The Derbyshire town of Bakewell, situated within the Peak District National Park and less than two hours from Birmingham, offers scenery comparable to the Cotswolds, including honey-hued stone cottages and a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Parkdean Resorts has highlighted the town as a destination dupe for Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the Cotswolds' most famous settlements, due to its similar riverside setting and pretty high streets.
A Cotswolds alternative in the Peak District
Bakewell is a historic market town nestled along the River Wye, characterised by honey-coloured stone cottages, narrow lanes, and hidden courtyards. The town has frequently been hailed as one of the UK's prettiest villages, with almost 200 listed buildings adding to its picturesque appeal. Medieval stone bridges and honey-hued architecture enhance its similarities to the Cotswolds, while the Derbyshire town remains quieter and famous in its own right.
The Cotswolds is one of the UK's most popular regions, drawing thousands of tourists every year to its chocolate box settlements, meandering rivers, cobbled streets, and rolling hills. However, the idyllic streets of places like Castle Combe and Bibury often become packed with visitors, prompting travellers to seek lesser-known destinations for a serene UK day out.
Birthplace of the Bakewell tart
Bakewell is famously the birthplace of the Bakewell tart, a dessert consisting of shortcrust pastry, a layer of raspberry jam, and a soft almond sponge, typically topped with flaked almonds. A variation, the Cherry Bakewell, replaces the flaked almonds with fondant icing and a glacé cherry. Visitors can sample these treats at several bakeries across the town.
The Bakewell Tart Shop is a popular spot, offering variations on the classic tart served warm or cold, with ice cream, custard, or cream. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, housed in a honey-stone cottage with wooden beam interiors, also serves the dessert alongside afternoon tea.
Michelin-recommended dining on Bath Street
Beyond its renowned dessert, Bakewell's high street hosts independent shops, cosy cafés, traditional pubs, and thriving eateries housed in honey-stone buildings. Among these is the Lovage restaurant on Bath Street, which serves modern British dishes "with a laid-back country feel" and is led by chef-owner Lee Smith. The restaurant occupies a former stable block with "rustic décor with wood-panelled walls, exposed brickwork and beamed ceilings", according to the Michelin Guide, which also highlights its "friendly team" and "dishes made up of quality local ingredients".
Gateway to the Monsal Trail
Bakewell's position within the Peak District makes it a gateway to rambling routes, including the Monsal Trail. This traffic-free walking path spans 8.5 miles, following the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line that closed in the 1960s. The trail passes former tunnels and the iconic Headstone Viaduct, a five-arch structure towering over the River Wye and rolling valleys.
The Monsal Trail has become a popular spot for railway enthusiasts and those exploring the Peak District along a paved route suitable for hikers, cyclists, and wheelchair users, starting from the town of Bakewell.
