A Perfect 48 Hours In Bakewell

Bakewell is one of those places that’s easy to mess up. Go at the wrong time and it can drive you slightly mad - traffic, crowds, people stood in the middle of the pavement taking selfies - and you’ll miss everything that’s actually special about it (in our opinion, anyway).

But get the timing right, and it really is one of the loveliest ways to spend a weekend in the Peak District.

If you can, aim for midweek or outside of school holidays. It makes all the difference. One other thing to be aware of - Mondays are market day, which is fun if you want to experience the hustle and bustle, but it also makes parking particularly tricky. And believe us, you do not want to mess with the parking wardens in Bakewell.

This is how we’d spend 48 hours here - a mix of good food, fresh air, some walking, and the places that are actually worth your time.

Day One

Morning - coffee, something sweet, and an explore

Bakewell is known for two things: Bakewell tarts and Bakewell puddings. Some locals will jump on you if you even breathe the word tart (the pudding came first), but honestly, we’re fine with both.

Start at The Bakewell Tart Shop - it’s over 100 years old and still one of the best places to try an authentic Bakewell tart (very different to Mr Kipling), alongside a very decent coffee. You can also pin your flag on their world map, which replaced the Love Lock Bridge not too long ago. Bloomers is another good option if you want to compare. Both also sell the Bakewell pudding (best served with custard).

From there, take a wander through town while it’s still relatively calm. Walk along the river, take your time, and ease into the day.

If you’ve got children with you - or just fancy it - pick up some duck food from the local pet shop and feed the ducks by the river. Simple, but one of those Bakewell things. Look out for the rainbow trout under the bridge too.

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Late morning - shops worth a stop

There are plenty of shops in Bakewell, but a few are worth seeking out.

We particularly like:

Hawkridge Books - an antiquarian bookshop and a bit of a treasure trove

Willow & Thyme - beautiful home fragrance (including a Bakewell Tart scent, if you want a souvenir)

Mini Chic - a gorgeous children’s boutique if you have little ones

Barks & Co. - dog heaven (Bakewell is incredibly dog-friendly)

Jewellery by Stone Art - Blue John pieces and a newer addition to the town

Midday - get outside

You don’t need to commit to anything too ambitious, if you're taking it easy, but it’s worth getting out into the countryside.

A short stretch of the Monsal Trail is ideal - flat, scenic and you can dip in and out of it. If you fancy something a bit more active, hire bikes from Hassop Station (they have e-bikes as well) and ride along the trail.

You’ll pass Thornbridge Hall, which is worth stopping for the gardens alone - and they do one of the best sausage rolls in the area (made with their own home-reared Gloucester Old Spot pork). You can even take some of their produce home - their Quackers Café freezer is well worth a look.

Lunch - choose well

Bakewell has plenty of places to eat, but it’s worth doing a bit of research first. Some places are definitely better than others.

Lovage is a standout for either lunch or dinner - refined, but still relaxed enough to enjoy without feeling awkward. We’ve never had a bad meal there.

Image Credit: Lovage / Facebook

If you’d prefer something lighter, The Gallery Café is a very reliable option for lunch, coffee or cake.

Afternoon - chill out

After lunch, take your time and head to some of the quieter corners of Bakewell .

This is the moment for:

a glass of wine somewhere relaxed (we like The Woodyard, which overlooks the River Wye)

a sit by the river - head towards the recreational ground for less people traffic

or just another meander through town to explore some of the little back lanes and other places you might have missed

If the weather’s good, this is easily one of the nicest parts of the day.

Evening - drinks, then dinner

You can stay in Bakewell or head just out of town.

The Peacock at Rowsley and The Ashford Arms are both only a few minutes away and well worth it if you’re in the mood for something a bit more special. The Peacock is well known for fine dining, while The Ashford Arms is a beautiful historic inn with a strong gastropub menu.

Day Two

Morning - a gentle start to the day

No need to rush.

Head out for coffee and something simple - somewhere you can sit for a while rather than grab and go. It’s a much nicer way to start the day before things get busy again.

If you fancy trying somewhere different, Lambton Larder is a great shout - excellent coffee, good pastries, and a really nice deli selection. The locals (including us!) rave about it.

Mid-morning - unwind properly

If you’re in the mood to slow things down even further, Botanicals Day Spa is a lovely addition. Found in Diamond Court, just past the swimming pool and library, it's beautifully done, the staff are lovely, and it's a nice contrast to the busier parts of Bakewell. They use the most gorgeous fragranced certified organic products, which you can purchase after your treatment if you fancy taking a little bit of that calm home with you.

Treatments range from facials and massages to nails - ideal if you want to fully switch off for a couple of hours.

Late morning - head out to Chatsworth

Sculpture at Chatsworth House. Image Credit / The Good Life List

If you’ve got the time, Chatsworth is well worth ticking off - and can easily fill most of the day if you let it.

You can explore the house, walk the grounds, or just enjoy the wider estate (or all three). It’s only a short drive from Bakewell, but it feels like a completely different world.

Lunch - keep it simple

If you’re at Chatsworth, The Carriage House café in the Stables is a convenient option, but we don’t usually bother. It can feel quite expensive for what it is, and there are nicer places, in our opinion. We much prefer to pop into the garden café for a coffee and a sausage roll (yes, another very good one can be found here!). The ice cream stalls are great quality as well, serving locally made ice cream and gelato.

On the way back, Edensor Tea Cottage is a lovely spot for lunch. They do great sandwiches and bagels, including our favourite, the baked brie, crispy bacon and chilli jam (so good), along with salads, tarts, Derbyshire oatcakes, scones, cakes and a great kids’ menu. It can get busy though, so expect a bit of a queue.

Afternoon

Head back into Bakewell for a final stroll, a coffee, or something sweet for the road. If you want to add something a bit different, the Old House Museum is worth a quick look.

Bakewell doesn’t need to be rushed - and it’s much better when it isn’t.

Final thought

Bakewell might be one of the most visited places in the Peak District, but with a bit of planning, it still feels special.

Go at the right time, choose your spots well, and it becomes something much more than just a quick stop.