23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Bakewell (Derbyshire, England)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire?

Bakewell is a civil parish and market town in Derbyshire, England. In the 2019 census, the population of the market town was approximately 3,695. 

Bakewell is filled with gorgeous character cottages and lovely old buildings, and even the architecture here is something to marvel at. It is famous for its local pudding. 

Bakewell, being a market town, is crowded when the market fever hits. Bakewell is a fantastic place to buy locally produced goods. 

If you want to explore historic homes, the Chatsworth House and the Haddon Hall are right around the corner, awaiting your presence. There are other fascinating attractions and activities you will enjoy exploring in the town.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Things to Do in Bakewell

1. Monsal Trail

This tourist attraction is a walking, cycling, and horse riding trail in Derbyshire, Peak District. 

The Monsal Trail is approximately 8.5 miles long. It was established in 1863 to create a rail connection between Manchester and London. The Trail was closed in 1968. 

The route begins east of Bakewell at Coombs Road. What makes this Trail interesting is the number of railway architecture you will find on the route. 

When you visit Monsal Trail, you will ride or walk past old stations, over the viaduct, and via six tunnels, four of which stretch so far they have to be illuminated during daylight hours. 

The Headstone Viaduct is another highlight of Monsal Trail. It extends through one of the gorgeous dales in the Peak District. Exploring this Trail is one of the fun things to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Address: Monsal Trail, United Kingdom

2. Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall was built between the 13th and 17th centuries. It is a lovely country house on the wye, a few miles away from the heart of Bakewell. 

Haddon Hall was the home of the Dukes of Rutland. It is the finest remaining Medieval manor house in the United Kingdom. 

One of the reasons the house has not changed so much is that it was abandoned for two centuries before it was made fit to live in again in the 1920s. 

When you visit Haddon Hall, explore the interior and walk around the old kitchen and banquet hall with a large table that has never been transported from there. 

There is also a lovely parterre and walled topiary garden, with a stunning view of the Peak District. 

Since Haddon Hall has a lot of historical features, it has been used to shoot movies like Jane Eyre, the Princess Bride, and Elizabeth. 

Address: The Estate Office, Haddon Hall, Bakewell DE45 1LA, United Kingdom

3. Bloomers of Bakewell

One of the best things to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire, is to try the pastries at Bloomers of Bakewell. 

The first time you walk through the door of Bakewell, you will be treated to a feast of lovely sights and delicious smells. 

The stunning building dates back to the 17th century, and greets you with the promise of a warm smile, craft bakery, local grocery produce, and the Bloomers Original Bakewell Pudding going back to 1889. 

When you get inside, the blend of freshly baked pies, pasties, pudding, and cake ingredients delivers a lovely smell you will never forget. Bloomers of Bakewell uses only the best ingredients, which most are locally sourced.

Bloomers of Bakewell supplies many of its award-winning products to an extensive range of local businesses, from cafes to farmhouses, coffee houses, stately homes, and hotels and restaurants. 

So if you are visiting this town, make sure you pop in to see the shop and taste some of the delicious treats. You can be well assured of a warm welcome.

Address: Water St, Bakewell DE45 1EU, United Kingdom

4. The Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

The Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is housed in a building constructed in the 17th century and belonged to the Duke of Rutland. 

The building was later purchased by Bakewell’s tallow Chandler, Mr. Wilson, whose family were tenants of the building. 

Around the late 1860s, Mr. Wilson discovered a new pudding creation that had been made mistakenly at a local inn, known then as The White Horse. 

The pudding was the bye product of a misunderstanding between the mistress of the inn and her cook. 

A nobleman visiting the inn has asked for a strawberry tart, but instead of turning the egg mixture into the pastry, the cook spread it above a layer of jam. 

The success of the result was so great that Mrs. Wilson recognized the possibility of making the pudding to sell and obtained the original recipes to start a business of her own. 

The Bakewell Puddings are made by hand from this secret recipe up till now and are sold to many corners of the world using their popular Post, a pudding service. 

You should try the pudding in this comfortable, traditional restaurant in the town where it was invented and wash it down with custard or cream, as it is one of the best things to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Address: The Square, Bakewell DE45 1BT, United Kingdom

5. Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground create a fun day for families. 

In the farmyard, you will meet friendly animals, from pigs to horses, guinea pigs, and stubborn goats. 

Chatsworth Farmyard is also home to several unique breeds, including Shire horses, Suffolk punch horses, Albion Cattle, Cream Legbar Chicken, Bagot goats, and Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs. 

From the farmyard, you can take the secret tunnel to the kid’s playground for fun adventures where your children will enjoy burning off some energy on Zip Wire, Swings, and climbing walls. 

Address: Chatsworth House, Bakewell DE45 1PP, United Kingdom

6. Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop offers fresh produce from the estate. In 1977, the late Duchess of Devonshire established this farm shop. She sold beef and lamb from the estate farms. 

Its goal was to sell Chatsworth’s products directly to individuals interested in consuming top-quality, locally-grown food. 

Since then, Chatsworth Estate Farm shop has grown and diversified, growing by leaps and bounds to become a well-known leader in its field. 

Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop prides itself as a provider of the best customer service, staff knowledge, and creativity. More than 60 percent of the products sold to people are produced on the estate. 

The Estate’s restaurant also offers fresh home-cooked food in a gorgeous space and is an excellent place to relax. 

The restaurant’s chefs make mouthwatering seasonal recipes using many of the local produce from the farm’s shop. 

Address: Pilsley, Bakewell DE45 1UF, United Kingdom

7. All Saints’ Church

All Saint’s Church has Anglo-Saxon origins and was established in 920. All Saint’s Church is one of the finest parish churches of Bakewell and a Grade I listed building. The Normans rebuilt the church in the 12th century. It was renovated in the 1230s.

There are several reminders of this Anglo-Saxon history, including a pair of gorgeously carved crosses in the churchyard. Another one is numerous Saxon carvings on the church porch and even inside the church. 

Although most of the architecture is Gothic, the west front and sections of the façade are Norman Romanesque. 

Some of the oldest fixtures at this attraction relate to the local Manners and Vernon families who resided at Haddon Hall. 

The Vernon Chapel is lovely and features a tomb for people like Sir Thomas Wendesley, who lost his life at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. 

The choir section has three misericords from the 1400s. All Saint’s Church also has a 14th-century baptismal font. 

Other intriguing features of the church include the memorial to Anne Graves, credited as the founder of Bakewell Pudding. 

The other memorial is to Thomas Stratton, a workman who fell and died during a Victorian renovation of the church. 

Address:S Church St, Bakewell DE45 1FD, United Kingdom 

8. Chatsworth House

One of the best places to visit in Bakewell, Derbyshire, is to explore the Chatsworth House. In 2018, this world-famous house completed its most extensive renovation in 200 years. 

Sixteen generations of the influential Cavendish family have resided at Chatsworth since 1549. 

The house is filled with ancient Egyptian artifacts, precious art, furniture, and ceramics. The building has been renovated over the years for the people that live there. 

Although the exterior of the building is neoclassical, mainly from the 1800s, you can spot 1600s Baroque elements on the eastern façade. 

Furthermore, from this period are the Chapel and Painted Hall, two of the least renovated rooms in the house. 

The Devonshire collection features paintings by John Singer Sargent, Gainsborough, and Rembrandt and also drawings by Old Masters. In addition, there are priceless metalwork, scientific instruments, ceramics, and 1700s furniture. 

Address: Bakewell DE45 1PP, United Kingdom

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9. The Rutland Arms Hotel

Wondering what to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire? First, you’ll need a place to stay during your visit.

The Rutland Arms Hotel is an exceptional place to stay. It is located in the heart of Bakewell’s historic market town and is near other attractions. 

The Rutland Arms Hotel used to be a 19th-century coaching inn. However, it is still as cozy and elegant as it used to be back when it was a coaching inn. The last renovation occurred in 2020. 

The rooms are situated in the stunning main buildings or the courtyard. All the rooms are decorated.

The eatery restaurant offers a fun menu and serves three square meals. The Rutland Arms Hotel has its own Coffee House, serving various types of coffee and specialist tea to suit individual tastes. 

If you want something else, the Hotel bar has a selection of whiskeys, gins, and lots more. 

Additionally, the Hotel has a car park for visitors spending the night, free Wi-Fi, and is pet friendly. 

Whether you are searching for a welcoming place to spend your night or you want a place to enjoy a drink or a meal surrounded by your friends, The Rutland Arms Hotel is perfect for you. 

Address: The Square, Bakewell DE45 1BT, United Kingdom

10. Bakewell Old House Museum

Bakewell Old House Museum is a 1500s Yeoman’s House and a tax collector’s home. 

Bakewell Old House Museum was built in 1536 and expanded later as a gentleman’s home during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. 

This attraction features decorations and architecture from Tudor to Victorian ages, decorated with an elegant fireplace, walls of wattle and daub, and wooden beams. 

When you visit Bakewell Old House Museum, you will see a display of period textiles and a tableau showcasing the Tudor collector at his ledger. Find out the story of the Bakewell Pudding in the kitchen. 

The Bakewell Old House Museum is usually open from March to November. 

Address: Cunningham Pl, Bakewell DE45 1DD, United Kingdom

11. Bath Gardens

The beautiful Bath Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Bath Garden was owned by Bath House, which was constructed by the Duke of Rutland in 1697 on the site of a natural spring. 

The houses were lived in by a well-known Derbyshire geologist, White Waston, who functioned as a bath superintendent. 

Around Bath Garden are an ornamental fountain, walls clad with ivy, a pergola, and young fruit trees. It also has paths between striking borders and professionally manicured lawns. 

Water is obtained from the warm well over which the house was initially built. The Derbyshire Dales District Council maintains the garden. 

These immaculately maintained gardens, which make for a lovely stroll, have won many awards, including the East Midland in Bloom 2010 Green space Award for Horticulture excellence within parks. 

Address: Square (Stand B), Bakewell DE45 1BT, United Kingdom

12. Hartingtons

Hartingtons is a food and drink school in the center of the stunning Peak District. 

The school offers a whole variety of inspirational courses on brewing, baking, artisan skills, and foraging. In addition, it holds different special event days.

Hartingtons is dedicated to adding fun to food and encourages individuals to enjoy the art and innovation involved in working with quality, fresh and local produce. 

At this school, you will discover a series of courses that educate and inspire those interested in turning artisan food and drinks into a business enterprise. 

Why not attempt to make your own beer, cheese, or bread during your vacation in Bakewell? 

You can even get a customized event for you or your loved ones if you are contemplating Christmas or birthday ideas. 

Whether expanding your dessert skills, learning about the secrets behind an authentic Thai curry, or making your own chocolate, there’s something at Hartington school to pique your interest. 

The course is at different lengths and takes place at different times, making it flexible for you to learn whenever you like. 

Address:Rutland Mill, Coombs Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AQ, United Kingdom

13. The H Boutique Hotel

The H Boutique Hotel is a luxurious accommodation featuring fine dining and excellent customer service in Bakewell. It was opened in May 2018.

This Hotel has ten boutique rooms, room services, concierge services, and luggage storage for visitors. 

The “H” theme runs through the whole hotel, with each room christened after a local area such as Hathersage and Hope. 

The H Boutique Hotel has non-smoking rooms, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. 

This Hotel also provides air-conditioned rooms, a kettle, desk, fridge, flat screen TV, private bathrooms, shower, bed linen, and towels. 

You can enjoy an English/ Irish, à la carte, and vegetarian breakfast at the H Boutique Hotel. 

Address:Water St, Bakewell DE45 1EW, United Kingdom

14. Bakewell Botanical

Whether you need something to boost your body or something calming, their extensive range of organic, holistic treatments is formulated to meet all your needs and gratify your senses. 

Using award-winning and certified organic products, its professional therapist will leave you feeling pampered from the crown of your head to the tip of your toes with holistic massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. 

Its highly licensed practitioners have painstakingly handcrafted all the spa rituals at Botanicals to suit whatever skin and body care you need. 

All the beauty and wellness products here are certified organic, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and made in small quantities from natural ingredients to ensure a high level of freshness and potency 

Address:1-1A, Diamond Court, Water St, Bakewell DE45 1EW, United Kingdom 

15. Magpie Mine

Magpie Mine is located in Sheldon, 7 minutes from Bakewell. This Mine was the last operating lead mine in Derbyshire and one of the best-lasting examples of a United Kingdom’s 1800 century lead mine.

Magpie Mine has an intriguing history spanning over 200 years. Its history features failures, bonanzas, bitter quarrels, fights that led to the “murder” of three miners, and a Widow’s Curse that is believed to still exists even today. 

Magpie Mine lies in an eye-catching grassland with cowslips and wild orchids in the early summer. During the weekend, volunteers come around to answer questions. 

Address: Magpie Mine Sheldon DE45 1QU, United Kingdom

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16. Bakewell Visitor Centre

Bakewell Visitor Center is situated in the 17th-century Old Market Hall in the heart of the town and is fully accessible. Visiting this Visitor Center is one of the top things to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

The Professional staff provides quality information services for the National Park and offers advice on public transport and local events. 

The retail area showcases an extensive range of locally produced arts and crafts, souvenirs, maps and gifts, and a vast selection of literature to interest cyclists and walkers. 

Bakewell Visitor Center also has a photography gallery located on the building’s top floor. 

Address: The Old Market Hall, Bridge St, Bakewell DE45 1DS, United Kingdom

17. Thornbridge Brewery

Thornbridge Brewery, a new top-notch 30-barrel brewery at Bakewell, was established in September 2009.

The first set of Thornbridge craft beers was manufactured in Thornbridge Hall in February 2005. It continues to brew superior quality kegs, bottled beers, and kegs and manufacture new ones using the best natural ingredients. 

The brewery has won over 350 awards since its establishment, including the Golf medal and Wild Raven Gold Medal. 

You can visit this Riverside brewery on foot ten minutes from the heart of Bakewell for a one-hour, 30 minutes tour to learn about its history and discover how it selects its ingredients. 

In the treehouse, you can look at the enormous stainless steel vats and learn about the complexities of boiling, fermentation, and maturation. 

Lastly, at the end of the tour, you can sample three beers from a large range of kegs, casks, and bottled beers. 

Address: Riverside Brewery, Buxton Rd, Bakewell DE45 1GS, United Kingdom

18. Tagg Lane Diary

Tagg Lane Diary is an ice cream and coffee bar located in the center of the Peak District. 

Their award-winning jersey gelato is made with milk and cream from their Jersey herd; it’s all freshly made on-site. 

The Diary constantly tests new and exciting flavors and some well-known classics. Some of their famous combinations include freshly made Belgian waffles, American-style milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes. 

Tagg Lane Diary also offers various gourmet coffee ranging from café lattes to espresso. 

Additionally, they bake a selection of homemade farmhouse cakes utilizing free-range eggs, which can be bought at the shop and as well as their popular raw unpasteurized Jersey milk. 

Cyclists are welcomed at Tagg Lane Diary and are given toasted tea cakes for an extra boost. Farm visits and school trips are available, but they are on request. 

Their gorgeous jersey cows and calves are on display, so you can see them when you visit. 

Address: Tagg Ln, Bakewell DE45 1JP, United Kingdom

19. Bakewell Market

Bakewell Market has existed in this stunning town since 1330. Bakewell’s livestock and Stall Markets continue to draw tourists and guests, offering essential services to the community. 

Between 9 am and 4 pm, you will spot over 100 traders selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, jewelry, clothes, fabric, yarn, toys, food prepared on the spot, and shoes. 

The Bakewell Market is the largest in Derbyshire. On the last Sunday of every month, individuals can browse the items of local producers at the United Kingdom’s second-biggest farmer’s market. 

The Market has an atmosphere that offers a rare shopping experience. The Bakewell Market has something for everyone, so if you want the freshest and finest foods, home furnishings, unique gifts, fashion, or a snack, there is no better destination than this Market. 

Address: Bakewell, England

20. Bagshaw Hotel

Bagshaw Hall provides elegant rooms with original features and free Wi-Fi in private gardens. 

Bagshaw is close to Bakewell center. It is in the heart of the beautiful Peak District. 

Bagshaw is a building of historical interest going back before 1650. The enormous luxury bedrooms at this hotel have stylish bathrooms with bathrobes, toiletries, and slippers. 

The rooms also have small kitchenettes and seating areas with flat-screen TV/DVD players. 

Bagshaw Hall has a garden at the front with outside seating and croquet terraces looking over to the town rooftops. 

The Hotel has free on-site parking, a comfortable guest lounge, and elegant private dining rooms. 

Address: Bagshaw Hall, Bagshaw Hill, Bakewell DE45 1DL, United Kingdom

21. The Agricultural Business Center

Bakewell has always been the heart of agriculture with its famous cattle markets. 

The Agricultural Business Center is an incredible location where this agricultural business takes place.

The Agricultural Business Center is also an excellent venue for meetings, seminars, team bonding exercises, and training workshops. 

The Agricultural Business Center hosts events, including the second-largest farmers market in the United Kingdom, attracting over 5000 visitors. 

The Farmer’s market is so famous that many of the 70 stall houses go out of products before closing. 

The Agricultural Business Center also houses one of the United Kingdom’s five weekly livestock markets. 

The market is open from Monday to Friday between 9 am to 4:30 pm, but it closes at 4 pm on Friday. 

Address: The Agricultural Business Centre, Agricultural Way, Bakewell DE45 1AH, United Kingdom

22. Thornbridge Hall Gardens

Among what to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire, is to see the Thornbridge Hall Gardens. 

Thornbridge Hall is encircled by 13.5 acres of a quirky and unique English garden located at Peak District National Park’s center. 

The Gardens were designed at the end of the 1800s to create a ”1000 shades of green” vision that the owner wanted to view from his bedroom window. 

Thornbridge Hall Garden was opened to the public in the 1930s. In this 13.5 acres garden, you will see a koi lake, woodland, 30-meter herbaceous border, a rock garden, an Italian garden, and terraced lawns. 

You will also come across several statues, three temples, 46 urns, and two grottos which were all added to the garden in the 1890s. 

Some of the sculptures came from Chatsworth and clumber park, while the Greek Government gave some as gifts. 

Address: Thornbridge Hall, Bakewell DE45 1NZ, United Kingdom

23. The Bakewell Recreation Ground

Among the several fun things to do in Bakewell, Derbyshire, with kids is to play at the Bakewell Recreation Ground. 

The Bakewell Recreation Ground provides leisure and enjoyment for kids and adults of all ages. This 5.25 hectares park is a fantastic place for outdoor sporting facilities. 

Facilities at the Bakewell Recreation Ground include a children’s play area and a splash pad. 

The park has a multi-use game area, two croquet lawns, football pitches, and a cricket square. 

However, you have to pay a small charge to use some of the activities in the park, including bowling greens, putting gree, and tennis. 

Bakewell Recreation Ground does not have a café, but you can bring a picnic or buy food in town. 

Address: Haddon Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AW, United Kingdom

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Plan Your Trip to Bakewell

This lovely town in Derbyshire, England, is home to several exciting attractions.

Regardless of your reasons for visiting Bakewell, you will not be disappointed. This picturesque town will remain in your memories for years after you visit.