or stroll into town.

If you prefer a countryside retreat with character, the surrounding villages and hamlets near Bakewell offer charming bed and breakfasts and boutique guesthouses. These locations provide a tranquil escape surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. For example, Cedar House is known for its warm hospitality and scenic setting. Staying here is perfect for visitors looking to unwind in a rural setting while still being within a short drive of Bakewell’s amenities.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Bakewell. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Bakewell Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Bakewell

Visiting Bakewell in Spring

Spring in Bakewell is vibrant with blooming flowers and mild weather. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside.

Visiting Bakewell in Summer

Summer brings warm temperatures and numerous festivals. It’s perfect for enjoying riverside walks, visiting gardens, and participating in local events.

Visiting Bakewell in Autumn

Autumn offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures. It’s a great time for scenic drives and exploring historical sites without the summer crowds.

Visiting Bakewell in Winter

Winter transforms Bakewell into a cozy retreat with festive decorations and winter markets. It’s an excellent time to experience the town’s holiday spirit and indoor attractions.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 5°C
  • February 7°C
  • March 9°C
  • April 13°C
  • May 15°C
  • June 18°C
  • July 20°C
  • August 19°C
  • September 16°C
  • October 12°C
  • November 9°C
  • December 8°C

How to get to Bakewell

Traveling to Bakewell by Car

Driving to Bakewell is convenient, with well-maintained roads connecting the town to major cities like Sheffield and Manchester.

Traveling to Bakewell by Train

The nearest railway station is in Matlock, about 8 miles from Bakewell. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the town.

Traveling to Bakewell by Bus

Regular bus services operate from nearby towns and cities to Bakewell, making it accessible by public transportation.

Traveling to Bakewell by Air

The nearest airports are Manchester and East Midlands. From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to reach Bakewell.

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