Beautiful Bakewell

Home to the famous pudding, this market town in the heart of the Peak District is a fantastic base for exploration and outdoor adventures

With its historic buildings, charming courtyards, riverside walks and delicious local food, Bakewell is an ideal base for visitors to the Peak District.

One of the oldest bridges in Derbyshire can be found in the town, spanning the River Wye. Built around 1300, the five-arch bridge features distinctive triangular quoins – recesses which allow pedestrians to move out of the way of passing traffic, and still as useful today as they were hundreds of years ago.

In All Saints Churchyard, overlooking the town, keep an eye out for two intricately carved stone crosses. The largest of these dates from the ninth century, and although the top of the cross is missing, the carved decorations – featuring human figures, animals, vines and spirals – are remarkably well preserved.

Bakewell has hosted many famous names over the years, including William Wordsworth and Charles Dickens. Some people believe that Jane Austen visited the town in 1811 – and, during her stay at The Rutland Arms, revised the manuscript of Pride and Prejudice. It's said that the small town of Lambton in the novel was inspired by Bakewell, and that Jane based Mr Darcy's sizeable estate, Pemberley, on nearby Chatsworth House.

While there's no definitive evidence that Jane ever actually visited the Peak District, she does mention Bakewell and Chatsworth in Pride and Prejudice, writing "There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire".

Tempting treats

Many visitors to Bakewell will want to sample one of the town's famous puddings. Not to be confused with the iced, cherry-topped tart of the same name, Bakewell puddings are a mouth-watering concoction of almonds, fresh eggs and strawberry jam on a crisp, puff pastry base.

Bakewell puddings are still made by hand in the town, using a secret recipe that's remained unchanged since the 1800s. But this recipe was actually the result of an accident. When a nobleman visiting a local inn ordered a strawberry tart, the egg mixture was spread over the top of the tart instead of being mixed into the pastry.     

Fortunately, the inn's customers loved the resulting pudding, so the recipe was written down – including a mysterious secret ingredient – and Bakewell puddings can still be enjoyed today.

Other tempting local treats can be found at Bakewell Farmers' Market, held on the last Saturday of each month. Offering more than 100 stalls, the market showcases the best of the region's food, drink and crafts, from real ales and fresh produce to ice cream and preserves. There's also a popular weekly market held in the town centre every Monday.

Out and about

There are numerous walks to be enjoyed in the glorious Peak District countryside that surrounds Bakewell.

The Monsal Trail is easily accessible on foot – this 8.5-mile wheelchair-friendly route follows the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line, which was closed in the late 1960s. Also ideal for cyclists, the route passes through tunnels and over bridges.

Or walk along the banks of the River Wye to historic Haddon Hall. Dating from the 12th century, this is believed to be the finest fortified medieval manor house in the UK.

Bakewell is well served by public transport, including the open-topped, double-decker Peak Sightseer bus, that runs throughout summer and connects the town with Chatsworth.

There are also regular bus services to Matlock, Derby, Buxton, Hathersage, Eyam, and Sheffield.

Where to stay

Built in 1804 for the duke of Rutland, The Rutland Arms is a splendid Georgian coaching inn that sits proudly in the centre of Bakewell. Many original features remain, creating a historic atmosphere as soon as you step through the door.

Jane Austen is rumoured to have stayed here, and you can stay in The Jane Austen Room (room 109). Or, for a special occasion, treat yourself to a stay in a deluxe room.

We stayed in one of these (The Kennedy Room, pictured above). It was beautifully furnished, and had a palatial ensuite bathroom featuring a huge freestanding bath. Complimentary eco-friendly toiletries – from H2K of Harrogate Botanicals – were presented in refillable bottles.

A lovely touch was the classical music, playing on a vintage Roberts radio as we entered the room. Service throughout the hotel was outstanding, from the friendly welcome at Reception to the helpful staff in the restaurant.

The food at The Rutland Arms was delicious and affordable, with a good choice of vegetarian options alongside traditional British meals – the warm fig and goats' cheese salad was mouth-watering.

As a base for visiting Bakewell and the surrounding Peak District, The Rutland Arms is highly recommended. It's close to everything that Bakewell has to offer – from markets and independent shops to tearooms and pubs – and there are walking routes to explore straight from the front door.

Book a stay at The Rutland Arms.

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