Are you looking for a beautiful town to visit while in Peak District? If you do, then you should definitely consider camping in Bakewell. This historical town is also the biggest one in the whole Peak District area.
Bakewell has a rich history and is best known as a market town. Its name has changed through the years, but the first records of settlement date all the way back to the 9th century. You can find a bunch of interesting things to see or do around Bakewell. For example, did you know there is a church in Bakewell that dates back to the year 920?
Wild camping: Is it legal in Bakewell?
Unfortunately, wild camping is not legal in Bakewell. However, plenty of people still manage to wild camp there. How is that possible? Some of those people ask for permission from the land owners, while others camp illegally. Generally speaking, you’ll be fine camping in the wild but there are some rules that you should follow:
- Never camp near the settlement.
- Never start a campfire, use a storm cooker instead.
- Pick up all the trash that you make, don’t leave it in nature.
- Don’t camp on hiking trails.
- Don’t camp on fenced fields.
- If possible, ask the landlord for permission.
“Bakewell is gorgeous now I think about it, usually go there for outdoors gear and the markets. If you’re in the county though I’d also go to Castleton, only half an hour away and I’d argue it’s even cosier.”
– iamdizzyonfanta on Reddit
Best time for camping in Bakewell
You know what they say about the “best time” to camp somewhere, it really depends on what you want to see. Bakewell can be visited during any time of the year. However, if you are looking for the best time to see beautiful nature and wildlife, go there in spring. Also, the prices tend to be the lowest during this period. Summer is when the festivals start and the town can get crowded.
On the other hand, if you’d rather stay in a cottage, winter is surely a better choice. Those old stone houses will make you feel like you are in some kind of a movie. The whole town has some magical vibe to it. If winter is too cold for you, go during autumn instead. The prices are lower during autumn and nature is just beautiful.
Things you might forget on your camping trip:
- Waterproof tent – It doesn’t matter which season it is, it can always start raining. That’s why we suggest getting a rainproof tent. Check our 5 Best Tents for Heavy Rain buying guide.
- Multiple clothing layers – Even during summer, bring a light jacket with you as the wind can be tricky.
- Reserve socks – These are life savers if you accidentally get your feet wet.
- Camera – It would be a shame not to capture such beautiful scenes.
5 campsites in Bakewell you can stay at
Since Bakewell is a town, you can’t expect to pitch a tent in the middle of a street. Camping in Bakewell usually means you’ll have to go to a village near Bakewell instead. Though, if you would rather stay in a cottage than in a tent, that’s possible in the town. Don’t worry, we’ll show you 5 campsites in Bakewell that you can easily book.
Greenhills Holiday Park
This campsite has 45 tent pitches, so you’ll usually be able to book it all year round. It has 16 amp electrical hook-ups and it’s only about 30 minutes walking distance from the center of Bakewell. There is a children’s playground near the campsite so this is the ideal place if you are camping with your little ones.
Facilities on the site include hot water showers, washbasins, laundry room and there is also a clubhouse nearby. It’s worth noting that you cannot book during December. The managers live on-site, so in case of any problem, you can talk to them.
Things to do around
- Explore Bakewell – The town is very close to the campsite so you can explore it very easily.
- Go Ape Treetop – Ideal if you came by car as this adrenaline park is 20 minutes away.
- Visit Haddon Hall
Pricing:
The price per night is around 35 GBP. However, prices can change so it’s best if you track it at their website.
Address:
Crowhill Ln, Bakewell DE45 1PX, UK
Mandale Campsite
Mandale is a working farm with plenty of domestic animals nearby. There are great pubs nearby if you’d like to have some fun. On the other hand, the Spa town of Buxton is only 20 minutes driving distance if you’d rather enjoy a relaxing time. It’s about 1 hour of walking or 10 minutes by car away from Bakewell.
The Mandale campsite has been running for over 20 years. There are two toilet blocks, two shower blocks, and a washroom with a freezer. The only downside we have found is the fact that hot water is charged at 20 pence a minute, and it’s operated by coin.
Things to do around
- Explore Lathkill Dale – One of the prettiest dales in the whole Peak District area
- Enjoy local pubs
- Observe wildlife
Pricing:
The pricing is super affordable at just 7 GBP per night or 3.50 GBP per child under 12 years. If you need an electrical hook-up, it’s 5 GBP extra per day. You can pay both by credit card or cash on site. Check other prices here.
Address:
Mandale Farm, Haddon Grove, Bakewell DE45 1JF, UK
Dale Farm
This small rural campsite is located a 10-minute drive from Bakewell. Since it is a working farm, there are plenty of different animals to be seen nearby. Dale farm is very close to the Monsal trail, so if you are into hiking, this might be the ideal campsite for you. There are also mountain bike trails with beautiful nature surrounding them.
You can pitch a tent, park a campervan, motorhomes, or small to medium caravans. You can also rent bell tents that are fully equipped if you don’t want to bring your camping equipment with you. If you want to enjoy some homemade meat, you can get beef, lamb, and pork directly at the farm shop.
Things to do around
- Photography – Take pictures of farm animals or the beautiful nature surrounding the farm.
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
Pricing:
The campsite has facilities with hot showers and hot water is included in the price. The pricing for 1 night is approximately 15 GBP, but you should double-check their website.
Address:
Moor Rd, Great Longstone, Bakewell DE45 1UA, UK
Riverside Cottages
Now for those of you who want to camp in Bakewell, but would rather sleep in a cabin, this is the place. Riverside cottages are located 10 minutes from the center of Bakewell. If you’d like to explore the town, everything would be really close to you.
There are three modern country cottages that are ideal for bigger groups, families, etc. They are fully equipped with towels, soaps, tea and coffee, even a vacuum cleaner, and more. It’s as luxurious as it gets and you’ll even have a fiber internet connection. Dogs are welcome, but there is an additional charge of 20 GBP per dog for the whole stay.
Things to do around
- Relax on river Wye
- Try the local bakeries
- Explore the hiking trails
Pricing:
The price is a bit higher when compared to campsites. It makes sense as this is a modern cottage rather than a tent. The prices differ depending on if you choose the cottage, barn, or house. You can check the full prices here.
Address:
Bakewell DE45 1GS, UK
Lilac Cottage
Another modern cottage on the list. Lilac cottage is located 30 minutes walking distance from Bakewell. There are plenty of things to see and do around the location. For example, you can visit the Ashford War memorial institute or even the Ashford in the Water Cricket Club.
You can also relax by the Wye river nearby. The cottage is ideal for couples, small families, and friends. There are pubs and local shops nearby so you don’t have to worry about getting groceries. If you are looking to stay in a picture-perfect village, this is as close as you can get.
Things to do around
- Visit the cricket club
- Visit the Sheepwash Bridge
- Have a picnic by the river
Pricing
It’s cheaper than the previous cottage as you’ll pay approximately 62 GBP per night. You can book in advance and check the availability here.
Address:
Greaves Ln, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell DE45, UK
Conclusion
Camping in Bakewell can be a purely magical experience. This fairly old town located in Peak District has plenty to offer. Visit some of the old historical monuments or explore nature. Remember, wild camping is not allowed in Bakewell, but if you still decide to do it, don’t litter. Check the weather before you come, but always bring a raincoat just in case.
