Bakewell is a historical market town located in the beautiful and picturesque Peak District are of the upper midlands in England. The Peak District refers to a wide, undefined area of land that straddles several counties and features several towns such as Chatsworth, Tideswell and Buxton. The Peak District lies mainly in Derbyshire and is just a short distance from major northern cities such as Manchester and Sheffield. Bakewell is a popular town in the Peak District and is perhaps most well-known to a certain cake that originated in the town – more on that later! Bakewell is a renowned weekend destination and its proximity to many major cities and roads make it the ideal place for a holiday! Keep reading to find out what there is to see and do in Bakewell!
Where to stay
Bakewell is a popular tourist destination and throughout the town you’ll find bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday cottages and hotels to suit all budgets and needs. Be sure to take a look at Wimdu’s selection of accommodation in the Peak District – we have cosy holiday cottages that are perfect for walkers, guest rooms and family accommodation in Bakewell. Find you ideal accommodation on Wimdu today!Fun Facts
- The name Bakewell comes from the Anglo-Saxon name for the town – Badecanwylla!
- 2 million people visit Bakewell and the surrounding area every year!
- At one point Bakewell was going to be a spa town but the water was deemed too cold for it to be possible!
- The Emperor Fountain at Chatsworth House located close to Bakewell is the tallest fountain in Britain!
What to see and do in Bakewell
Bakewell is a typical Peak District stone town with many impressive buildings made from the local limestone. It’s worth taking a wander around the compact town centre to admire the cobbled streets, riverside path and winding passages. Bakewell is home to a market which has been operating in the town since 1330 – if you’re in Bakewell on a Monday then take a look at some of the excellent market stalls selling a range of products such as local fruit and vegetables and craft items. The All Saints church in Bakewell is worth a look around and the 11th century interior and stone carvings gives you a taste of what it was like to live in Bakewell in times gone by. The Famous Bakewell Tart
Did you know that the world famous Bakewell Tart was first made in Bakewell? For those unfamiliar, the Bakewell Tart (or pudding as it’s known in Bakewell) is jam pastry with an egg and almond flavoured filling. It was actually made by accident (according to legend) when a cook in the Rutland Arms Hotel in 1820 when a mistake led to the famous pastry with custard and jam layers being created. You can find authentic versions of the cake in many cafes and restaurants that line the streets of Bakewell town centre – you’ve never tasted proper Bakewell Tart until you’ve visited Bakewell! The famous pudding can be found up and down the country but to taste it in its hometown is an experience in itself! The Peak District
The Peak District is a beautiful and special part of the UK, full of rolling dales, rocky valleys and streams and rivers. It’s the perfect place for outdoor activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, walking and cycling and people come from all over the UK to explore the Peak District! The area also attracts people interested in flora and fauna and the limestone dales are perfectly suited for many rare plants to grow in. There are many footpaths and bridle paths crisscrossing the landscape and on a sunny day there is no place more beautiful than the Peaks! The Peaks is not all about the amazing countryside – there are lots of amazing towns too! Check out the Georgian spa town of Buxton, the Norman castle in Castleton, Chatsworth (home to the famous stately home Chatsworth House) and Eyam – famous due to its history with the Black Death plague. Chatsworth House is certainly a place that everyone visiting the Peak District should visit. This 17th century stately home is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and the grounds and home are open to the public. Getting Around
On weekends there are many buses connecting nearby Sheffield with Bakewell and the half an hour journey flies by as you travel through some of the north of England’s most beautiful landscape! Buses leave from Sheffield city centre and from Eccleshall Road. It is also possible to cycle to Bakewell from Sheffield but be careful – the road to Bakewell is busy and also quite hilly! Bakewell lies on the A6 road and is easily accessible from Chesterfield and Manchester too. Parking in the town isn’t a problem and the best place to leave your car is at the Bakewell Showground which is located over the river. In the town centre there are two short-stay car parks too. 
