Search: Bakewell holiday accommodation

BAKEWELL - 'ancient capital of the Peak...'
World famous Puddings, Annual Shows, thriving economy and packed with attractions and interest for both holidaymakers and locals alike - Bakewell is a 'must see' town at the geographical (and spiritual) heart of the Peak District National Park. Let's Stay PEAK DISTRICT invites you on a tour of this delightful settlement...

WHERE IS BAKEWELL?
From the M1: take junction 29, then A617 to Chesterfield, A619 Chatsworth Road to Baslow. At roundabout take first exit, turn right, and follow A619 into Bakewell.

From Derby: head north towards Little Eaton, take the A38 to Ripley, follow A610 to Ambergate, then join A6 northbound towards Matlock, Rowsley and then Bakewell.

From Manchester: take the A6 Buxton Road through Chapel en le Frith, at roundabout take first exit, A623 to Sparrowpit and Peak Forest. Continue on A623 and bear right towards Wardlow at B6465. At Ashford-in-the-Water turn right briefly on to A6020, then left to rejoin the A6 towards Bakewell.

From Stoke-on-Trent: head north on the A53 towards Leek, continue on A53 through Buxton. Take first exit at roundabout, bear right and take second exit at next roundabout on to the A6. Follow A6 via Taddington to Bakewell.

By Bus: Numerous bus services pass through the town including Trans-Peak from Derby or Manchester; X18 or 240 from Sheffield or 170 from Chesterfield.

By Coach: The National Express 440 service between Manchester and London stops in Bakewell.

By Rail: The nearest railway stations are at Chesterfield, Buxton, Matlock or Grindleford.

Airport: The nearest airports are Manchester, Robin Hood Doncaster, Birmingham or Nottingham East Midlands.


BRIEF HISTORY OF BAKEWELL
Bakewell grew up around a cluster of thermal springs and wells that attracted Iron Age settlers and, in Anglo-Saxon times, gave the place its name.

FIVE ARCHED BRIDGE
The Romans had a station there and the town became established as a meeting and crossing point on the River Wye.
The three original fords were eventually superseded by bridges and two of these remain: the distinctive five-arched bridge, at around 800 years old one of the oldest in the country, and the old packhorse bridge further upstream.
In 924 Edward the Elder built a castle on the river banks – only a mound, known as Castle Hill, marks the spot today – and a century later the manor of Badequella merited a mention in the Domesday Book.

AGRICULTURAL SHOWS & WEEKLY MARKETS
Since then Bakewell has prospered as a market town, thanks to a charter granted in 1330 by King Edward III. For more than 600 years the farming community has flocked from miles around for the weekly sale of livestock, domestic goods and provisions. That tradition has evolved to embrace modern life – livestock sales now take place at the state-of-the-art Agricultural Business Centre, instead of in the market square. And it is currently enjoying something of a resurgence with the recent revival of monthly farmers’ markets.


THE MILLS
For many years sheep farming and lead mining were the town’s key employers, but the industrial revolution, propelled by improvements in communication and travel, brought new ventures including quarrying and cotton mills. The construction of Lumsford Mill by Richard Arkwright in 1777 eventually led to the rebuilding of much of the town.

THERMAL SPRINGS
In the late 17th century the Duke of Rutland spotted the potential of Bakewell’s thermal springs and built an elaborate bath house, with showers and pools, in a bid to establish the town as a spa. Sadly the water, at 15°C, was a touch chilly in comparison with rivals like Buxton and Matlock and the spa never really took off. But the remains can still be seen in Bath Gardens, where the bath house still stands and the water bubbles up through a fountain.


BAKEWELL PUDDING - NOT TARTS!
Bakewell’s greatest claim to fame is probably the Bakewell pudding (not, please note, a ‘tart’). This delicacy is said to have been invented by accident, when a cook at the White Horse inn – now the Rutland Arms – spread the egg mix on top of her strawberry tart instead of stirring it into the pastry. The resulting confection has made Bakewell a household name and there are at least two shops in town that claim to be the sole owner of the original recipe.

ANNUAL BAKEWELL SHOW
The town is also known for its annual Bakewell Show, a two-day agricultural bonanza and celebration of rural life which attracts around 60,000 visitors each August.


GEOGRAPHY OF BAKEWELL
Bakewell nestles at a crossroads in the heart of the Wye valley, where mellow carboniferous limestone to the south meets grey shale and rough gritstone edges to the north.

Considered to be part of the White Peak, it is built on sedimentary rock deposited 350 million years ago, when the land lay under a warm tropical sea. Today the town is nearly 400 feet above sea level, but it is by no means among the highest in the Peak District – parts of which rise to 2000 feet.

Bakewell owes its existence largely to the River Wye, on whose banks it stands. The river rises high on Axe Edge and flows down through Buxton and Bakewell before joining the River Derwent at Rowsley.
Its bedrock has also played an important part in the town’s fortunes, not only as a result of quarrying for limestone and gritstone, but also because of the rich deposits of minerals such as lead and chert found beneath the subsoil.


ATTRACTIONS IN BAKEWELL
Bakewell pudding and the popular agricultural show may be the things for which the town is best known. But there’s so much more to the capital of the Peak.
ALL SAINTS' CHURCH
The obvious starting place is the imposing All Saints’ Church with its unusual octagonal tower, commanding a bird’s-eye view of the town from its hillside perch. Parts of the cruciform building date back to Normal times and Saxon relics suggest even earlier origins. Look out for the richly-carved stump of a 9th century cross in the churchyard. Inside, the Vernon chapel is the last resting place of prominent family members including Dorothy Vernon and her husband, Sir John Manners, who were said to have eloped from nearby Haddon Hall.

OLD HOUSE MUSEUM
Behind the church is the Old House Museum (Cunningham Place), originally a 15th century parsonage, that was earmarked for demolition until being saved 50 years ago by the Bakewell Historical Society. With its blacksmith’s shop, millworker’s dwelling and wheelwright’s shop, it simply oozes atmosphere, bringing the past vividly to life.

KING STREET ALM HOUSES
Those who enjoy old buildings should take time to look at the town’s historic almshouses (King Street) – a classic sandstone terrace built by charity 300 years ago to give shelter to destitute townsfolk. The Grade 2 listed buildings are currently undergoing restoration and modernisation to provide ‘affordable housing’ for today’s residents.

OLD MARKET HALL
Also worth a visit is the Old Market Hall (Market Street), originally open sided and used variously as a wash house, dance hall and library before taking on its latest lease of life as tourist information centre.

OLD TOWN HALL
The Old Town Hall (King Street) has a similarly chequered history. Built in 1709, it has served as a buttermarket, courtroom, grammar school, working men’s club, fishmonger’s, antiques showroom and fire station and has recently become a country lifestyle store.

RIVERSIDE ATTRACTIONS & DUCKS!
The riverfront itself is a popular destination for visitors who want to feed the ducks, amble along the picturesque banks, or simply sit and watch the world go by. Nearby the recreation ground, with its children’s playground and tree-lined park, is the perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon. Or wander through Scots Garden, signposted from the bridge. This tranquil watermeadow was given to the town in the early 1930s though no-one can remember how it got its name.

HIDDEN TREASURES
Not all of Bakewell’s attractions are immediately obvious. Take the ‘pink building,’ tucked away behind the walls of a picturesque medieval courtyard. With its lopsided walls and latticed windows, the house (now a florist’s shop) has all the charm of a gingerbread cottage – and Kings Court is just one of many secluded squares to be discovered in the higgledy-piggledy backstreets of Bakewell. Somehow it captures the essence of the place with its mix of bistro, boutiques and historic picture-postcard appeal: a harmonious blend of old and new, guaranteed to intrigue and delight.


EVENTS IN BAKEWELL
BAKEWELL SHOW: The town is famous for its annual agricultural show – one of the largest in the region - which celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2005. Staged on its own 32-acre showground in the town centre, on the first Wednesday and Thursday of every August, the event attracts thousands of entries in hundreds of classes for cattle, sheep, dogs, goats, pigeons, poultry, floral art, horticulture and crafts. Other attractions include fairground rides, bands, centre ring entertainment, a food hall and hundreds of trade stands. ...more on the Bakewell Show

BAKEWELL ARTS FESTIVAL: This event returned in 2006 following a ‘fallow’ year when enthusiasts feared it had disappeared. Taking place the weekend following Bakewell Show, it features theatre, music, dance, poetry film and workshops, staged at various venues around the town.

BAKEWELL WELL DRESSINGS: The fact that many of the town’s original springs have disappeared does not deter locals from ‘dressing’ their remaining wells each summer. Taking place in the last week in June, the well-dressing festival is a highlight of the local calendar. This Derbyshire tradition involves pressing petals, seeds and bark into panels of wet clay to form intricate pictures and designs.

BAKEWELL CARNIVAL: Well dressing week ends at the beginning of July with the town’s annual gala. This starts with a procession of floats and bands through the main streets and culminates with a fete in the Recreation Ground. Other events include Jack Russell racing, a raft race and a wheelbarrow race around the town’s pubs.


ACTIVITIES IN BAKEWELL
The only major town in the Peak District National Park, Bakewell makes the perfect base from which to enjoy a whole host of outdoor activities.
Walking: Dozens of walks are centred around the town, ranging from flat paths alongside the river or the Monsal Trail, for those who want an easy stroll, to more taxing routes around the surrounding hills and dales if you want a challenge. Click HERE for an introduction to John Merrill's White Peak Challenge walk (25 miles)

Biking: There are miles of country lanes and bridleways to explore, as well as four miles of well-surfaced track along the Monsal Trail where the local cycle hire centre is based. Details: Bakewell Cycle Hire 01629 814004; Peak Cycle Hire 01629 823204; Peak District Cycle Hire 01335 348603

Climbing: The gritstone edges north of Bakewell have become a mecca for rock climbers, offering everything from beginners’ routes to E10 classics. The White Peak provides a different climbing experience, with its steeper rock faces offering fewer cracks.

Golf: Bakewell Golf Club, founded in 1899, is a testing 9-hole/18-tee course running along the hillside to the east of the town.Visitors are welcome; green fees are £16 during the week, £21 at weekends. Tel: 01629 812307

Equestrian: The nearest riding centre is Haddon House Stud at Over Haddon, a couple of miles outside Bakewell. Tel: 01629 813723

Outdoor activities: A full range of activities aimed specifically at groups is available at the Thornbridge Outdoor Centre Tel: 01629 640491


WINING & DINING IN BAKEWELL
Bakewell pudding is a ‘must’ for any visitor but there is much more on offer for avid foodies...
Gourmets will be thrilled to discover Renaissance (Bath Street), a French-style bistro and restaurant run by respected chef Eric Piedaniel.

There is also Prospect bistro (Bridge Street) offering classic English food with a modern twist.

For the multi-cultural experience, there’s a choice of Indian (Harley’s Borivli or Max’s), Chinese (Bamboo Cottage), Italian (Ricci’s) or even Austrian (Tiroler Stuberl coffee shop where apfelstrudel and weiner schnitzel are available alongside its Bakewell puddings), as well as the Bakewell Fish and Chip shop.

There’s no shortage of pubs, with a choice of at least seven around the town centre, including the Rutland Arms (where Jane Austen is said to have stayed), the Red Lion, the Peacock, the Wheatsheaf, the Queen’s Arms, the Castle Inn and the Manners Hotel.

If it’s a cafe you’re after, try JC’s in the picturesque Kings Court yard; Treeline with its craft gallery and al fresco tables; Lloyds deli and tea shop in Hebden Court; or a whole clutch of Bakewell Pudding shops - choose from the Old Original, the Pudding Parlour or Bloomers.

The most recent addition to the town’s culinary experience is Felicini, an Italian-style eaterie & bar which has taken over the Old Marble Works, overlooking Bakewell Bridge. It’s worth dropping in, if only to see the water rushing down the old mill race beneath a glass floor in the bar.
Tuesday May 22nd 2007 update Just back from an enjoyable meal at Felicini's. Plate of dressed, mixed olives followed by La Reine Pizza + Wild Mushroom Risotto + side orders of roast vegetables and rocket with parmesan/balsamic. Large glass of white wine (Trebbiano) + large bottle (66ml) of absolutely gorgeous Italian beer (Messina). Cost: £35 (ex tip). Very pleasant atmoshere / smart casual / relaxed ambience. Ed
Felicini - restaurant bar italia Marble Works, Coombs Rd, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AQ - Tel: 01629 813813.


SHOPPING IN BAKEWELL
Bakewell is renowned for its intriguing variety of independent stores and boutiques. It’s the kind of place that puts the average shopping centre to shame.
You won’t find rows of lack-lustre chain stores here, nor those predictable, run-of-the-high-street regulars. Instead, tucked away in the back streets and clustered around quaint courtyards, is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of old curiosity shops, galleries and specialist outlets.
There’s something for everyone, from original artwork and stylish accessories to hand-crafted jewellery and designer fashions.
Locals mourn the demise of Skidmore’s, until this year renowned for its fresh gamebirds, which hung from the shopfront. But new additions include the Original Farmers’ Market Shop (Market Street) – a foodies’ heaven with its amazing range of chutneys, oils, herbs, bread, locally-grown tree quince, more than 12 different kinds of flour and a stock of meats that includes wild hare, mallard, rattlesnake and even crocodile - presumably not locally sourced.
Camping and outdoor shops abound, as do antiques specialists and interior design stores, but it is the independents which pull in the visitors. Check out the Wee Dram whisky specialist, Bakewell Music Shop, the Stamp Shop, the Fly Fishing Shop and Bakewell Bookshop.


NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & TOWNS

As the Peak District's unofficial capital, Bakewell is well placed as a base for numerous beauty spots and tourist attractions including:
Chatsworth House and Farm Shop
Haddon Hall
The plague village of Eyam
Gulliver’s Kingdom and Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath
Peak Rail steam trains
Crich Tramway Village | Wirksworth Heritage Centre | Peveril Castle & more


TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Information Centre:
Old Market Hall, Bridge Street Tel: 01629 816 558

Parking:
Plenty of parking available around the Agricultural Business Centre, Coombs Road, Market Street and Granby Road – around £1.20 for a couple of hours.

Public toilets:
Agricultural Business Centre
Recreation Ground
Granby Road

Churches:
All Saints’ Parish Church, Church Lane
Bakewell Methodist Church, Matlock Street
Friends' Meeting House, Chapel Row, Matlock Street
Roman Catholic Church, Matlock Street

Taxis:
Neil Chapman Private Car Hire, Bakewell Tel: 01629 812454
Derek Lawton Private Car Hire, Bakewell Tel: 01629 813774
Downing Taxis, Bakewell Tel: 01629 812894

Doctor:
Medical Centre, Butts Road, Bakewell Tel: 01629 812871


MORE BAKEWELL CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOMED - writers, bloggers & more made very welcome!
Do you have an interest in Bakewell? Would you like to contribute to this page and gain free publicity for your organisation or business? Would you like to add details of any walks, or any special items that would be of interest to visitors & holidaymakers? Are you interested in blogging about Bakewell? Then please call Mike Cummins on 01629 640 640 - and help us continue to make this the best page on the internet about Bakewell. Or email if you prefer - info@peakdistrict-nationalpark.com


ACCOMMODATION IN BAKEWELL
For Bakewell holiday accommodation listings including Bakewell hotels, Bakewell holiday cottages, Bakewell b&b & more - please click here
Do you own holiday accommodation (or a tourist related business - restaurant, cafe, pub, shop etc) in Bakewell that's not yet listed? Interested in advertising with us? Advertising costs from as little as £49 per year. Please call Let's Stay Peak District on 01629 640640

EXTERNAL LINKS
Links to trusted websites with more useful information about Bakewell:
- CRESSBROOK website article on Bakewell
- Derbyshire UK features Bakewell


Copyright - Let's Stay Peak District - 2007.
This professionally written and extensively researched article on Bakewell is protected by copyright. Any infringement of our legal rights will be vigorously pursued. Permission must be granted prior to the publication of any part of this article. Please call Let's Stay Peak District on 01629 640640 or email info@peakdistrict-nationalpark.com.

Linking to this article from another website is allowed - please add a link to this page behind the following 'anchor text' -

'For more useful and current information about Bakewell - check out the extensive 'Bakewell - holiday, accommodation and visitor guide' - published by Let's Stay Peak District.