Bakewell is a historic town in the Peak District, famed for its tarts and puddings, but it is also one of the most pooch-friendly locations you’ll ever visit.
That’s because there are so few places in the town where humans and their pets can’t enjoy their time together, whether they want to enjoy a coffee and a snack, or shop ‘til they drop. So, if you want a lovely day out with your ‘best friend’, follow my mini itinerary to get you started.
Morning
Why not start your trip by grabbing a coffee and croissant at Lovage? By day, this is a dog-friendly café, where you can sample goodies from the local Wye Bakehouse artisan bakery and by night it turns into a posh restaurant, whose most famous guest was none other than Hollywood actor Tom Cruise! Apparently, he gave the staff a massive tip afterwards. Well, he’d be rude not to!
Now it’s time for retail therapy. Tails are often wagging in the stores, which usually provide doggie treats for their canine clientele. Top of the shops for dogs are Bakewell Pet Supplies, where treats are de rigeur, Barks & Co and Bakewell Dog Boutique and Gift Shop.
Humans who want to take their well-behaved dogs for a sniff around the shops have a wide choice, from posh chains like Fairfax and Favour, Seasalt and Joules, to independent boutiques like Chic for ladies’ and childrenswear and Brocklehursts of Bakewell, purveyors of country clothing.
Search for rare vinyl at Music in the Green or go bargain hunting at the handful of charity shops, like the Ashgate Hospice shop, where it’s possible to pick up a fabulous pre-loved piece (and be cuddled by the lovely staff).
Lunchtime
So, where is the best place for lunch? The Wheatsheaf pub and the Rutland Hotel are great places for lunch (and dinner) with your favourite human, but we love the café at Lead Tin Yellow Antiques Centre, which has a deliciously eclectic menu and serves up great coffee.
Afternoon
Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome at the pooch-friendly Old House Museum, which is based in a building that has been around since Tudor times and tells the story of the house and its inhabitants through an array of fascinating exhibits. For 2026, there’s a new exhibition, Home Sweet Home, which features displays of locally made doll houses from the 1870s.
Or you might also want to take a look at the stunning All Saints’ Church, which forms the central focus of the town. But best of all for dogs is Bakewell’s recreation ground. Here, before 11am and after 4pm, we can be taken off our leads and run around to our heart’s content, plunging into the beautiful river Wye on hot days and greeting fellow pooches with their friendly owners. What’s not to love?
By Janet Reeder | Images Paul Morgans
