How this picturesque Peak District town can offer the perfect day out just a short drive from Sheffield

Idyllically situated on the banks of the River Wye, Bakewell is the largest settlement in the Peak District National Park and features mellow stone buildings, quaint courtyards and a medieval five-arched stone bridge as well as an abundance of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

How do I get there?

The drive to Bakewell will take approximately 42 minutes if you go via the A625. You will need to take Psalter Lane to Ecclesall Road and then follow the A625 to Hassop Road/B6001 in Derbyshire. Continue on the B6001 to Bakewell. At the roundabout, you need to take the second exit and follow the A6 road into Bakewell. By train the journey will take around an hour.

Things to do when you get there

If you are heading to Bakewell, there is one thing that you must try before leaving, and that is the famous Bakewell pudding, which is said to have been invented at the White Horse Inn.

Legend has it that the town’s famous pudding was the result of a misunderstanding between the inn's mistress, Mrs Greaves, and her cook; visiting noblemen had ordered a strawberry tart, but instead of stirring the egg mixture into the pastry, the cook spread it on top of a layer of jam.

​Many of the residents who lived around the town at the time recognised the possibility of producing the puddings to sell and acquired the original recipe to start businesses of their own.

Visitors can get a pudding experience at The Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in the town, where their Bakewell Puddings are still made by hand from the secret recipe today, and they even offer a service to send them across the globe using their popular Post a Pudding service.

If you are looking for some quality products to take away from your day trip, why not visit the excellent range of specialist shops selling everything from clothing to handmade chocolates and rare whiskies – there is also the opportunity to source some of the best quality local produce at one of Britain's most reputable farmers' markets.

If you are wanting to do something a bit more adventurous, opt for a peaceful walk along the Monsal Trail, which is a is a traffic-free route through the beautiful valley's of the Peak District.

Best places to eat and drink

According to Trip Advisor, the best places to eat in the town are The Gallery Cafe, Piedaniel’s Restaurant and The Woodyard.

The Gallery Cafe would be an ideal spot to eat for those wanting a light snack, lunch or dinner. Enjoy a slice of homemade cake, a freshly prepared lunch or an afternoon tea in the tranquil ambience of Gallery Café, located inside the Rutland Arms Antiques Centre. They use the finest ingredients in all their products and use local produce to support suppliers in the area.

For more information visit their website at www.gallerycafebakewell.co.uk