The Picnic Site

Bakewell - Home of The Bakewell Pudding

Bakewell is the largest town within the National Park.  It is situated on the west bank of the river Wye and has been an important place since Saxon times, when Edward the Elder ordered a fortress to be built there.. Edward was the son of Alfred the Great (the one who burnt the cakes).

The church is mainly thirteenth century with some restoration work carried out during the Victorian era.  The church contains some Saxon stones and two decorated crosses from the same period.  There are also elaborate monuments to members of the Manners family.  The church is well worth a visit

The name Bakewell is thought to refer to the twelve warm wells or springs which used to be there. Now only two remain, the others have either been diverted to run into the river or have dried up.  These wells made the place into a small spa, but attractive enough for the Romans to have a settlement there.  A Roman altar has been found nearby and is now at Haddon Hall just a few miles away.

Today Bakewell is a busy place with a wide range of shops and numerous hostelries. There are plenty of places to eat including most of the pubs.  On the subject of food it must be remembered that Bakewell is famous for its Pudding. The recipe is a closely guarded secret and is allegedly based on a cooking disaster - a mix up of ingredients by a busy cook in the nineteenth century at the Rutland Arms.  The pudding is served in two shops both claiming to use the original "recipe".

In the Centre of the town is a medieval five arched bridge over the River Wye and has been in constant use since it was built in the early fourteenth century.

The Bakewell show takes place every August when the Meadows alongside the river are taken over for one of the best Agricultural shows in the country.

The parish church of All Saints is built on higher ground above the town. The church itself is broad and low, but it has an unusual octagonal tower and battlemented walls with a graceful spire creating an interesting profile against the sky.

The main offices for the Peak National Park are in Aldern House, Baslow Road Bakewell.  The Peak National Park also operate the Information Centre which is in the old Market Hall in Bridge Street. (Tel. 01629 813227)

Find Bakewell on a map

Bakewell Easy Access Trail

Access Information

Go to Peak District Map Page

Go to Peak District Gazeteer Page