Bakewell

The aroma of almond tart drifts through narrow streets where Georgian terraces huddle around one of Derbyshire's most famous market towns. Bakewell sits snugly in the Derbyshire Dales, surrounded by limestone hills and the sort of rolling countryside that makes you understand why the Peak District draws millions each year.

Monday mornings see the town centre properly bustling as locals queue for genuine Bakewell pudding - not the tart pretenders you'll find elsewhere. The River Wye meanders past medieval buildings, while above town the moors stretch endlessly towards places like Lees Moor and Calver Peak.

Chatsworth House dominates the landscape just down the valley. You can't miss the Column of the Temple of Poseidon at Chatsworth or the carefully curated art installations like Walking Madonna scattered across the estate grounds. For proper views though, head up to Gardom's Edge - the panorama across the White Peak is cracking on a clear day.

Outside town, the landscape shifts between gentle valleys and dramatic gritstone edges. Wellington's Monument and Nelsons Monument mark high points where Victorian walkers once paused to admire the scenery. The area around Coal Hole And Tunnel reveals remnants of the region's industrial past, while spots like Jubilee Rock offer quieter moments away from the weekend crowds.

Getting here is straightforward - Bakewell sits on the A6 between Buxton and Matlock, with reasonable bus links from both towns. The nearest train station is actually at Matlock, about twenty minutes south by car.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. You're within striking distance of both the popular honeypots and the quieter corners where you can walk for hours without seeing another soul.