Historical church visitsNestled on the banks of the River Wye is Bakewell, the only market town in the Peak District.
The town is scattered with picturesque courtyards, gardens and independent shops, and has become one of the most popular places to visit in the Peak District. The dessert for which Bakewell is most famous was in fact created by mistake in the 19th century, when a chef at the Rutland Arms misunderstood a jam tart recipe and inadvertently created the Bakewell Pudding. A visit to Bakewell is incomplete without sampling this renowned confection, which is widely sold in the town’s shops and cafes. There is also an excellent farmers’ market which sells a variety of cheese, meat and fresh vegetables from some of the Peak District’s best producers. The countryside surrounding Bakewell is beautifully unspoilt. Hiking, cycling, swimming and a range of other invigorating outdoor pursuits are easily accessible from Bakewell.
The exact recipe for the town’s famous dessert is kept a closely guarded secret by The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, which produces them at an incredible rate and sells them, not only to visitors, but all over the world too. The shop also offers a unique Pudding Making Experience which gives visitors the chance to bake and take home their own pudding, without giving them the whole recipe, of course.
Magical walks alongside the riverFor a glimpse into the area’s fascinating history, make a trip to Bakewell Old House Museum, where you can discover what life in Derbyshire was like for the Victorians and Tudors. The museum contains some remarkable artefacts including a rare Victorian toilet and dressing up box.
There are a number of historical sites in the countryside surrounding Bakewell. One of the best is Haddon Hall, a medieval and Tudor manor house where you can explore a medieval kitchen and the magnificent Long Gallery. Haddon Hall appears in a number of films and TV shows including The Other Boleyn Girl, Pride and Prejudice and three versions of Jane Eyre.
“Nestled on the banks of the River Wye is Bakewell, the only market town in the Peak District.”
There’s a good variety of welcoming cafes, pubs and restaurants in Bakewell, and the town’s famous pudding is far from the only dish on offer. For a pint of ale and a plate of traditional, wholesome food, try The Peacock. Another popular pub is the Ashford Arms, by the river, a couple of miles from the town centre. For fresh and delicious dishes made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, try Piedaniel’s.
Nearby visitors can take advantage of the numerous Peak District attractions and local villages and towns, why not pay a visit to Buxton or Matlock, two other very popular destinations.