Showing off in Bakewell! (Bakewell in general)

Member Name: tange

Product:	Bakewell in general
Date:	08/12/04 (1137 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pretty, Historical, Good base for visiting rest of Peak District

Disadvantages: Can get VERY busy, Traffic through town can be a problem

I visit Bakewell (quite) regularly and have been there for a variety of reasons, both by day and night. Having lived in the area for most of my life I think I am in a position to impart some knowledge about this tourist destination.

~~~WHERE IS IT?

Bakewell can be found in the centre of the Peak District and, like the neighbouring village of Ashford in the Water, built up on the banks of the River Wye. It is around 25 miles from Derby, around 14.5 miles from Sheffield and (most importantly for me) a short hop from Chesterfield. We can get a bus from Chesterfield to Bakewell quite easily (they leave from Beetwell Street) or it is only a short drive away.

~~~A BIT OF HISTORY.

Bakewell dates from Saxon times and is mentioned in the Domesday Book ~ here it is called Badequella which actually means Bath-well (I’ve also seen this spelt Badkwell, which means bath springs). Its spot on the River Wye is a good defensive place and the town built up because the river fordable. There was also a plentiful water supply because there were 12 mineral water springs ~ most of which have since dried up (although they still have Well Dressings in June every year around five of the wells).

Bakewell has a regular market on a Monday (I’ll mention this more later) which dates from 1330; this is when Edward III granted a Market Charter. There are also many shops in Bakewell ~ as well as a tourist resort it is also a thriving community so there are is a supermarket too.

~~~WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN BAKEWELL?

It is quite a bustling market town and there is always plenty to do. There is also a good range of pubs and restaurants as well as shops, so Bakewell isn’t one of those sleepy Peak District places that shuts down once the sun sets! Monday is the best day to visit if you like a bit of bustle but, especially during the summer months; Sundays are pretty brisk what with the car boot sale and the tourists!

Bakewell is a great place to visit in its own right and is also a good base for visiting other Peak District places. There are quite a few guest houses, hotels and cottages in Bakewell, so there are no shortage of places to stay ~ most of the pubs offer B&B too. If you travel in summer months it can be quite hectic, but the tourist information in the town is usually very good at providing lists of accommodation (phone up before a visit to get some numbers). There is also a Youth Hostel for the lower budget option!

***The Market***

Bakewell’s market is a livestock and standard market selling a good range of goods. It isn’t as busy as it used to be and not quite as much fun. The market moved to a modern, purpose built area a few years ago and I personally think it lacks a lot of the charm it once had. Market Day is Monday, so expect the public car park to be pretty full. Expect the cattle market to be quite smelly!

***Bakewell Show***

Every August there is a two day show on Bakewell’s Showground. A day there is great, but the traffic can be awful, particularly in the morning and when everyone leaves at the end of the day. If you are going in a car and have small children my best tip is to make sure they go to the toilet just before you set off because you may have a long time in the car in traffic queues (take something to entertain them for the journey both ways too). For more information about the show, admission charges, the dates for next years, etc, go to http://www.bakewellshow.org/pageview2.asp?cust=443

I have been to the show quite a few times and (sometimes despite awful weather) have always had a great day! It is a proper big show ~ expect lots of stalls, country crafts, livestock and dog shows, big marquees full of exhibits and a thoroughly FULL day!

***All Saints Church***

This church dates back from the thirteenth century, although there has been a church on the site since around 920AD and has since been extensively renovated (as was the way in the 19th Century). It is particularly worthy of a visit to see the views over the valley and for the ancient carved crosses and stones and the unusual spire that is shaped like a crucifix.

****Old House Museum***

You will find the museum in an old medieval building just up the hill from All Saints Church. It’s worth a look just for the historical building but it also has a lot of interesting local history exhibits inside. The museum costs £2.50 for adults and a quid for children and is open daily between April and the end of October.

Times do vary seasonally so I recommend giving them a call if you are planning to go (number below). I also advise you to book if there are a few of you because it isn’t a huge place ~ it is, however, fascinating and gives a really good insight into the area and town. Inside the museum you will find examples of local crafts, Black Marble (from nearby Ashford in the Water ~ see my previous review), old toys and examples of a Victorian Kitchen, drapers shop and other artifacts, all housed in lovely beamed rooms.

***Bakewell Puddings and Tarts***

Even people who haven’t been to Bakewell may have tasted or heard of Bakewell Tarts and Puddings. Bakewell puddings are definitely the most famous and the most interesting. The recipe is kind of secret and the three Pudding shops in Bakewell all claim to have the original and best recipe. I have been to one of the shops…the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is on The Square and really tries hard to tempt the tourists. They offer a mail order pudding service and you can even go on a tour and bake a pudding for yourself!

***Other Structures***

The packhorse bridge over the River Wye can be seen on loads of prints and paintings of Bakewell ~ most people come home with a photo of it too! It was built originally at the beginning of the 14th Century and has five gothic arches over buttresses and corner stones. If you come from Chesterfield on the A619 you will cross over the bridge before either going into the car park or entering the town by bus. It’s a really beautiful bridge; it isn’t surprising how popular it is with visitors to the area.

There are quite a few pubs in Bakewell; some good and some not so good. I have visited all of them to help compile a Mini guide for drinkers visiting Bakewell (downloadable via http://www.innspire.org.uk/mini-guides/mini-guides .htm) and found them to be variable in quality and price.


The Rutland Arms (on the town square) is a lovely building frequented by Jane Austen (and used in Pride & Prejudice) but is very expensive for drinks. They do serve Cask Ales though, as do The Peacock (on Bridge Street), The Castle Inn (on Castle Street), The Manners (on Haddon Road), The Wheatsheaf (also on Bridge Street) and The Red Lion Hotel (on The Square). My favourite is The Manners ~ although a little bit further from the main square, it is a comfy Local’s local and reasonably priced for a tourist area!

Even Bakewell’s Tourist Information centre is historical and worth visiting not just to find out what’s what! It shares its location (the 17th Century Market Hall) with the Peak National Park Offices on Bridge Street and is also notable because there is a car park next to it AND the Public Toilets! I like this building ~ it has the heraldic arms of the local Manners family on the walls (these are a big local family who also give their name to various buildings; including the local school).

Right! I think I’d better leave it there before this turns into a marathon! Suffice it to say ~ Bakewell is a top place to live near and to visit. There’s lots to do, it’s a great location, is pretty close to larger towns and cities and has a great range of activities for tourists.

I recommend anyone who is planning a visit to Derbyshire make a detour and call in at Bakewell. I’m really lucky I live close by and am glad of the chance to share a bit of its charms with you!

~~~USEFUL NUMBERS.

Bakewell Old House Museum
Cunningham Place
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1DD
01629 813642

Tourist Information Centre
Old Market Hall
Bridge Street
Bakewell
DE45 1DS
01629 813227

Peak National Park Information Centre
Old Market Hall
Bridge Street
DE45 1DS
01629 813227

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