Bakewell in Derbyshire and the Peak District
Bakewell accommodation and information guide
Bakewell in Derbyshire and the Peak District , is a beautiful, small, market town situated on the River Wye which is crossed by a 13th century 5 arched bridge still open to traffic. The bridge had been widened in the 19th century. Bakewell attracts many tourists both local and from abroad to the large town centre which is busy all year round with plenty of attractions including gardens, pubs, coffee shops,
and numerous shops selling books, clothes and gifts.
Bakewell was mentioned in the Domeday book as having a church and 2 priests signifying its importance even then. In 1502 Bakewell was owned by the Vernon family and passed on to the Manners family in 1567 when Dorothy Vernon married John Manners. Their son, Sir George Manners married Grace Pierrepont who in 1637 founded the grammer school, Lady Manners School. Monuments to the Vernon family can be found in the All Saints Parish Church which stands in a commanding position on the hillside where the town started.
Bakewell's All Saints Parish Church is broad and low and has an octagonal tower with a graceful spire. The bulk of the church as it stands now dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, though there are many fragments of Saxon and Norman Stonework to be found. It was considerably restored in the 19th century, when the nave was rebuilt.
The south transept holds the Vernon Chapel with monuments to Vernon and Manners families, including splendid ones to John Manners and Dorothy Vernon, and Sir George Manners, father of the 8th Earl of Rutland , and his wife Grace. There is also a remarkable monument to Sir Godfrey Foljambe and his wife, in the south aisle, dated about 1377 and set in alabaster with coats of arms above. Outside the church is the remains of a Saxon Cross.
The Rutland Arms Hotel in the centre of Bakewell replaced the White Horse Inn, which together with some other buildings was demolished in 1805 to form Rutland Square. It was built to cater for coach travellers and in 1818 as many as 600 travellers passed through the town. The Hotel has a literary connection in that Jane Austin is reputed to have stayed at the hotel whilst writing Pride and Predudice. Bakewell has been identified as Lambton.
The famous Bakewell pudding was also invented accidentally at the Hotel, when a cook misinterpreted instructions and poured egg mixture over the jam instead of mixing it in the pastry and what should have been a tart was now a pudding. Bakewell puddings can be bought at several shops and coffee houses in the town centre.
In 1826 Bakewell cattle market was moved from the present Rutland Terrace to the market place to enable coaches to pass through the town centre without delay. A new Agricultural Business Centre across the river now incorporates the livestock market but there are still stall markets held here every Monday. Horse sales also use to take place in front of the Castle Hotel but finished at the time of world war 1. A medium sized stall market is held in the town centre.
Bakewell tourist information centre is housed in the Old Market Hall. The lower part of this building had been open and the upper part a closed room. The upper floor was removed in 1858 and the gaps in the lower part filled in. It has been in constant use by the community as the town hall, wash house, school, magistrates court and library over the years.
Bakewell old town hall built in 1709 is situated in King Street. It is now an antiques shop but between 1826 and 1874 it was occupied by Lady Manners School. In later years it has been used as a fish and game shop and the upper floor was used by the local Working mens club from 1885 until 1964.
Behind the Old Town Hall in Bakewell are the Almshouses of St John's Hospital also dating from 1709.
In 1697 the Duke of Rutland built the Bath House in Bath Gardens, over the bath, with is fed by warm spa waters, in an attempt to rivel Buxton as a health resort. The pool was later rebuilt and exists in the cellar of Haig house which presently houses the British Legion social club.
Well Dressing and carnival events take place in the week up to the first saturday in July which is carnival day.
The Bakewell Show takes place on the first wednesday and thursday of August on land adjoining the Agricultural Centre. The first local show took place in 1819. It is now a major agricultural and horticultural event with all sorts of animals being shown along with show jumping and exhibitions of local crafts and produce.
Lumford Mill was established in 1777 by Sir Richard Arkwright for the purpose of cotton spinning. He also bult new houses and converted a house in Cunningham Place, which sits behind the church and dates from early Tudor times, into 5 dwellings for his mill workers. This house was restored by the Bakewell Historical Society in 1955 and is now known as Old House Museum. The museum houses 14 beamed rooms including a drapers shop, a Victorian kitchen, a wheelwright and a smithy. Other rooms have Ashford Marble, lace, toys, china and photographs. It is open from the 1st of April until the end of October from 1-30pm to 4-oopm( 11.00am in July and August). Guides are always at hand to answer questions and the museum also organizes talks and visits. Tel 01629 813165 for more information.
The Castle Inn on Castle Street, previously called the Commercial and Castle, is a 16th century inn by Bakewell's medieval bridge which entertained a regular horse market for over 100 years. It's three garages were formally stables and the present stone flagged floor and wooden beams give the pub a warm and cosy feeling. The Peacock near the Tourist Information Centre was built in the 19th century. The peacock is the family crest of the Manners family ( the Dukes of Rutland) of Haddon Hall. The Red Lion situated in The Square, is thought to originally have been a timber framed 16th century inn.
Villages near Bakewell include the very pretty Ashford-in-the-Water, Over Haddon, Sheldon, Elton, Great Longstone, Monyash , Rowsley, Pilsley and Youlgrave. Bakewell is only a short drive from many interesting county houses including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Bakewell also makes for an ideal base for walking some of the beautiful dales in the area including Mondal Dale and Millers Dale.
For information on where to eat and drink in Bakewell see Bakewell Food and Drink
The 183rd Bakewell Show takes place on 7th & 8th August 2013
Well Dressing in Bakewell runs from Sat 29 Jun to Sun 7 Jul 2013
Bakewell Tourist Information
How to get to Bakewell
By bus: The Trans Peak bus operates an hourly service to and from Derby, Nottingham, Matlock and Buxton, with a two hourly service to Manchester. The 6.1 service also runs hourly from Derby and Matlock. The 170 service runs hourly to and from Chesterfield, and the 240 and 218 operates to and from Sheffield. Bus times can be found in the Peak District Bus Timetable, published in March and October. It is available from any Tourist Information Centre in the area or you can order the Peak District bus timetable online.. Alternatively, you can use the East Midlands online journey planner or view an interactive map of Peak District bus routes.
By railway: The nearest stations to Bakewell are at Matlock, Chesterfield or Buxton, each having regular, frequent bus services to the town. For information on train times and fares on all these routes, you can call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
By road: The best exit points from the motorways are:
From the M1 - exit 29 to A617 westbound and then A619
Northbound on M6 - exit 14 to A34 and then on to the A520
Southbound on M6/M56/M60 - exit 27 on to the M60 and then on to the A6
From the north (Sheffield) take the A621 then A619 into Bakewell
From the south (Derby/Matlock) take the A6 into Bakewell
From the east (M1/Sheffield/Chesterfield) take the A619 into Bakewell
From the west (M6/Buxton) take the A6 into Bakewell
Bakewell visitor centre
Bakewell visitor centre is situated in the Old Market Hall on Bridge Street
Opening times
1 April until 31 October: 9:30am - 5:30pm
1 November until 31 March: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Telephone: 01629 816558
Fax: 01629 814782
Email: bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Car Parks in Bakewell
Granby Road car park Pay and display 124 spaces
Market Place car park Pay and display 61 spaces
New Street car park Pay and display 18 spaces
Agricultural Business Centre car park Pay and display 420 spaces
Public Toilets in Bakewell
Granby Road
Agricultural Business Centre
Recreation Ground
Doctors in Bakewell
Bakewell Medical Centre on Butts Road Tel 0844 477 3408
Website www.bakewellmedicalcentre.net
Hospital in Bakewell
Newholme Hospital
Baslow Road
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1AD
Tel: 01629 812525
Dentists in Bakewell
Diamond Court Dental Practice on Water Street Tel 01629 812991
Smiths Dental Surgery on Water Street Tel 01629 812066
Chemists in Bakewell
Lloyds Pharmacy Rutland Square, Bakewell
Tel 01629 813 215
Boots Unit 1 Spa Store, Granby Croft, Granby Road
Tel : 01629 812 043
Taxi in Bakewell
Neil Chapman Private Car Hire
Tel 01629 812454
Places to visit near Bakewell
Many nearby villages are worth a trip by bus or car or on foot, and most have a pub or tea shop in particular Ashford in the Water, Over Haddon, Monyash and Youlgreave.
Matlock is only 15 minutes by car, and buses are available.
Matlock Bath is just beyond Matlock and has many popular attractions including the Peak District Mining Museum, Gullivers Kingdom, Heights of Abraham.
Cromford is a mile beyond Matlock Bath and is the setting for Cromford Mill, the first large water-powered cotton spinning mill in the modern world. Also the Cromford Canal is a lovely waterway in a very rural setting.
Haddon Hall is only 5 minutes from Bakewell by car or an hours walk.
Chatsworth House is a little further but still easily accessible from Bakewell.
Near Chatsworth in Pilsley is Chatsworth Farm Shop, popular because of huge range of good fresh fruit, veg and meat. Includes a tea shop.
Cafes
Cafés include
The Bakewell Pudding Parlour,
The Bakewell Tart Shop & Coffee House ,
The Honey Bun Café and
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
Holiday Accommodation in Bakewell
Self Catering Holiday Cottages and B&B Guest House Accomodation in and around Bakewell
Barn Cottage, Bakewell - Self Catering - Barn Cottage is a beautiful detached barn conversion that has been awarded a 4 Star rating by the Visit Britain Quality in Tourism. It is full of charm and character and a perfect holiday destination for a discerning couple. Conveniently located in a quite back street close to the facilities of the charming Peak District market town of Bakewell. It is a pleasant five minute level stroll to the centre of town which offers excellent local amenities. It has vaulted ceilings with beams and modern facilites. There is private, off road parking, for one car on the owners courtyard in front of the cottage.
Sleeps 2
Read more at Barn Cottage, Bakewell
Burton Manor Farm Holiday Cottages -
Burton Manor Farm has six self-catering holiday cottages created out of converted former farm buildings, situated on a traditional working family farm near Over Haddon, Bakewell, in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
The cottages are equipped to a high standard and enjoy an elevated position offering exceptional views as well as providing an ideal base for visitors to the Peak District National Park.
Sleeps 2 - 8
Read more at Burton Manor Farm Holiday Cottages
Westmorland House B&B - Excellent four star accommodation and warm welcome waiting at this lovely B&B, a short level walk by park / riverside (5 minutes) to Bakewell town centre.
Two, clean and bright double en-suite bedrooms. A small seating area is located adjacent the entrance to enjoy the seasonal potted plants and flowers. One parking space per couple provided on drive. Read more at Westmorland House B&B
Wyedale House B&B - Situated in Bakewell a warm welcome awaits you at Wyedale Bed and Breakfast where David and Gill offer comfortable accommodation, along with a full English or vegetarian breakfast.
We offer a choice of three rooms all of which are tastefuly decorated and have en-suite facilities
Ashford Arms -The Ashford Arms offers good quality yet reasonably priced Bed and Breakfast accommodation at Ashford in the Water close to Bakewell, in the centre of the Peak District.
We have eight bedrooms each with en-suite bath or shower, washbasin and WC, tea and coffee making facilities, TV and radios. Read more at Ashford Arms
Haddon Grove Farm Cottages - A newly-renovated luxury farmhouse and 10 cottages with indoor heated swimming pool in 2 acres of landscaped grounds with fantastic views over Lathkill Dale and the surrounding countryside.
With space for over 50 people, Haddon Grove is perfect for families, groups and get-togethers as well as couples. Read more at Haddon Grove Farm Cottages
Bolehill Farm B&B Accommodation - Bolehill Farm B&B accommodation near Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District has some stunning views towards Lathkill Dale. B&B accommodation
Bolehill Farm Holiday Cottages - Self Catering Cottages - This charming collection of eight stone cottages sleeping from 2-5 is situated in a superb rural location in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Castle Cliffe Guest House at Monsal Head near Bakewell is set amidst the stunning scenery of the National Park, Castle Cliffe is an ideal base from which to explore the many sites and activities of The Peak District. See Castle Cliffe
Merman Barn is a converted limestone barn on the quiet outskirts of Tideswell, only a short walk from the village centre. There is private parking for up to 6 cars at the rear of the property and a walled garden in which guests can relax.
Merman barn is a high quality B&B where Linda and Andrew offer a warm welcome, good food, 3 en suite comfortable rooms and a guest lounge. There is a quiet area for Internet access, private parking and a walled garden. We welcome walkers and cyclists.
Read more at Merman Barn Bed & Breakfast
Rockingham Lodge B&B - Nick & Gill Brelsford welcome you to Rockingham Lodge, an Eighteenth Century former Inn, ideally located for walkers or cyclists.
All of our three rooms have flat screen televisions and tea and coffee making faciltities and there is a large guest lounge available at all times for the use of guests with a wood burning stove for those colder winter nights.
Read more at Rockingham Lodge Bed & Breakfast
Monks Retreat Holiday Cottages - Situated in the beautiful village of Millers Dale, near Tideswell in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District.
Spacious, beamed, quiet but not too isolated, lovingly maintained, and overlooking some of the most spectacular scenery in the Peak Park, the cottages are situated where Millers Dale meets Monks Dale - a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty, renowned for its excellent walking with a network of paths leading directly from the door. There are paths of all grades from very easy to more challenging past towering limestone cliffs and along peaceful rivered dales. Our farm trail leads to a ridge walk with views of 7 dales.
Read more at Monks Retreat Holiday Cottages
Riverside House Holiday Cottages - Four star self catering accommodation in heart of Peak District sleeping up to 12. Lovely river views, walks from door, inlcuding Miller's Dale and Monsal Dale, shops 2 miles, pub one mile. Pet and child friendly. Safe garden, off street parking, games room, BBQ, log burning stove, huge lounge, loads of dining space and very well equipped kitchen and separate utility. Nearby Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Buxton and lots more!
Read more at Riverside House at Litton Mill near Tideswell
Middle Farm Holiday Cottages at Brushfield - Brushfield is on the Edge of Monsal Dale and lies on a sunny south facing hillside high above Taddington Dale.
Set in the midst of the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District, Middle Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views across open landscapes. It is an idyllic setting providing peace and tranquility. We have two holiday cottages. Maigold Cottage sleeps 4. Albertine Barn sleeps 8.
Read more at Middle Farm Holiday Cottages
The Forge at Middleton by Youlgrave - The Forge Holiday Cottage is set in a quiet location at the heart of Middleton-by-Youlgrave, a small picturesque village at the head of Middleton Dale. It is an excellent base for exploring the White Peak area by foot, cycle or car and, for those simply wishing to relax it offers the peace and quiet of the unspoilt English countryside. There is a well equipped children's playground nearby. Sleeps 5/6. 4 Star rating.
Read more at The Forge at Middleton by Youlgrave
Merman Farm Holiday Cottage - Merman Farm Holiday Cottage is a traditional, stone built former farmhouse situated in a quiet location, a few minutes' walk from the centre of the village of Tideswell, one of the oldest settlements in the central Peak District.
Fully restored by the owner, Merman Farm offers quality accommodation of real character and charm and seamlessly combines many original features with modern design and home comforts. Sleeping up to 11 in 5 bedrooms, 3 ensuite, open fire and pet friendly. Read more at Merman Farm Holiday Cottage
The Lodge at Dale End House - Dale End House is found on a quiet lane near Gratton between Elton and Youlgreave and close to Bakewell. The house enjoys unspoilt countryside, popular with walkers and mountain bikers alike.
Both B&B and Self catering accommodation is available at The Lodge, a stone built former milking parlour set within the grounds of this fine Grade II listed Derbyshire long house.
The Lodge has recently been loving restored to an exceptionally high standard. It has a large open plan lounge with sofa and TV, a dining area and shower room. Under floor heating throughout. Read more at The Lodge at Dale End House
Avonlea Cottage - Avonlea Cottage is located in the village of Monyash and was built in 1769 and has been restored to provide quality, coordinated accommodation throughout, whilst preserving the character of the original building. Avonlea Cottage is graded 4-star by Visit Britain.
Avonlea has a secluded sunny rear garden, with open views across the Peak District countryside and has seating areas and a charcoal BBQ to enjoy al fresco dining. Steps lead up to the main garden area, which is set to lawn with maturing shrubs, where you follow paths to a second patio area with an outdoor table and chairs and stunning views across the open countryside. With one bedroom, cosy lounge/diner with woodburning stove and intergrated kitchen, it is perfect for couples wanting peaceful quality time together or a romantic break. Sleeps 2. Read more at Avonlea Cottage
For more Peak District information try Peak District Holiday Guide - Peak District Accommodation, Activities and Attractions
For more accommodation see
Derbyshire and Peak District Accommodation
Guest Houses with B&B in Derbyshire and Peak District
Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire and Peak District
Hotels in Derbyshire and Peak District
Peak District Holiday Guide
Peak District Accommodation
Derbyshire Holiday Cottages
For seasonal walks around Bakewell try The Bakewell Tree Trail
For some excellent photographs of Bakewell please visit Derbyshire and Peak District Photographs
