Bakewell in Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park , is a beautiful, small, market town situated on the River Wye which is crossed by a 13th century 5 arched bridge still open to traffic. The bridge had been widened in the 19th century.

Bakewell was mentioned in the Domeday book as having a church and 2 priests signifying its importance even then. In 1502 Bakewell was owned by the Vernon family and passed on to the Manners family in 1567 when Dorothy Vernon married John Manners. Their son, Sir George Manners married Grace Pierrepont who in 1637 founded the grammer school, Lady Manners School. Monuments to the Vernon family can be found in the All Saints Parish Church which stands in a commanding position on the hillside where the town started.

All Saints Parish Church is broad and low and has an octagonal tower with a graceful spire. The bulk of the church as it stands now dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, though there are many fragments of Saxon and Norman Stonework to be found. It was considerably restored in the 19th century, when the nave was rebuilt.

The south transept holds the Vernon Chapel with monuments to Vernon and Manners families, including splendid ones to John Manners and Dorothy Vernon, and Sir George Manners, father of the 8th Earl of Rutland , and his wife Grace. There is also a remarkable monument to Sir Godfrey Foljambe and his wife, in the south aisle, dated about 1377 and set in alabaster with coats of arms above. Outside the church is the remains of a Saxon Cross.

The Rutland Arms Hotel in the centre of Bakewell replaced the White Horse Inn, which together with some other buildings was demolished in 1805 to form Rutland Square. It was built to cater for coach travellers and in 1818 as many as 600 travellers passed through the town. The Hotel has a literary connection in that Jane Austin is reputed to have stayed at the hotel whilst writing Pride and Predudice. Bakewell has been identified as Lambton.

The famous Bakewell pudding was also invented accidentally at the Hotel, when a cook misinterpreted instructions and poured egg mixture over the jam instead of mixing it in the pastry and what should have been a tart was now a pudding. Bakewell puddings can be bought at several shops in the town centre.

In 1826 the cattle market was moved from the present Rutland Terrace to the market place to enable coaches to pass through the town centre withot delay. A new Agricultural Business Centre across the river now incorporates the livestock market but there are still stall markets held here every Monday. Horse sales also use to take place in front of the Castle Hotel but finished at the time of world war 1.

Bakewell tourist information centre is housed in the Old Market Hall. The lower part of this building had been open and the upper part a closed room. The upper floor was removed in 1858 and the gaps in the lower part filled in. It has been in constant use by the community as the town hall, wash house, school, magistrates court and library over the years.

The old town hall built in 1709 is situated in King Street. It is now an antiques shop but between 1826 and 1874 it was occupied by Lady Manners School. In later years it has been used as a fish and game shop and the upper floor was used by the local Working mens club from 1885 until 1964.

Behind the Old Town Hall in Bakewell are the Almshouses of St John's Hospital also dating from 1709.

In 1697 the Duke of Rutland built the Bath House in Bath Gardens, over the bath, with is fed by warm spa waters, in an attempt to rivel Buxton as a health resort. The pool was later rebuilt and exists in the cellar of Haig house which presently houses the British Legion social club.

Well Dressing and carnival events take place in the week up to the first saturday in July which is carnival day.

The Bakewell Show takes place on the first wednesday and thursday of August on land adjoining the Agricultural Centre. The first local show took place in 1819. It is now a major agricultural and horticultural event with all sorts of animals being shown along with show jumping and exhibitions of local crafts and produce.

Lumford Mill was established in 1777 by Sir Richard Arkwright for the purpose of cotton spinning. He also bult new houses and converted a house in Cunningham Place, which sits behind the church and dates from early Tudor times, into 5 dwellings for his mill workers. This house was restored by the Bakewell Historical Society in 1955 and is now known as Old House Museum. The museum houses 14 beamed rooms including a drapers shop, a Victorian kitchen, a wheelwright and a smithy. Other rooms have Ashford Marble, lace, toys, china and photographs. It is open from the 1st of April until the end of October from 1-30pm to 4-oopm( 11.00am in July and August). Guides are always at hand to answer questions and the museum also organizes talks and visits. Tel 01629 813165 for more information.

The Castle Inn on Castle Street, previously called the Commercial and Castle, is a 16th century inn by Bakewell's medieval bridge which entertained a regular horse market for over 100 years. It's three garages were formally stables and the present stone flagged floor and wooden beams give the pub a warm and cosy feeling. The Peacock near the Tourist Information Centre was built in the 19th century. The peacock is the family crest of the Manners family ( the Dukes of Rutland) of Haddon Hall. The Red Lion situated in The Square, is thought to originally have been a timber framed 16th century inn.

Accommodation in Bakewell

Wyedale House B&B - A warm welcome awaits you at Wyedale Bed and Breakfast where David and Gill offer comfortable accommodation, along with a full English or vegetarian breakfast. We offer a choice of three rooms all of which are tastefuly decorated and have en-suite facilities, Televisions, refreshment trays and towels. We are a non-Smoking Establishment. See more at Wyedale House at Bakewell

Rose Cottage - Rose Cottage at Over Haddon near Bakewell is a charming yet unusual, traditional mid terrace stone cottage which has been recently re-equipped and furnished. It has parts dating back to the 17th Century, it is full of character, yet with a modern fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is ideal for one or two couples or could suit a family but not with young children. Read more at Rose Cottage at Over Haddon

Haddon Grove Farm Cottages - A newly-renovated luxury farmhouse and 10 cottages with indoor heated swimming pool in 2 acres of landscaped grounds with fantastic views over Lathkill Dale and the surrounding countryside. With space for over 50 people, Haddon Grove is perfect for families, groups and get-togethers as well as couples. Read more at Haddon Grove Farm Cottages

Bolehill Farm B&B Accommodation - Bolehill Farm B&B accommodation near Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District has some stunning views towards Lathkill Dale. B&B accommodation

Bolehill Farm Holiday Cottages - Self Catering Cottages - This charming collection of eight stone cottages sleeping from 2-5 is situated in a superb rural location in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Castle Cliffe Guest House at Monsal Head near Bakewell is set amidst the stunning scenery of the National Park, Castle Cliffe is an ideal base from which to explore the many sites and activities of The Peak District. See Castle Cliffe

Ruskins Guest House is situated at the head of Monsal Dale overlooking the famous Monsal viaduct. It comprises 9 luxurious bedrooms (all ensuite) Read more Ruskins

Valley View Guest House - Valley View is a detached private house offering pleasant comfortable 4 Star Silver Award accommodation, in the hamlet of Calver, which is situated upon the river Derwent, in the heart of the Peak District National Park. It makes an ideal base for walking, sightseeing, cycling, and rock climbing. It is a pet friendly establishment with plenty of private parking and children over 12 are welcome. Read more at Valley View Bed & Breakfast

Merman Barn is a converted limestone barn on the quiet outskirts of Tideswell, only a short walk from the village centre. There is private parking for up to 6 cars at the rear of the property and a walled garden in which guests can relax.

Merman barn is a high quality B&B where Linda and Andrew offer a warm welcome, good food, 3 en suite comfortable rooms and a guest lounge. There is a quiet area for Internet access, private parking and a walled garden. We welcome walkers and cyclists. Read more at Merman Barn Bed & Breakfast

Rockingham Lodge B&B - Nick & Gill Brelsford welcome you to Rockingham Lodge, an Eighteenth Century former Inn, ideally located for walkers or cyclists. All of our three rooms have flat screen televisions and tea and coffee making faciltities and there is a large guest lounge available at all times for the use of guests with a wood burning stove for those colder winter nights. Read more at Rockingham Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Monks Retreat Holiday Cottages - Situated in the beautiful village of Millers Dale, near Tideswell in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District. Spacious, beamed, quiet but not too isolated, lovingly maintained, and overlooking some of the most spectacular scenery in the Peak Park, the cottages are situated where Millers Dale meets Monks Dale - a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty, renowned for its excellent walking with a network of paths leading directly from the door. There are paths of all grades from very easy to more challenging past towering limestone cliffs and along peaceful rivered dales. Our farm trail leads to a ridge walk with views of 7 dales. Read more at Monks Retreat Holiday Cottages

Millers Dale Holiday Cottages - Situated in the beautiful village of Millers Dale, near Tideswell in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District. The singing birds in the tranquil hills welcome you to one of the most beautiful places in the country. Millers Dale is situated on the River Wye in the heart of the Peak District, hugged by breathtaking views and the opportunity to experience nature at its best all year round. Read more at Millers Dale Holiday Cottages

Riverside House - Four star self catering accommodation in heart of Peak District sleeping up to 12. Lovely river views, walks from door, inlcuding Miller's Dale and Monsal Dale, shops 2 miles, pub one mile. Pet and child friendly. Safe garden, off street parking, games room, BBQ, log burning stove, huge lounge, loads of dining space and very well equipped kitchen and separate utility. Nearby Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Buxton and lots more!
Read more at Riverside House at Litton Mill near Tideswell

For more Peak District information try Peak District Accommodation, Activities and Attractions

For accommodation in Bakewell try Derbyshire and Peak District Accommodation and Peak District Accommodation

If you are looking for work in the Bakewell area try Jobs in Bakewell

For seasonal walks around Bakewell try The Bakewell Tree Trail

See also Bakewell Guide and Bakewell on Line

For some excellent photographs of Bakewell please visit Derbyshire and Peak District Photographs