Bakewell, in the Peak District, is loved for its Bakewell tarts and thought to be the inspiration for Jane Austen's town in Pride and Prejudice
05:30, 05 Feb 2022
It's the pretty river town most loved for its pudding - yes, of course, we're talking about Bakewell in the Peak District.
Famous for its delicious Bakewell tarts, this is the biggest town in the Peak District National Park but it's full of nooks and crannies, tucked away places and quaint courtyards to discover.
Jane Austen's fictitious town of Lambton in Pride and Prejudice is widely believed to be based on 17th century Bakewell, which is around a 90 minute drive from Birmingham.
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The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, set in The Square, is a must-visit as you can enjoy the famous dessert at its original best. You can even post a pudding to a friend or order one for yourself online.
"Legend has it that the town’s famous pudding was created by mistake by a local cook in the mid-19th century," said a spokesman for Visit Peak District.
"Today her delectable ‘jam tart that went wrong’ can be sampled at various bakeries and cafés and posted virtually anywhere in the world!"
There's a wide range of boutique shops to mooch for handmade chocolates, outdoor clothing and rare whiskies and plenty of traditional cafes to stop off at for a cup of tea.
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You could also pack a picnic to enjoy under a weeping willow next to the beautiful River Wye with its impressive Gothic five arched bridge that dates back to the 14th century. Be sure to take a look into the river to see if you can spot any trout!
The river is home to many ducks and geese and runs through the centre of the town and into the park, which has a great playground for children.
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Whilst moseying around the old mellow stone buildings and character cottages, grab a cone of chips and an ice-cream or visit the art gallery.
The bustling outdoor market takes place on Mondays and you can even experience the traditional livestock market in the theatre-like auction ring too.
To make a day of it, you could visit nearby Thornbridge Hall, take a tour of Thornbridge Brewery to sample its craft beers or explore Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, which boasts more than 30 rooms to explore and beautiful gardens.
And you can also walk the Monsal Trail - a traffic-free, 8.5 mile route for walkers and cyclists through some of the Peak District's most spectacular limestone dales.
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It starts at Coombs Road in Bakewell and runs along the former Midland Railway line to Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale, taking you through four railway tunnels and up to the striking view from the Headstone Viaduct. There's a cafe stop at Millers Dale at the midpoint. Find out more at the Visit Peak District website here
Special events to look out for include Bakewell Carnival Week and Well Dressing in July and the Bakewell Show, one of the oldest agricultural events in the country, in August.
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