Discover the Charm of Bakewell — A Perfect Escape in the Peak District

Bakewell, located in Derbyshire, is a picturesque town known for the famous Bakewell Pudding. With its narrow cobbled streets and charming stone cottages, Bakewell offers a slice of English countryside life straight out of a Jane Austen novel. It’s even rumored to have inspired the fictional «Lambton» in Pride and Prejudice.

The town is adorned with ivy-covered homes, and the River Wye flows gracefully through it, offering peaceful views of wild ducks and mossy footbridges. Locals enjoy picnics beneath the shade of ancient willows, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

At the heart of Bakewell, bakeries tempt visitors with the town’s signature dessert, the Bakewell Pudding. Nearby market stalls are filled with handmade crafts, local cheeses, and fresh flowers. Small galleries tucked in quiet alleys showcase the work of local artists. Meanwhile, All Saints Church stands tall, its Saxon crosses telling tales of the past.

As night falls, the town transforms. Victorian lampposts cast a warm glow, and crowds gather in traditional pubs to sip on local Peak Ales. Whether you’re visiting the nearby Chatsworth House or strolling through meadows in full bloom, Bakewell offers plenty of hidden gems to explore.

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The Rutland Arms Hotel at Night

The Rutland Arms, a Grade II-listed coaching inn, stands proudly over Rutland Square in Bakewell. Built in 1804 by the Duke of Rutland, its honey-colored sandstone exterior, Doric columns, and hand-carved coat of arms by White Watson showcase its historic grandeur.

Inside, the hotel feels like stepping into a whimsical, Alice In Wonderland-inspired space. Medusa-like chandeliers, velvet banquettes, and oil portraits of Tudor royals and Georgian aristocrats adorn the walls.

Upstairs, the Deluxe Four Poster Suite awaits, the hotel’s crown jewel. It features a stately four-poster bed, a cozy lounge with floral drapes, retro Roberts radios, and regal armchairs. The ensuite, with a small bathtub and glowing vanity mirror, offers a snug retreat.

AA Rosette Restaurant

Peckish? Downstairs, dine in its AA Rosette restaurant—where period grandeur meets modern flair—with neon coffered ceilings, suspended stagelights, ornate Georgian mirrors, and regal wingback armchairs. Sink into royal blue booths and nibble on small plates of popcorn chicken, Thai fishcakes, and salt & pepper chicken bao buns—before diving into hearty British mains—think slow-cooked Derbyshire lamb, treacle-cured pork chops, and 12oz T-Bone steak.

Afternoon tea is a ritual here: expect lofty finger sandwiches, warm fluffy scones, and a selection of weighty patisserie treats with teapots of Jasmine Blossom or Darjeeling. Then, retire to the Nell Gwynn Bar next door, with its crackling log fires, velvet armchairs, and fine curated gin selection.

The best bit? You’re mere footsteps from Bakewell’s bustling market, quaint bakeries, and meandering riverside walks—or, simply watch it all unfold from your birdseye-view suite above the square (Deluxe Four Poster Suite from $335 per night).

Best Things To Do In Bakewell

Chatsworth House, nestled in the Peak District, is a grand Georgian estate owned by the Dukes of Devonshire. It was famously featured as ‘Pemberley’ in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice.

Begin your visit in the Painted Hall, adorned with mythological frescoes, then explore the Sculpture Gallery, showcasing Roman marble statues. Don’t miss the Library, filled with thousands of leather-bound books.

Outside, the 105-acre garden offers stunning views, with a 300-year-old waterfall and the Emperor Fountain, built for Tsar Nicholas I. You can also wander through the Maze’s twisting yew hedges.

For a meal, visit Chatsworth Kitchen just 10 minutes away, offering local dishes like Derbyshire oat cakes and the Chatsworth Kitchen Burger.

House & Garden tickets start at $45.

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop stands in the heart of Bakewell’s cobbled town square, housed in a 17th-century stone building once owned by the Duke of Rutland. It’s here that the famous Bakewell Pudding was accidentally created in the 1800s.

Legend has it that a cook at the nearby White Horse Inn misread a recipe, layering egg custard over jam instead of mixing it into the pastry. The result? A rich, almond custard in flaky puff pastry, now a British classic.

Inside the shop, the scent of warm butter and toasted almonds fills the air. The counter is packed with handmade puddings, golden tarts, and unique items like Bakewell Pudding Gin. They even offer a “Post a Pudding” service to send a Bakewell Pudding anywhere in the world.

Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail stretches 8.5 miles through Derbyshire’s limestone dales, following the old Midland Railway line. It passes through six tunnels, including the echoing Headstone Tunnel, and scenic cliffs, forests filled with wild garlic, and limestone valleys.

As you exit the tunnels, the Headstone Viaduct comes into view, towering over Monsal Dale. Hawks circle above, and in spring, bluebells line the banks. You’ll also pass Litton Mill and Cressbrook Mill, relics of the Industrial Age now overtaken by ivy.

End your journey at Hassop Station Café for a slice of Bakewell tart or enjoy a picnic by the lime kilns, where butterflies flutter among ox-eye daisies.

Best Restaurants

The Woodyard
Overlooking the River Wye, The Woodyard is a riverside restaurant in a former 1810 marble works. The glass floor reveals the old millstream below, while timber beams and candlelight set the atmosphere. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, hearty Woodyard burgers with blue cheese mayo, and steak and Guinness pies with rich gravy. The sun-drenched beer garden serves punchy cocktails, including Bakewell Sours and spicy margaritas.

Lovage
Tucked in a 19th-century stable block, Lovage offers a refined dining experience. Chef-owner Lee Smith, a ‘Great British Menu’ finalist, creates seven-course tasting menus with dishes like roasted beetroot with goat’s cheese, stone bass with foraged herbs, and raspberry soufflé. Pair your meal with a superb wine flight, featuring Loire whites and Pfalz reds.