This town in Derbyshire is one of the Peak District’s most beloved destinations, boasting the famous desserts in which it shares its name and spectacular walking trails with historic attractions
Arguably the most beloved Peak District village – and rightly so – this spot boasts all the appeal of regional specialities, breathtaking rambles and stately homes.
As part of the Peak District National Park, Bakewell is a destination flocked to by visitors eager to explore its local sights and sample the delectable confections for which it’s renowned. That is, naturally, the ultimate pair, the Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart, available throughout numerous bakeries in the vicinity, with many boasting they possess the authentic recipe.
Places you can visit and sample the regional delights include The Bakewell Tart Shop and Coffee House, Fountain View Bakery, Cornish Bakery and even The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. A recent patron, who sampled the celebrated puddings at the original establishment, said: “This establishment was a high-priority visit for us whilst we were staying in the Peak District, as my partner loves Bakewell tarts.
“We were so excited to find it and were impressed by how many items were in the store available to buy.” Scrumptious delicacies aside, the village is a sought-after location, for it sits within easy reach of numerous heritage structures and hiking routes.
Most notably, the magnificent Monsal Trail provides stunning vistas of an old abandoned railway viaduct. Indeed, it ranks as the highest-rated attraction in the region, according to TripAdvisor reviews. One visitor who completed the walk said “The views are just incredible with a lovely mix of scenery. You can start off at the pub and enjoy the views of the viaduct.
“Walk down the trail and capture the scenery of the valley from the top of the viaduct. Then follow down into the valley and wander across the trail down towards the weir.”
Beyond this, holidaymakers are enticed to discover the estate of Chatsworth House and, naturally, take a glimpse inside the magnificent structures, brimming with heritage. The grand residence boasts 25 chambers to discover, from impressive galleries to formal apartments and a stunning decorated hall, as you reveal the past of the renowned family that previously resided there.
As one of Derbyshire’s most splendid manor houses, Chatsworth presents countless occasions and pursuits throughout the year that are worth monitoring, including the Chatsworth Christmas Market. A recent delighted visitor penned: “We visited Chatsworth House to see the Christmas experience and were delighted with how magnificent this place is.”
They went on to add: “The house is spectacular, and the Christmas decorations just added to the magic of this beautiful place. The grounds are also incredible. I wish that I had allowed more time and seen more of the garden during the day.”
Bakewell, a tranquil town nestled along the River Wye and approximately 15 miles from Sheffield, is the largest settlement within the National Park. Believed to have been established during the Anglo-Saxon era, it now houses around 3,695 residents, as recorded in 2019.
