A Guide To Camping In Bakewell: Best Campsites, Wild Camping & More!

Bakewell is a beautiful town located in the heart of Derbyshire. It’s actually the biggest town in the Peak District National Park, but it’s probably best known for the delicious Bakewell Tart, a cake made with pastry, almonds, and raspberry jam! However, there is much more to this charming town than just its food.

Visitors can explore the medieval market square, wander through its pretty parks, or take a stroll along the River Wye. And in our opinion, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxed camping trip with friends or family. One visit here and you may just fall in love with this picturesque town.

As we know this town and the Peak District so well, below we have everything you need to know about camping in Bakewell. Including the best campsites, information around wild camping in Bakewell, things to do and even more.

So read on to begin your Bakewell camping adventure!

Fantastic Bakewell Campsites For Fun & Views

A camping trip to Bakewell is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Peak District. Thankfully there are several campsites close to town, so you can wake up in nature each morning and then explore all that Bakewell has to offer.

And if you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, there are also plenty of hiking and cycling trails nearby.

But first to help you out, here’s what we believe are the best campsites in Bakewell:

1. Greenhills Holiday Park

Greenhills is an excellent spot for campers who love the outdoors and want to enjoy some peace and quiet. The views from the campsite are beautiful as you’ll get clear views of the surrounding countryside which can be seen from all areas of the campsite – so it doesn’t really matter what pitch you get!

Woods surround the campsite too, so you’ll have privacy while you camp in a dreamy location. Dogs are also welcome on this site. This is a perfect location for those who love to hike or walk their dogs, as it is directly situated in the picturesque Peak District National Park.

Camping at Greenhills Holiday Park is a great experience and the facilities are very good too. The park is immaculate, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the toilets and showers are very clean. The only downside is that the shower cubicles are a bit on the small side. But the fact they have their very own photogenic bar with a good ale selection, and a beer garden, more than makes up for that!

However overall, this is an excellent place for camping in Bakewell, and the location is ideal for exploring the town and the surrounding area.

What’s Close By

The quaint village of Bakewell is just a stone’s throw away from Greenhills Holiday Park and a must-see while staying here.

You can stroll along its central River Wye, visit the tea rooms in the town or enjoy visiting the open-air market that’s held every Monday.

For people who love to explore nature, the nearby Monsal Trail is a must too. Suitable for walkers and cyclists, you’ll have eight miles of path to venture down. You can also find the Bakewell Old House Museum and Art Gallery in the town, which is excellent for a rainy day activity.

Rates: From £28 per night

Address: Crowhill Ln, Bakewell DE45 1PX, United Kingdom

2. Lathkill Wild Campsite

Situated in the middle of natural surroundings, Lathkill Wild Campsite is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. It’s located just ten minutes from Bakewell, and has plenty of grass pitches that are perfect for tents, campervans, caravans, and motorhomes.

This is an excellent choice for families, groups, or solo travellers seeking a peaceful, back-to-basics camping experience. Dogs are welcome at Lathkill, and there’s plenty of nearby countryside where they can roam free.

This campsite also allows you to have fire pits, adding to the authentic camping vibe. You can buy firewood onsite, so get ready to roast marshmallows under the stars here!

While rural, this campsite does have toilets on-site and drinking water. It is only a ten-minute drive to Bakewell too, where you can find basic supplies for your camp.

The Lathkil, an award-winning pub, is just a mile away and is a great place to go for an evening meal.

What’s Close By

A peaceful getaway in the Peak District, this location is perfect for those who love nature as there’s plenty of walks nearby.

Chatsworth House is a 20-minute drive away and boasts a beautifully painted hall and stunning gardens. Haddon Hall is just 15 minutes down the road for history buffs, and offers interesting guided tours through its medieval park.

You can also explore the Peak District National Park, which surrounds the campsite.

Rates: From £12 per night

Address: Lathkill Wild Campsite, Overhaddon, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1JF

3. Dale Farm Rural Campsite

Dale Farm is an ideal campsite for those seeking a break in the Peak District. With stunning views of the surrounding hills, it offers a lovely base for exploring the area’s many walks and historical attractions.

This working farm has pitches for tents, motorhomes, campervans, caravans, and three fully equipped bell tents for hire. There is also an on-site shop selling essential camping supplies. Fire pits and barbecues are allowed, and you can purchase firewood from the shop. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at this campsite as well. So it has everything you need as a camping purist.

The campsite facilities are fantastic too, and include a heated wash block with toilets, free showers, disabled facilities, and an indoor pot wash. Guests can even charge their gadgets here, and there’s ice pack freezing available too.

The site’s shop is also excellent, and it sells Dale Farm’s meats, jams, cakes etc., as well as eggs from nearby farms. So if you want fresh local produce for that campsite BBQ, it’s always just a few steps away.

What’s Close By

The farm is right in the heart of the Peak District, which is excellent for those looking to enjoy various outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and mountain biking.

Bakewell is just a short drive away and has plenty of shops and cafes, while Chatsworth House, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, is only a 15-minute drive from the farm.

And if you’re looking to get up close and personal with some farm animals, Dale Farm itself has sheep, Highland cows, pigs, horses and two friendly cats that love attention! And if you fancy a pint or two, there are three pubs within walking distance!

Rates: From £30 for two nights

Address: Moor Rd, Great Longstone, Bakewell DE45 1UA

4. Mandale Campsite

Mandale Campsite is located in a rural and peaceful area of the White Peak region in Derbyshire, England.

The site has been well-established for the past 15 years and features two large fields for camping. Those big open spaces are also fantastic for children to run around and play too.

In addition, the farm also operates as a base for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. It’s open from April to September for general campers; and this is a great time to explore the beautiful countryside that the area offers. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this is the perfect place to come for a relaxing and rejuvenating camping trip. It’s also one of the most affordable Bakewell camping options too.

As for facilities, you will have access to two different toilet blocks, and if you need to take a shower there are coin-operated showers available. There is also a freezer for freezer blocks if you need to store food. Monyash, a village located just a few miles away, has a play area for children.

What’s Close By

There are great walks and adventures to be had everywhere in this part of the world. In particular this is a haven for nature lovers, with nearby Lathkill Dale being one of the most beautiful spots.

You can also visit Arbor Low Stone circle to learn about the fascinating ancient world. For something more modern, stop by Bakewell or Buxton for some delicious food and drink. But don’t forget to check out Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall for a dose of history and grandeur.

Finally, if you’re travelling with kids, make sure to include Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath on your itinerary for a day of fun and excitement.

Rates: From £7 per night

Address: Mandale Farm, Haddon Grove, Bakewell DE45 1JF

5. Chatsworth Park Caravan Club Site

Along the rolling hills of the Chatsworth Estate lies the Chatsworth Park Club Campsite in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

This caravan park offers breathtaking countryside views right beside the stunning and historic Chatsworth House. With lots of wildlife and picturesque walks surrounding the area, this campsite is also fantastic for deer spotting and enjoying the great outdoors.

The idyllic setting is conveniently located near some great yearly events too, such as the Horse Trials in May and the Country Fair in September.

This campsite has everything you need for a comfortable stay, and is equipped with disabled facilities, a baby changing area, and even a designated dog-walking path. There’s also a dishwashing area and shower room, making it the perfect spot for everyone to relax and enjoy their holiday.

What’s Close By

Jousting tournaments, country fairs, and farmers’ markets are just a few of the reasons to visit the campsite and the area it sits in!

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Derbyshire, this campsite is the perfect place to enjoy all the countryside offers.

At Chatsworth House, you can explore the beautiful gardens and grounds and the stunningly decorated rooms inside the house. You can also take a stroll or have a picnic in the parkland, and the kids can cool off in the fountain on hot days. Not to mention, the farm shop is nearby for all your food needs.

If you’re feeling up for a walk, the village of Baslow is only a 15-minute stroll away and has several pubs to choose from.

Rates: From £20 per night

Address: Chatsworth Park, Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1PN

Wild Camping In Bakewell: Everything You Need To Know

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Unfortunately wild camping in Bakewell, and England (except for a few places) is illegal. Yet while that is the case, the reality is that some people still choose to wild camp.

Indeed if you choose to pitch your tent on someone’s private land and you have permission from the landowner to do that, then that form of wild camping is legal.

There is actually quite a long tradition of wild camping in the Peak District, so wild camping around Bakewell is sometimes tolerated by locals when campers treat the land well, stay out of sight, and set up their tent at dusk and take it down at dawn.

Wild camping is also sometimes tolerated when campers are walking a long distance trail and camping at the same time – after all, camping and hiking tend to go hand in hand.

Although that said, in general with do discourage wild camping in the Peak District because the region is home to a fragile ecosystem.

But if you’ve set your mind to the idea of wild camping and are determined to not stay in a campsite, then at least stick to the following guidelines in order to be as considerate as possible when in the Peak District:

• It’s good practice to only pitch your tent for one night only, and to camp discretely and in a remote place. Therefore don’t camp in or near towns and villages, on farmland or cultivated land. And if you think you’re about to camp on private land, then always attempt to seek out the landowner and ask their permission first.

• When camping it is best to pitch at dusk, and then take your tent down at the crack of dawn. A discreet that pitches quickly is best. So a lightweight hiking tent like this one would be a good idea for camping in Bakewell or the surrounding Peak District.

• If you happen to be hiking and camping, then make sure you choose to camp in a place that won’t be in any other hiker’s or walker’s way.

• Importantly, when wild camping anywhere you must never make a campfire. Fires can easily damage the flora and fauna, and can get out of control. A safer alternative is a storm cooker, or even a portable solar oven like this one by GoSun.

• It goes almost without saying, but you must always take rubbish with you and leave no trace where you pitched your tent.

The Best Time To Visit Bakewell

Bakewell is a great place to visit all year round as each season brings something different to the area.

However winter is the time of year to cozy up in a cottage and go for walks in the snow, rather than go camping!

Spring is when the flowers start to bloom, and the lambs are born. That makes is a very picturesque season, but also it’s before the peak tourist season begins so prices for camping in Bakewell tend to be lower.

Summer is when the schools are off, and while that means it is busy, there are lots of festivals and events happening. Autumn is when the leaves start to change colour, and then Bakewell becomes a quieter time to visit again with reduced camping prices.

Our Five Favourite Things To Do In Bakewell

The town of Bakewell is most famous for its delicious Bakewell tart, but there’s much more to this pretty little town!

In addition to being home to one of the best-known puddings in the country, Bakewell is also home to several historical sites and interesting museums. The town centre is full of quaint shops and cafes, perfect for a spot of lunch or some retail therapy.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Bakewell when visiting on a camping holiday:

1. Go For A Walk Along The River Wye

The River Wye runs through Bakewell and is a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll.

There are plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery, or you can continue on to one of the many pubs or cafes along the way. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hire a canoe and explore the river at your own pace.

2. Explore Haddon Hall

A visit to Haddon Hall is a step back in time to medieval England.

This grand country house was built in stages between the 13th and 17th centuries and has been perfectly preserved.

It was once the home of the Dukes of Rutland and is now one of the finest examples of a Medieval manor house in the UK. You can explore the great hall, chapel, kitchens, and bedrooms and learn all about life in medieval times.

3. Take A Walk In The Peak District

The Peak District is a beautiful area to explore, and Bakewell is the perfect place to start your journey. The landscape is sure to take your breath away with its drystone walls, heather moorland, and dales full of wildflowers.

And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some cows, deer or sheep grazing in the fields. At the Peak District Visitor Centre, you can learn more about the area and pick up maps for walking trails and other sights.

4. Visit Bakewell Old House Museum

This museum is housed in a beautiful 16th-century building and tells the story of life in Bakewell through the ages.

You can see how the town has changed over time and learn about the people living here. There are also interactive exhibits, such as a WWI trench and a Victorian kitchen.

This is the perfect place to learn more about the history of this lovely town.

5. Visit the Chatsworth Estate

The Chatsworth House is a world-famous stately home that has been in the Cavendish family for sixteen generations.

This house is full of art, furniture, and ancient Egyptian artefacts. You can see elements of this house from different time periods, including the Neoclassical period and the Baroque period. It also has a Chapel and Painted Hall, some of the house’s least altered rooms.

With so much to see, this is a must-visit for anyone staying in Bakewell.

Bakewell Camping: Free Scavenger Hunt Game

Below is our printable scavenger hunt game which is a fun game you can play when camping as a family!

Print it out, then tick off what you find and try and achieve as many things as you can during your camping holiday.

Have fun!

Camping in Bakewell: Our Final Thoughts

Bakewell is a charming town in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, and there’s plenty to do for visitors of all ages.

From exploring historical sites, camping under the stars, or going for walks in the beautiful Peak District, there’s something for everyone in this lovely town.

Just don’t forget to try some of the delicious local food, including the famous Bakewell Tart while you’re visiting!