Discover Bakewell on the River Wye

Bakewell lies on the banks of the River Wye and combines historic buildings with nature and leisure activities in the Peak District. It is also home to a local pudding tradition, recurring events and a golf club with a long history. If you are looking for a hotel in Bakewell, you can get a sense of the destination through these different highlights: from early church architecture and riverside paths to events that may be relevant when planning your trip.

Historic traces in Bakewell

Bakewell Old House Museum was originally built as a tithe barn in 1534 and is a Grade II* listed building. All Saints’ Church was Bakewell’s first stone church; it dates from the Anglo-Saxon period and was in use by 949 at the latest. Anglo-Saxon stones are displayed in its south porch, and two Anglo-Saxon cross shafts stand in the churchyard. These dates mark two distinct building histories: the church was in use by 949 at the latest, while the tithe barn was built in 1534. Bakewell’s historic buildings also include a medieval stone bridge with five arches.

By the river and along the Monsal Trail

The Bakewell Family Walk runs alongside the River Wye and offers the chance to spot water voles, kingfishers and trout. For nature enthusiasts, the possibility of seeing specific wildlife is part of what the walk offers. The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users, passing through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone valleys. It runs for 8.5 miles along the former Midland Railway line, between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell. The two routes offer different highlights: the Family Walk focuses on its riverside setting and possible wildlife sightings, while the Monsal Trail is defined by the former railway line, its length and its named endpoints.

Pudding, market and events

You can try Bakewell Pudding in bakeries and cafés in Bakewell. At The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, visitors can make their own Original Bakewell Pudding in a bakery and take it home. If you plan to take part, it is best to check the booking details in advance, as they may change.

Bakewell Market takes place every Monday from 9 am to 4 pm at the Market Place and on Granby Road. Check the current schedule before travelling. The Bakewell Country Festival is a regular feature of the summer events calendar; specific dates and programmes vary from year to year. Bakewell Well Dressing takes place in July. Check the current year’s programme when planning your visit.

Golf in Bakewell

Bakewell Golf Club was founded in 1899 and has a 9-hole course with 18 tees. The club is open to both members and visitors; check the current visitor policy before travelling. For golf enthusiasts, Bakewell offers both a specific course detail and a club with a history. Together with the historic buildings, riverside walk and Monsal Trail, this makes it possible to plan a stay around different interests without treating these attractions as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Morley, Belper, Coton In The Elms, Pilsley, Buxton, Chapel-En-Le-Frith, Eyam, Mickleover.

For the broader travel overview: Derbyshire.