National Bakewell Tart Day Is Returning This June (And Yes, There Are Free Tarts)

National Bakewell Tart Day returns on Wednesday 24th June 2026

There are many excellent reasons to visit Bakewell this summer. Riverside walks. Independent shops. A good pub lunch. Festivals. The long-awaited The Charleston throwing open its doors.

But this June, there is another one: free Bakewell tarts.

National Bakewell Tart Day is returning on Wednesday 24 June 2026, celebrating one of Britain’s most nostalgic bakes and arguably Derbyshire’s most famous sweet treat.

The annual event was created by The Bakewell Tart Shop, the long-running family business believed to occupy the site where Bakewell Tarts were first commercially baked more than 100 years ago. Every year, the day brings a surprising amount of excitement for something that is essentially jam, almonds and pastry. Quite right too.

To mark the occasion this year, the shop will be giving away 100 free individual Bakewell Tarts outside the café from 9.30am, alongside online offers and celebrations for customers across the UK.

And honestly, if there is a better excuse for a midweek Peak District trip, we would like to hear it.

The Bakewell Tart has now been part of British food culture for more than 160 years and still inspires fierce loyalty, nostalgia and low-level arguments over tea.

Some people remain devoted to the traditional Bakewell Tart topped with flaked almonds. Others firmly believe the iced cherry version is superior. Families have probably fallen out over less.

Either way, The Bakewell Tart Shop says it now sells more than 1,000 Bakewell Tarts and Bakewell Puddings every week through its shop, café and online store, with orders sent across the country.

And despite every modern food trend imaginable appearing over the years, Britain still seems deeply attached to a proper Bakewell Tart.

Probably because they remind people of holidays, grandparents, tea rooms, Peak District weekends and standing in a café saying:

“I’ll just have a small slice.”

Before accidentally ordering coffee and three extra things.

Good To Know

What: National Bakewell Tart Day

When: Wednesday 24th June 2026

Where: The Bakewell Tart Shop, Bakewell

Free tarts: From 9.30am, while they last

We would arrive early. Britain does not mess around when free baked goods are involved.

For more excellent things to do in Bakewell, check out our guide to A Perfect 48 Hours In Bakewell.