Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Explore Heritage, Pexels
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Bakewell presents a charming market town experience, renowned for its rich heritage and the iconic Bakewell Pudding. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque riverside setting, historic architecture, and the surrounding natural beauty, offering a blend of cultural exploration and gentle outdoor pursuits.
The town centre provides various opportunities to socialise, featuring an array of cafes, traditional pubs, and restaurants. The bustling weekly market and numerous annual festivals, such as the Bakewell Country Festival and the International Day of Dance, create a vibrant atmosphere for connecting with other visitors and experiencing local life.
Top 7 Things to do in Bakewell
Activities in Bakewell encompass tasting local delicacies, exploring traditional markets, engaging in outdoor pursuits like walking and cycling, and visiting historic stately homes and museums.
1. Taste the Original Bakewell Pudding
Indulge in the renowned Bakewell Pudding, a distinct local delicacy often confused with the Bakewell Tart. Various bakeries in town, such as The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop and Bloomers of Bakewell, offer this unique sweet treat. Sampling it provides a true taste of Bakewell’s culinary heritage.
Cost: Costs vary depending on size and outlet, typically a few pounds for an individual serving. For example, a whole pudding can range from £14.95 to £24.95.
Transport: Located within Bakewell town centre, accessible by walking.
2. Explore Bakewell Market
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Bakewell's traditional market. Held every Monday, the stall market offers a wide array of goods including clothing, fresh produce, baked bread, and crafts. Additionally, a Farmers' Market takes place monthly at the Agricultural Business Centre, providing local products directly from producers.
Cost: Free to browse; costs apply for purchases.
Transport: The market is situated in the town centre on Market Place and Granby Road. Ample parking is available at the Agricultural Business Centre, a short walk from the town centre.
3. Walk or Cycle the Monsal Trail
Embark on a traffic-free journey along the Monsal Trail, a former railway line stretching 8.5 miles through picturesque limestone dales. This accessible route is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and wheelchair users, offering breathtaking views, including the iconic Headstone Viaduct, and passes through several lit tunnels.
Cost: Access to the trail is free. Bike hire is available at various points, such as Hassop Station, with costs varying.
Transport: The trail begins just north of Bakewell, accessible from Bakewell Station. Bus services from Bakewell town centre also serve various access points along the trail.
4. Visit Haddon Hall
Discover Haddon Hall, a remarkable fortified medieval manor house with a rich history spanning over 900 years. Explore its preserved Tudor and Elizabethan architecture, ancient kitchens, chapel, and beautiful Elizabethan walled gardens. Free guided tours are often available on Mondays during the spring/summer season.
Cost: Adult admission is £26, concessions (over 60) are £24, and children aged 0-15 enter for free (2024 prices). A 'Green Ticket' offers 20% off entry with proof of green travel.
Transport: Haddon Hall is located approximately 2 miles south of Bakewell. Direct bus services from Bakewell (Matlock Street) take around 3-5 minutes, costing £2-£6. A taxi journey is about 4 minutes and costs £7-£10. The hall is also reachable by a pleasant 50-minute walk.
5. Explore Chatsworth House
Venture to Chatsworth House, a grand estate featuring stunning architecture, magnificent state rooms, and extensive gardens spanning 105 acres. The estate also includes a working farmyard and an adventure playground, providing diverse activities for all ages. Complimentary multimedia guides are offered to visitors arriving by bus, train, or bicycle.
Cost: Ticket prices vary, with general admission starting from approximately £50-£55. Car parking is an additional £7.50-£10 per vehicle.
Transport: Chatsworth House is about 5 miles from Bakewell. Direct bus services run from Bakewell (Square) to Chatsworth House, taking 12-16 minutes and costing £3-£6. A taxi journey takes about 9 minutes and costs £12-£15.
6. Wander Bakewell Old House Museum
Step back in time at the Bakewell Old House Museum, housed in the town's oldest building, a quirky Tudor house dating from 1534. The museum offers insights into local life and social history through its displays, including dressing-up costumes and trails, making it an engaging visit for families.
Cost: Adult entry is £7.50, children aged 5-16 cost £4.50, and under 5s are free. A discounted adult ticket of £6.50 is available with a valid ticket from a participating Derbyshire attraction.
Transport: The museum is centrally located in Bakewell and easily accessible on foot.
7. Participate in a Bakewell Pudding Making Experience
Join a hands-on class to learn the art of making an authentic Bakewell Pudding from scratch. Under expert guidance, participants learn to create puff pastry and assemble their own pudding to take home, offering a unique and delicious way to connect with local culinary traditions.
Cost: Costs are variable and require pre-booking. Individual and group bookings are often available.
Transport: Hartingtons of Bakewell, which offers such experiences, is located at Rutland Mill, Rutland Mews, Coombs Road, within walking distance of Bakewell town centre.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
