What You Need To Know About Bakewell
With historic buildings dating back to the 10th century, Bakewell is an important attraction in England's Peak District National Park. In the largely rural county of Derbyshire, the small town is surrounded by countryside walks and magnificent views.
Relying heavily on tourism to support the local economy, Bakewell is the home of the Peak District National Park Authority, who maintain the natural beauty of the park in order to attract tourists in spite of the rainy climate of the area. In fact, as the Peak District is one of the world's most visited National Parks, there is plenty of opportunity for the Bakewell tourist industry to flourish.
Each era of history that has passed over England has left a mark on her buildings, and Bakewell is no exception. In and around the parish church, you might find medieval tombstones, Norman masonry, Saxon relics or Victorian choir stalls. The main building is classified as 'Grade I listed', which means it is protected by a government agency against demolition or alteration and that it will be as well looked-after as funding will allow.
As well as August's Agricultural Show - the largest covered show in England - the town boasts a traditional market every Monday. This weekly market is a big part of the town's long history: it has been running in the town-centre since 1254. Its main function today is as a significant tourist attraction, with both a purpose built cattle market and the more traditional craft and produce stalls attracting the casual shopper.
Venturing out of the quaint town-centre, visitors will soon find themselves in the extensive grounds of one of the country's finest stately homes: historic Chatsworth House. Easily recognisable as the setting for a number films and television shows, the magnificent mansion has been the country home of the Dukes of Devonshire since the 16th century. As impressively elegant as the house, the gardens and grounds demand the attention of a good day of exploring.
Setting aside the natural beauty of the area, Bakewell is famous throughout Britain for the Bakewell Pudding: a jam and ground almond filled sweet pastry. Local pubs and restaurants engage in friendly rivalries over who has the true original recipe, but all agree that their speciality has nothing to do with the Bakewell Tart, a more commonly known but less traditional treat.
Enjoying a long and well-preserved history, Bakewell sits in an area of natural beauty where both the town and the surrounding countryside are carefully maintained as much for their own sake as for the tourist interest they generate.
