How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Bakewell

Forbes

16 hours ago

Bakewell Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
N estled within Derbyshire's rolling countryside, Bakewell —synonymous with the famed English pudding—is a quintessential Peak District town that feels plucked straight from a Jane Austen chapter; famously rumoured to have inspired 'Lambton' in Pride and Prejudice . Here, narrow cobbled streets wind through a town bathed in warm, honeyed hues, where ivy spills over stone cottages and the River Wye threads through like a silver ribbon, as wild ducks drift lazily beneath mossy footbridges and locals picnic beneath the arching shade of age-old, leafy willows.
At the heart of the town, glowing bakeries tempt tourists to queue for a taste of the legendary Bakewell Pudding . While nearby, buzzing market stalls brim with handmade crafts, crumbly English cheeses, and fragrant blooms. Tucked into sleepy alleyways, tiny galleries unveil the works of local Peak District artists. While All Saints Church watches over Bakewell, standing noble and proud, with ancient Saxon crosses whispering stories of long-gone times.
But don't be fooled—Bakewell comes alive after dusk, as Victorian lampposts flicker and crowds gather in its classic English pubs to cheers local Peak Ales. So, whether you're tracing Jane Austen's literary footsteps at nearby Chatsworth House or rambling through sunlit meadows ablaze with buttercups, you'll discover plenty of jewels in the capital of Bakewell Pudding .
The Rutland Arms Hotel at night. The Rutland Arms Hotel
Towering over Rutland Square, The Rutland Arms is Bakewell's iconic Grade II-listed coaching inn, originally commissioned in 1804 by the Duke of Rutland . With its honey-hued sandstone façade, Doric-columned entrance, and hand-carved coat of arms by White Watson , this boutique bolthole radiates timeless grandeur.
Step inside and you're greeted with a whimsical, almost theatrical, Alice In Wonderland-esque cavern—think medusa-like chandeliers, rich velvet banquettes, and walls adorned with grand oil portraits of Tudor royals, Georgian aristocrats, and playful countryside prints.
Upstairs, check into its petite Deluxe Four Poster Suite —the hotel's crown jewel—dressed with a stately four-poster bed, a stylish lounge area (think long floral drapes, retro Roberts radios, regal armchairs, and historic prints of Haddon Hall ), and a snug ensuite with a small bath tub and a glowing vanity mirror.
AA Rosette Restaurant The Rutland Arms Hotel
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
Chatsworth House Chatsworth House Trust
Rising from the folds of the Peak District, Chatsworth House is a regal Georgian stately home owned by the wealthy Dukes of Devonshire—famously immortalised as 'Pemberley' in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice . Start in its Painted Hall , where mythological frescoes swirl above golden balustrades—then, wander the Sculpture Gallery , where Roman marble figures gaze solemnly beneath vaulted skylights and marvel at the Library , lined with thousands of leather-bound volumes. Outside, the 105-acre garden unfurls with dramatic flair: a 300-year-old tumbling waterfall and its grand Emperor Fountain shooting skyward (built to impress Tsar Nicholas I). Or, simply lose yourself in the twisting yew hedges of its Maze . Hungry? Just a 10-minute drive away, you'll find Chatsworth Kitchen —serving warm Derbyshire oat cakes, garden vegetable linguine, and the house-favorite Chatsworth Kitchen Burger ( House & Garden tickets from $45 per person). Bakewell Pudding Shop
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in Bakewell. Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
Deep in the heart of Bakewell's cobbled town square stands The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop , inside a charming 17th-century stone building, once owned by the Duke of Rutland. It was the birthplace of the legendary Bakewell Pudding —by happy accident—in the 1800s. As the story goes, a cook at the nearby White Horse Inn misinterpreted a recipe, layering an egg custard over jam instead of folding it into the pastry. The result? A silky, almond-rich custard nestled in flaky puff pastry that became a British classic. Step inside and you're greeted by the smell of warm butter and toasted almonds as you clock a counter overflowing with handmade puddings, golden tarts, and whimsical surprises like Bakewell Pudding Gin . Bonus: Use their clever 'Post a Pudding' service and you can send a Bakewell Pudding anywhere across the globe. Monsal Trail
Monsal Trail Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
Winding through Derbyshire's limestone dales, the Monsal Trail is an 8.5-mile ribbon cut from the old Midland Railway line. You'll meander through six tunnels—like the Headstone Tunnel , echoing with footsteps—past craggy cliffs, wild garlic-filled woods, and limestone valleys. Then, emerging into sunlight, you'll be greeted by the majestic Headstone Viaduct , towering above Monsal Dale with hawks circling overhead. In spring, bluebells carpet the banks; as you pass by two relics of the Industrial Age: Litton Mill and Cressbrook Mill , once powered by the river's rush, now silent beneath ivy. Grand finale? Make a stop at Hassop Station Café for a slice of Bakewell tart or picnic beside the lime kilns, where butterflies flit between ox-eye daisies. Best Restaurants The Woodyard
Perched beside the River Wye, The Woodyard is a charming riverside restaurant—housed in a former 1810 marble works—its glass floor revealing the old millstream trickling below. Exposed stone walls, timber beams, and flickering candlelight are married with the smell of wood-fired pizzas, blue cheese mayo-topped Woodyard burgers, and crispy steak and Guinness pies with rich gravy. Sip punchy cocktails too—from 'Bakewell Sours' to spicy margaritas—in its sun-drenched beer garden; the only in Bakewell that overlooks the river. Lovage
Secreted away in a former 19th-century stable block, Lovage is one of Bakewell's most refined culinary jewels—led by its Chef-owner, 'Great British Menu' finalist, Lee Smith . Candlelight flickers off wood-paneled walls and Derbyshire stone as you indulge in seven-course tasting menus: think roasted beetroot with goat's cheese and dukkah, or stone bass with foraged herbs, and dreamy raspberry soufflé. The wine flight is superb, too—featuring Loire whites and Pfalz reds. How To Get There
Travelers and residents in London can hop on a 125-minute train from St Pancras International to Matlock, changing at Derby, with East Midlands Railway . From there, it's a 20-minute cab ride to Bakewell. For more information, head to visitpeakdistrict.com.