Things to do around Bakewell
Modern Bakewell has something for everyone, from its many historic buildings, its wonderful riverside walks to its award-winning newly designed town centre with shopping arcades and numerous emporiums of excellence.
We have compiled for you the list of the best things to do in the local area, and some further afield.
Bakewell Town
Well known for is Bakewell Puddings and centred around the River Wye, Bakewell has a variety of shops, tea shops, and friendly pubs. There is an open market every Monday, Farmers Market the last Saturday in every month and the famous Bakewell Show is held every August.
Matlock
The town itself offers a variety of shops and there are numerous places to dine. A joy to anyone who appreciates a good old-fashioned shopping street, almost devoid of the usual high street chains. Highlights include Matlock Antiques Centre, an Aladdin’s cave of treasures, including railway, tools and textiles alongside the more usual china and furniture.
Buxton
A rich mixture of shopping that offers retail therapy to both visitors and residents alike. Buxton boasts a wide range of shops from Waitrose to Cafe Nero, Marks & Spencer to Next as well as some of the best in specialist designer boutiques.
Officially the Highest Market Town in Britain, Buxton’s Market days are Tuesday and Saturday on The Market Place in Higher Buxton, which also boasts a variety of outlets for those in need of a little retail therapy. There is also a monthly Farmers’ Market in the Pavilion Gardens and an annual Continental Market bristling with traders from across Europe.
Monsal Trail
Part of the former Midland Railway Lane over 8 miles of track, all suitable for walkers, some suitable for cyclists, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Stop at Hassop Station Cafe, Bookshop, and Cycle hire one mile north of Bakewell.
Haddon Hall
With 900 years of history, Haddon has much to offer.
Brimming with history and stories of old, a remarkable tapestry collection; an early English furniture collection reputed to be the best of its kind in England; and stunning Elizabethan Walled Gardens, recently redesigned by Arne Maynard, Haddon is one of the most significant and oldest heritage destinations in the country, and we welcome friends, families, groups and societies to join us for a memorable and fascinating day out.
Chatsworth
Chatsworth House is renowned for the quality of its art, landscape and hospitality, and it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations.
Today, Chatsworth contains works of art that span 4,000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash.
Peak Village Outlet Shopping Centre
Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and on the doorstep of the Chatsworth estate. Great for a unique and relaxed shopping experience with national retailers and individual shops.
Visit site…
For the adventurous
Go Ape Tree Top Adventure in Buxton
Go Ape Buxton is one of the highest adventures, close to a 2 million year old natural limestone cave. Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park and within walking distance of the historic Spa town itself.
Suitable for 10 years upwards, a challenge for you, your friends and family or team building, 3 hours of tree top adventure.
Alton Towers
Just 45 minutes drive away from Greenhills, treat the family to an amazing day out. Major attractions include Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Runaway Mine Train, Congo River Rapids and Hex – The Legend of the Towers.
Wild Park Leisure in Brailsford
Only 10 minutes from Derby and Ashbourne, Wild Park Derbyshire is the Midlands Premier Paintball, Laser Tag and Quad Bike Trekking Centre.
For the children
Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath
Gulliver’s Kingdom is a family theme park designed to cater for families with children between the age of two and thirteen. All its rides and attractions are designed to offer the whole family a full day out of fun and excitement.
Abraham’s Heights in Matlock Bath
Looking for a great day out? A visit to Abraham’s Heights in Matlock Bath shows that the cable car journey is just the start! When the cable car arrives at the summit you have FREE ACCESS to the Caverns, Exhibitions and Hilltop Park. Open February to October.
Matlock Farm Park
A 600 acre working farm with a number of activities, particularly suited to families looking for things to do in the area. Home to pigs, sheep, goats and donkeys as well as llamas, alpacas and a very impressive (and very friendly) fully grown Red Deer Stag. There’s an extensive collection of poultry and smaller domestic animals too!
Monkey Magic at Trentham
Experience this unique opportunity to visit a monkey forest where walking along the paths you are transported into a different world through close contact with the monkeys. You will be able to discover this amazing species as they exhibit their natural behaviour with no bars or cages to hinder your view.
Chatsworth Farmyard & Adventure Playground
Chatsworth working farmyard and adventure playground is fun and educational for all ages – with animal handling, milking demonstrations and daily activities, plus a woodland adventure playground with slides, trampolines and more!
Other local attractions
Carsington Water Reservoir
Something for everyone, Visitor centre, shops, cafe, fishing, sailing and water sports, cycling and walking tracks. The centre is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised training centre, and also delivers British Canoe Union (BCU) courses.
Matlock Golf Club
With every hole different and the Bentley Brook meandering through the course to add further interest, Matlock is a regular choice for many golfing visitors. With a driving course, golf course and clubhouse everyone can have a great day out.
Tissington Trail
This traffic free trail is available throughout the year for walkers, cyclist, and horse riders. It is also suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Bike hire at Parsley Hay and Ashbourne, cafe’s and toilets along the trail.
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