9 Fun Things to Do in Bakewell (in a Day)

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Bakewell, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I share 9 Bakewell attractions you can’t miss when visiting this quaint village in the Peak District.

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Best Things to do in Bakewell

1. Try a Traditional Bakewell Dessert

There’s more to Bakewell than its famous puddings, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them a try. It’s an absolute must to try The Bakewell Tart and The Bakewell Pudding.

The Bakewell Tart is a shortcrust pastry shell beneath layers of jam and frangipane. Whereas The Bakewell Pudding has a flaky pastry base with a layer of sieved jam and a filling made of egg and almond paste.

Personally, I’m not a fan of either; however, Natalie got right involved. We got ours from The Bakewell Tart shop, and they were very good, but there are plenty of places to get them around the town.

2. Check Out Hebden Court

One of our favourite things to do in Bakewell was wander around, admiring its picturesque streets. Everywhere in Bakewell looks fit for a postcard, which is especially true with Hebden Court.

Hebden Court is a beautiful hidden courtyard. It would be easy to miss if you didn’t know it was there, so keep a close eye for it next to The Bakewell Tart shop on Matlock Street.

There are some gorgeous local shops within the courtyard and a Tea Room with outdoor seating.

3. Visit All Saints Church

One of Bakewell’s most recognisable attractions is the stunning All Saints Church. A medieval structure overlooking the town, it is one of England’s most beautiful parish churches.

All Saints Church has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the Saxon period. There are numerous reminders of its Saxon heritage, including a pair of beautifully carved crosses in the churchyard.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a religious person, this is undoubtedly one of the most interesting things to do in Bakewell.

4. Visit the Love Lock Bridge

If you’re travelling as a couple, bring a lock to signify your love on Bakewell’s Love Lock Bridge. You can buy the locks in town with an engraving, but the shops there charge a premium.

The tradition goes that once you’ve sealed the lock, you’re to chuck the key into the river. Your love will last forever unless somebody locates the key and removes the lock.

However, there’s a new rule now that the key is to be discarded elsewhere, as throwing it in the water isn’t good for the environment.

5. Walk Along the River Wye

Taking a stroll along the river is one of the most romantic things to do in Bakewell.

The riverside is a beautiful and serene part of town. The pathways are well-kept, and there’s plenty of wildlife to keep you company.

Whether you’re feeding the ducks, having a picnic, or simply enjoying a moment of peace, I recommend taking some time for this while visiting Bakewell.

6. Visit One of the Many Pubs

There’s nothing more satisfying after a long day of exploring than a nice cold pint at one of the local pubs. You’ll see that there’s no shortage of options in Bakewell.

Whether you’re into craft beers, speciality gins, or your standard beverages, you won’t go thirsty in this town. Several have beer gardens, which are fantastic on hot summer days.

7. Buy a Local Souvenir

There are so many unique shops in Bakewell that it is impossible not to leave with some kind of souvenir. Whether it is a Bakewell pudding or something for the home, you won’t leave empty-handed.

One of our favourite purchases was from The Gifts & Crafts store. We bought a plaque as a gift for my in-laws reading “Nobody leaves sober”, which gives you a good idea of the family I’m marrying into!

8. Walk or Cycle the Monsal Trail

I couldn’t write a list of things to do in Bakewell without including The Monsal Trail. This iconic 8.5-mile Peak District walking route was once a railway line. Now, it’s a flat, accessible trail for all to enjoy.

Evidence of the old railway line exists throughout the trail, leading you through long stretches of dimly lit tunnels and traversing some of the Peak District’s best views.

9. Admire Bakewell from Above

I will round off my list of things to do in Bakewell with this beautiful viewpoint. We followed a trail north of Bakewell to get this unique perspective of the village. I’ve mapped out the route we followed, and you can find it here.

Things to do in Bakewell Map

Top Tips for Visiting Bakewell

Best Time to Visit

Considered one of the best villages in the Peak District, Bakewell can get extremely busy. With this in mind, aim to visit on a weekday and, if possible, avoid the school holidays.

Parking in Bakewell

There are three main car parks in Bakewell: New Street Car Park, Granby Road Car Park, and Market Place Car Park. I’ve linked each one to its Google Maps location to help you find them.

Where to Stay

We didn’t stay in Bakewell, so I can’t give any recommendations. However, the area has various hotels, B&Bs, and campsites. We use Pitch Up for booking campsites and booking.com for anything else.

Enjoy These Fun Things to do in Bakewell

I hope you have as much fun as we did exploring beautiful Bakewell. If you’re visiting the area soon, you might find some of our Peak District articles helpful.

If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.

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