You must book a room with a view of the dale. The spectacular view alone would be enough to make this pub a contender for the best in Britain. On our first visit we only stopped for a drink in the beer garden – but then couldn’t resist the homemade soup. Since then we have returned a number of times and stayed overnight. We’ve never yet been disappointed with the food, drink or the welcome.

www.monsalhead.com/
Monsal Head, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1NL
+44(0)844 288 739
Google map: bit.ly/U9dXJC

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The Peak District is a great place for flat, family cycle trails, with a number of disused railways having been converted to multi-use trails. The most exciting has to be the Monsal Trail, with its recently (2011) reopened tunnels. The trail runs for 8½ miles between Blackwell Mill and Bakewell following the course of the delightful River Wye. There are three car parks at former stations where you can also hire bikes (if you don’t take your own). There is a further car park just off the A6 at Wyedale, linked to the western end of trail by a bridleway (no cycle hire here). As well as taking you through the six tunnels, you cycle through deep limestone cuttings, along high hillsides with splendid views of the river and former mill buildings. Bridges carry the trail across the river a number of times – with the most spectacular crossing being the Monsal Head Viaduct. Between the Litton and Cressbrook tunnels there is a listening post which allows you to listen to, “Monsal Memories,” a series of six podcasts covering aspects of the railway’s history (these can also be downloaded from the link below).

www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/monsaltrail
Google map: bit.ly/Hg33t4

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This is a fantastic independent bookshop, with a brilliant music and CD collection on sale. Quirky, original, friendly and unexpected among all the pudding and tart shops and outdoor clothing stores. One of Bakewell's treasures, and featured in 'Last Shop Standing'. Don't miss it if you are in the area.

www.bakewellbooks.co.uk
Matlock Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1EE
+44(0)1629812818
Google map: bit.ly/cVW7ww

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Bakewell Old House Museum is a facinating, small and quirky museum of local and social history.
Explore the nooks and crannies of the atmospheric Tudor building, and discover the secrets of historic Bakewell via the Museum's trail. This museum is family friendly, with hands-on activities for children, a superb Tudor Dressing-up box and much more. It's 100% recommended for a great addition to a day out in Bakewell. Well worth the wander up the hill!

The Old House Museum, Cunningham Place, Off North Church Street, Bakewell.
01629 813642, oldhousemuseum.hammerdesign.co.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/2u7vmpj

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