The charming village offers visitors the perfect blend of culinary delights, scenic walking trails and historic attractions
The village is perfect for foodies(Image: Derby Telegraph)
Undoubtedly the most cherished village in the Peak District – and justifiably so – this gem offers everything from local delicacies to spectacular walks and grand manor houses.
Nestled within the Peak District National Park, Bakewell draws crowds of tourists keen to discover its attractions and taste the mouth-watering treats that have made it famous. These are, of course, the iconic duo of Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart, sold across countless bakeries in the area, with many claiming to hold the original recipe.
Establishments where you can visit and try these local treasures include The Bakewell Tart Shop and Coffee House, Fountain View Bakery, Cornish Bakery and even The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. A customer, who tried the famous puddings at the original shop, said: “This establishment was a high-priority visit for us whilst we were staying in the Peak District, as my partner loves Bakewell tarts.
“We were so excited to find it and were impressed by how many items were in the store available to buy.” Beyond these delicious treats, the village proves popular as it’s perfectly positioned near countless historic buildings and walking trails. Most significantly, the spectacular Monsal Trail offers breathtaking views of a disused railway viaduct.
It’s actually the top-rated attraction in the area, based on TripAdvisor feedback. One walker who tackled the route said: “The views are just incredible with a lovely mix of scenery. You can start off at the pub and enjoy the views of the viaduct. Walk down the trail and capture the scenery of the valley from the top of the viaduct. Then follow down into the valley and wander across the trail down towards the weir.”
Additionally, visitors are drawn to explore Chatsworth House’s grounds and, of course, peek inside the splendid buildings, packed with history. The stately home features 25 rooms to explore, from striking galleries to state rooms and a beautiful ornate hall, as you uncover the history of the famous family who once lived there.
As one of Derbyshire’s finest stately homes, Chatsworth offers numerous events and activities year-round that are worth keeping an eye on, including the Chatsworth Christmas Market. One recent satisfied guest wrote: “We visited Chatsworth House to see the Christmas experience and were delighted with how magnificent this place is.”
They added: “The house is spectacular, and the Christmas decorations just added to the magic of this beautiful place. The grounds are also incredible. I wish that I had allowed more time and seen more of the garden during the day.” Bakewell, a peaceful market town situated beside the River Wye roughly 15 miles from Sheffield, stands as the biggest settlement in the National Park. Thought to have originated in Anglo-Saxon times, it’s now home to approximately 3,695 people, according to 2019 figures.
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It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than The ChallonersCredit: Edward J Felton
The Challoners, East Sussex
Deputy Editor Gayle Schoales, husband Nick and their Jack Russell Dixie cosied up in an idyllic rural retreat.
THE PAD
It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than The Challoners: two timber-clad cabins in a lush walled garden festooned with fairy lights, buried deep in the rolling fields of the East Sussex Weald.
Beautifully decorated and stocked with everything you could think of (from torch to telescope), this adults-only, dog-friendly bolt-hole is brimming with rustic-chic charm.
You’ll find R&R at rustic-chic The ChallonersCredit: Edward J Felton
The shepherd’s hut sleeping quarters – with roll-top bath and luxe bedlinen – is more boutique hotel than glamping spot, while the second hut has a fully equipped kitchen, the comfiest of corner sofas and separate shower room.
Both huts have underfloor heating to keep you toasty in colder months, plus there’s a firepit in the garden for stargazing.
EXPLORE
You’re in 1066 country – where the Battle of Hastings was fought – so there’s no shortage of history around these parts, and 14th-century Bodiam Castle, three miles away, is well worth a visit.
Climb the battlements and spot medieval graffiti before posing by the moat for the perfect Insta shot.
Bodiam Castle is sure to float your moatCredit: Getty Images
Eleven miles away, the pretty market town of Tenterden has a tree-lined high street full of independent shops and tea rooms – pick up hand-crafted toffee-cream vodka for £26 in the kitsch Mr Taylor’s Drinks Emporium, and quirky art and beauty bits from local creatives in Ethel Loves Me (Ethelloves.me).
Fancy a ramble?
You’re spoiled for choice, but the stunning Bedgebury National Pinetum And Forest, seven miles away, is hard to beat.
Country pub of dreams the Salehurst Halt is a leisurely 25-minute stroll across the fields, with a buzzy atmosphere, live music on weekends and top-notch seasonal grub.
We loved the corn and manchego hash browns, £8, and The Double Buck burger with two venison patties, brie, blackberry hoisin and caramelised onion, £19 (Salehursthalt.co.uk).
Expect pretty pub fare at The Salehurst HaltCredit: Salehurst Halt – Instagram
Sunday lunch at The Abbey Hotel in the nearby town of Battle is a local institution – and for good reason.
Our thyme-roasted beef with all the trimmings was the stuff of legend, £21, while a Dixie-approved doggy roast is £5 (Abbeyhotelbattle.co.uk).
Afterwards, take a 30-minute drive to Rye’s medieval cobbled lanes to browse the boutiques and customise your dream hot chocolate at Knoops.
The 70% cocoa blend with orange, cinnamon and whipped cream will blow your mind, £6.50 (Knoops.com).
DON’T MISS
Chug your way back in time on the Kent And East Sussex Railway’s lovingly restored steam train, which runs between Tenterden and Bodiam.
Experience the local charm of Tenterden townCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
BOOK IT
Stays for two at pet-friendly The Challoners, Robertsbridge, cost from £119 per night (Cottages.com).
The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Ventnor
Assistant Editor Claire Frost and her partner Steve found a foodies’ delight on the Isle of Wight.
It shore is nice in Ventnor on the Isle of WightCredit: Universal Images Group via Getty
THE PAD
Husband and wife team Tom and Ashley have created a sea-view haven that might be even better in the off-season, thanks to its cosy lounge where you can curl up with a book and house pooch Ronnie.
The six individually designed bedrooms all feature a wine fridge and a decor of soft greens, dusty pinks and wood panelling, plus super-king Hypnos beds and La-Eva toiletries.
Bed down at The TerraceCredit: Supplied by PR
Every evening, sommelier Tom leads a super-interesting tasting where you can learn about some of the 900-plus bottles lining the walls of the wine room.
Later, sip your fave, along with a cheese and meat platter, £12, in front of the fire.
Come morning, breakfast is a four-course (and super-pretty) affair including poached fruit topped with yoghurt and home-made salted coconut granola, and local MasterChef-worthy egg, bacon, tomato and mushroom.
EXPLORE
With the shingle beach just across the road, you can stroll along the coast on a 20-minute amble to the cute village of Bonchurch and pop into tiny Bonchurch Pottery for a unique mug, £14.95.
Or hire an ebike from Route Fifty 7 through The Terrace for £25 a day, and speed your way up and down the isle’s hills, stopping at the awe-inspiring 22-acre Botanic Gardens.
Pop into London House bakery for pillowy chocolate and strawberry muffins, plus to-die-for sausage rolls, both £3.50.
For dinner, make a beeline for Pan-Asian Smoking Lobster and its insanely good glazed yellowfin tuna, £15, char-siu Iberico pork, £14, and moreish peanut noodles, £6 (Smoking-lobster.co.uk).
Enjoy a seafood feast at Smoking LobsterCredit: Smoking Lobster/Facebook
Or try Stripped for a Med-inspired menu that includes a huge sharing platter, £54, piled high with chicken skewers, lamb kebabs and garlicky home-made Romanian sausages (Stripped-brasserie.co.uk).
The best thing? All are within easy walking distance of your room.
DON’T MISS
Stop by Harvey Browns farm shop en route to the ferry for delicious Briddlesford Farm cheese and Godshill Orchard chutneys (Harveybrowns.co.uk).
BOOK IT
Double rooms at The Terrace cost from £250 B&B, including wine tasting (Theterraceventnor.co.uk).
Ferry crossings with Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne cost from £81 per car (Wightlink.co.uk).
