Itinerary Planner

Taste the Peak District & Derbyshire

Make the most of your visit to the Peak District & Derbyshire by sampling some of the region's most delicious local food and drink.

Start this trip in the home of fine fayre, Bakewell, with a visit to the Farmers' Market (last Saturday in the month except July) and meet the producers selling their own goods, from jams and preserves, fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy, direct to the public.

Take the rest of the morning to browse Bakewell's unique shops, which will further reveal locally-produced delights – and of course, don't forget to pick up the internationally famous delicacy, Bakewell Pudding, from the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop! The Bakewell Pudding has a puff pastry base, a layer of delicious strawberry jam and is topped with a unique mixture of eggs, ground almonds, sugar, butter and a secret ingredient which sets a bit like an egg custard texture inside. It is most definitely not to be confused with a Bakewell Tart - as locals will point out! The historic Bakewell Pudding recipe was the result of a culinary misunderstanding between Mrs Greaves, mistress of a local inn, and her cook, in 1860. Visiting noblemen ordered strawberry tart, but the cook, instead of stirring the egg mixture into the pastry, spread it on top of the jam. The result was so successful that a Mrs Wilson, who lived in the cottage now known as the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, saw the potential and obtained the recipe to commence a business of her own, and the rest as they say, is history!

Either take lunch in Bakewell (where there are plenty of exciting eateries), or head a couple of miles up the road to the small village of Pilsley and visit Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop for lunch. Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop offers the finest locally-sourced and home-made produce, as well as high quality products such as fresh meat from the Estate itself. A traditional butchers, deli counter and bakery provide wonderful fresh bread and cakes - and there's a welcoming cafe too.

No visit to the Peak District would be complete without a visit to magnificent Chatsworth, so spend a few hours exploring the house and gardens before treating yourself to a mouth-watering afternoon tea served on elegant Wedgwood tableware in the Flying Childers restaurant. Why not upgrade to the champagne option for an extra treat?

Top off your delicious day with dinner at the area’s only Michelin star restaurant, Fischer’s Baslow Hall. Choose from the classic menu, Best of British menu or any of the taster menus for a culinary masterclass in fine dining. Stay the night at Baslow, or choose from a number of great options - from welcoming inns to cosy cottages - nearby.

Day two is all about ice cream and beer - a unique, but no less delicious, combination! Head to Hope Valley Ice Cream, a family-run dairy farm where you can meet the cows, before enjoying a delicious home-made ice cream. This truly local business is located at a dairy farm which has been in the Marsden family for over 300 years. During your visit, learn how the delicious ice cream is made and watch as the milk is churned. Next, at the on-site ice cream parlour, try the ice cream which is available in a range of flavours, while enjoying the stunning rural setting.

Next up is Bradwell’s Ice Cream in the village of Bradwell. Sold from a tiny shop right in the centre of this small village, Bradwell’s is quickly gaining a national reputation and is stocked in leading supermarkets up and down the country.

From here, head over the hills back towards Bakewell, stopping off to admire the iconic Peak District landscape view from Monsal Head (there’s usually an ice cream van in the car park too, just in case you haven’t had enough already!). As you reach the outskirts of Bakewell, on the left side, in an inconspicuous looking industrial estate, is the home of Thornbridge Brewery, brewers of Thornbridge Beer. Starting life over 10 years ago in the grand surroundings of Thornbridge Hall, Thornbridge now operates out of a purpose built brewery and exports to over 40 countries throughout the world from Australia, Germany and Finland to Russia, Singapore and the US! Go on one of their informative brewery tours to learn more about the process, then try some samples in the bar afterwards! The perfect way to end your Peak District foodie trip.