Accommodation in Bakewell: Where to Stay in the Peak District
Looking for somewhere to stay in Bakewell? The town is one of the most practical bases for exploring the Peak District, with hotels, traditional inns, bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages both in the centre and in the surrounding countryside.
Stay in Bakewell itself and you can walk to shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants and riverside paths. Stay a little further out and you can exchange some of that convenience for quieter surroundings, village life and easier access to some of the Peak District’s best-known walks.
Bakewell is also well placed for visiting Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, the Monsal Trail and the limestone dales of the White Peak.
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Find the right accommodation in Bakewell
There isn’t one type of accommodation that suits every visit. A hotel in the centre can make sense for a short break when you want restaurants and shops close at hand, while a cottage gives you more space and the freedom to cater for yourself.
Hotels in Bakewell
Bakewell has a mixture of traditional coaching inns, independent hotels and more contemporary places to stay.
A centrally located hotel works particularly well for a weekend break because Bakewell’s pubs, restaurants and shops are within walking distance. There are also country hotels and inns in the surrounding villages for visitors who prefer a quieter setting.
Holiday cottages and self-catering
A holiday cottage can be a good choice for families, groups and anyone staying for more than a couple of nights.
Accommodation ranges from smaller cottages and apartments in Bakewell itself to larger houses and rural properties in the surrounding countryside. Staying in town keeps shops and places to eat close by, while cottages further out offer more space and a stronger sense of being in the Peak District countryside.
Bed and breakfast
Bakewell’s B&Bs and guest houses offer a more personal alternative to a hotel and are particularly suited to couples, walkers and shorter stays.
Several are within easy reach of the town centre, allowing you to spend the day exploring the Peak District and return to Bakewell for dinner without necessarily having to drive again.
Looking for something more specific?
Visitors do not always search by accommodation type. Parking, transport and the kind of break you are planning can be just as important.
For a special weekend away, see our guide to hot tub breaks in the Peak District. If travelling by public transport, read our guide to the best places to stay in the Peak District without a car. If parking is important, our Bakewell hotels guide includes information about location and parking arrangements.
Where should you stay in and around Bakewell?
Choosing the location can matter as much as choosing the accommodation itself.
Bakewell town centre is the easiest choice if you want shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants within walking distance. It is particularly useful for a short stay or for visitors who would rather not drive every time they go out for a meal.
The edge of Bakewell can give you a little more space and quieter surroundings while keeping the centre within walking distance.
Ashford-in-the-Water, just outside Bakewell, is an attractive village on the River Wye with accommodation ranging from cottages to places such as Rafters at Riverside House. Riverside House describes itself as a 14-bedroom restaurant with rooms in Ashford-in-the-Water.
Around Monsal Dale and the Monsal Trail, accommodation is particularly convenient for walking and cycling. It is quieter than staying in Bakewell itself, although you will have fewer shops and places to eat immediately outside your door.
Towards Chatsworth and Baslow, you are well placed for Chatsworth House and the surrounding estate while remaining within easy reach of Bakewell.
Staying in Bakewell without a car
Bakewell does not have a railway station, so travelling here without a car takes a little planning. Once you arrive, however, the compact town centre makes many everyday things straightforward on foot.
Choosing accommodation close to the centre gives you easy access to shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, while bus services connect Bakewell with other towns, villages and attractions around the Peak District.
Why stay in Bakewell for a Peak District break?
Bakewell offers something that many smaller Peak District villages cannot: countryside close at hand combined with enough shops, restaurants and services to make a longer stay practical.
You can spend the day walking or cycling, visit Chatsworth House or Haddon Hall, explore the Monsal Trail and neighbouring villages, then return to Bakewell for dinner or an evening drink.
For visitors exploring the White Peak in particular, it is an exceptionally convenient base. See our guide to exploring the Peak District from Bakewell for ideas for days out.
Find accommodation for your dates
Availability in Bakewell can become limited on popular weekends, during school holidays and around major local events. If your dates are fixed, it is worth comparing what is available before deciding on a particular type of accommodation.
Search our map of accommodation in Bakewell
Use the map below to see where different places to stay are located in relation to Bakewell town centre, surrounding villages and the countryside.
Accommodation in Bakewell: frequently asked questions
Is Bakewell a good place to stay for visiting the Peak District?
Yes. Bakewell is inside the Peak District National Park and is well positioned for exploring the White Peak, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Monsal Dale and surrounding villages. It also has more shops and places to eat than many of the smaller Peak District villages.
Is it better to stay in Bakewell or outside the town?
Stay in Bakewell itself if being able to walk to restaurants, cafés and shops is important. Accommodation outside town generally offers quieter surroundings and easier access to the countryside, but you may be more dependent on a car or public transport.
Can you stay in Bakewell without a car?
Yes, although Bakewell does not have a railway station. Staying near the town centre makes a car-free visit considerably easier because shops, restaurants and many local attractions are within walking distance.
Are there self-catering cottages in Bakewell?
Yes. There is a substantial choice of holiday cottages, apartments and larger self-catering properties both within Bakewell and in the surrounding countryside. See our Bakewell holiday cottages guide for individual properties and availability.
Where is best to stay for the Monsal Trail?
Bakewell itself provides good access to the trail and is convenient for shops and restaurants. Accommodation closer to Monsal Dale or around Monsal Head may suit visitors whose main priority is walking or cycling.
Where should I stay for Chatsworth House?
Bakewell makes a convenient base for combining Chatsworth with the rest of the Peak District. Baslow and other villages closer to the Chatsworth Estate are alternatives if visiting Chatsworth is the main purpose of your trip.
Where should I stay in Bakewell if I need parking?
Parking varies considerably between properties. Some hotels, B&Bs and cottages have their own parking, while central properties may rely on Bakewell’s public car parks. Check the individual property’s parking arrangements before booking. Our Hotels in Bakewell guide includes more information on individual locations.