Stately homes

The charming village offers visitors the perfect blend of culinary delights, scenic walking trails and historic attractions

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.

A quintessential town has long been named one of the prettiest towns in the UK, and it’s easy to see why with its cobbled lanes and independent shops filling the quaint streets

During this time of year, there’s nothing better than wandering around a charming UK town before stopping off at a cosy pub. There’s one location that’s well worth a visit.

The unspoilt English town of Petworth in Sussex is like stepping back in time, featuring quaint cobbled lanes lined with antique emporiums. There are independent shops tucked among the streets, along with cafes, delis and inviting pubs that make for an idyllic day out.

Petworth Antiques Market itself is home to more than 40 dealers, where you can discover everything from stunning furniture pieces to ornaments and various home accessories. When peckish, pop into The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before venturing out to explore the sprawling 700-acre Petworth Park, which lies beneath the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.

Inside, visitors can explore the 17th-century stately home and uncover a treasure trove featuring an internationally significant collection of art and sculpture. You may even recognise it from films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as its appearance on Netflix’s Bridgerton.

One Tripadvisor reviewer commented: “Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner – the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.

“The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns.”

Another shared: “Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn’t particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.

“I’m not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit.”

Petworth sits just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and approximately 50 minutes from Portsmouth. If you’re a fan of nature and wildlife, be sure to look out for the hundreds of deer that freely wander around the park.

The park is one of the best-preserved examples of an English landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the South Downs, with the park offering the perfect vantage point.

It’s also the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy a refreshing walk. Not to mention that Petworth has been so highly praised, it was hailed as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns by Condé Nast Traveller earlier this year.

So, if you’re planning a day trip in the UK, consider Petworth for a delightful and tranquil outing this winter.

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