Bakewell, a market town in the Peak District National Park, is being hailed as a worthy rival to the Cotswolds, offering quintessential English charm, scenic walking trails, and a famous local delicacy without the overwhelming crowds. Tess Annan, manager of the British country attire brand Welligogs, highlighted Bakewell as a must-visit destination for those seeking a countryside escape similar to the Cotswolds.
Why Bakewell Stands Out
Annan said: "Many people automatically think of the Cotswolds when planning a countryside escape, but Bakewell offers a very similar experience in the heart of the Peak District. Bakewell has that same feeling of stepping into a slower pace of life, which is one of the reasons visitors continue to fall in love with the Cotswolds year after year." She recommended visiting mid-week to avoid summer weekend crowds.
The Monsal Trail
A major draw is the Monsal Trail, an 8.5-mile traffic-free walking and cycling route along a former railway line. The trail is fully paved and flat, making it family-friendly and accessible. It passes through disused railway tunnels and across the iconic five-arch Headstone Viaduct, a Grade II-listed Victorian structure that offers excellent photo opportunities. The trail typically starts from Coombs Road, southeast of Bakewell's centre, and ends at Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale, near Buxton.
Local Delicacy and Cafes
Bakewell is home to the original Bakewell pudding, a shortcrust pastry base with jam and an egg-and-almond filling, served at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. The town also offers a variety of cafes, including River And Roast Upstairs Cafe, The Honey Bun Cafe, Lavender Tea Rooms, and Peak Feast. The Bakewell tart, a cake-like pastry with frangipane and icing, also originates here. Annan noted that Bakewell is less tourist-driven and more budget-friendly than many Cotswolds villages.
