Bakewell: The Complete Guide

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!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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

Public Domain / Tony Grist

Very little of Medieval Bakewell remains today, making the preservation of the five-arched bridge over the Wye all the more significant. Constructed using ashlar sandstone, this remarkable bridge, designated as a Grade I-listed structure, is believed to have been built around the early 14th century. It showcases Gothic pointed arches and triangular cutwaters that extend […]

---

Location: Bakewell Bridge, Bridge Street, Bakewell, UK | Distance: 0.2km

---

Visiting Bakewell Bridge

All Saints' Church, Bakewell

CC BY-SA 4.0 / AndyScott

Under the pressures of invasions, the Christian faith waned, but it was reintroduced to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia in the late 7th century by missionary bishops who established minster churches. Among them was Bakewell. Within the churchyard, you can find two Anglo-Saxon stone crosses adorned with intricate carvings. Additionally, the porch proudly displays numerous […]

---

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: 0.3km

---

Visiting All Saints' Church, Bakewell

Old House Museum, Bakewell

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Elisa.rolle

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Bakewell’s medieval church, you’ll find the Old House Museum—an extraordinary testament to local heritage. Dating back to 1534, it holds the distinction of being the oldest house in Bakewell and has been meticulously preserved as a captivating museum. Step inside and explore the ten rooms that are open […]

---

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: 0.3km

---

Visiting Old House Museum, Bakewell

Thornbridge Hall Gardens

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Natalie-S

Thornbridge Hall, a Grade II listed stately home nestled amidst the picturesque hills of the Peak District, is a true gem. Spread over 100 acres of breathtaking parkland, it serves as the private residence of Jim and Emma Harrison, and has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Today, it is renowned as one of […]

---

Location: Thornbridge Hall, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, UK | Hours: Daily 10:00 - 16:00 | Price: Gardens: £5.60 House: £12.00 | Website | Distance: 2.4km

---

Visiting Thornbridge Hall Gardens

Haddon Hall

Attribution / Rob Bendall

Haddon Hall, located a couple of miles from the center of Bakewell, is a magnificent country house that was constructed in stages from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Once a residence for the Dukes of Rutland, it is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional surviving medieval manor houses in the UK. Remarkably, […]

---

Location: Haddon Hall, Bakewell, UK | Distance: 2.9km

---

Visiting Haddon Hall

Monsal Trail

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel

The Monsal Trail offers a scenic and car-free path for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and wheelchair users to explore the breathtaking limestone dales of the Peak District. Stretching 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell, the trail follows the former Midland Railway line. In 1981, most sections of the […]

---

Visiting Monsal Trail

Magpie Mine, Sheldon

CC BY-SA 4.0 / AndyScott

Located near the village of Sheldon in Derbyshire, England, within the parish of Ashford in the Water, Magpie Mine stands as an exceptionally preserved disused lead mine. It forms part of a walled enclosure comprising five lead mines, namely Magpie Mine, Dirty Red Soil, Great Red Soil, Maypit, and Horsesteps, which collectively hold the status […]

---

Location: Magpie Mine, Bakewell, UK | Distance: 4.5km

---

Visiting Magpie Mine, Sheldon

Arbor Low

CC BY-SA 4.0 / AndyScott

Arbor Low, often referred to as the “Peak District Stonehenge,” is hailed as the finest henge monument in northern England. The site consists of a henge monument with an added stone circle. The outer bank of the henge forms a roughly circular shape, measuring approximately 259 x 246 feet in diameter. Enclosed within the henge […]

---

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

Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

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, […]

---

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

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Iankelsall1

Just beyond the village of Wetton in the Staffordshire Peak District lies the impressive Thor’s Cave, a natural cavern nestled within a steep limestone crag. Its grand arched entrance is easily visible and accessible from the footpath below. Thor’s Cave has provided evidence of human habitation dating back to the later Stone Age, approximately 11,000 […]

---

Location: Thor's Cave, Ashbourne, UK | Distance: 18.2km

---

Visiting Thor’s Cave

Throwley Old Hall

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Graham Hogg

Throwley Old Hall, located near the village of Calton and alongside the River Manifold in north-east Staffordshire, England, is a historic stately home in a state of ruin. It holds the distinction of being a Grade II* listed building and a scheduled monument. Currently, the estate is privately owned. The house, positioned in a north-east/south-west […]

---

Location: Throwley Old Hall, Farwall Lane, Ashbourne, UK | Website | Distance: 19.4km

---

Visiting Throwley Old Hall

Manifold Way

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Martin Spamer

The Manifold Way, also known as the Manifold Track, should not be confused with the longer Manifold Trail, which is a 23-mile walking route stretching from Dovedale to the village of Flash. While the Manifold Way and the Manifold Trail share some sections of the route, the Manifold Trail is not legally accessible for cyclists […]

---

Visiting Manifold Way