The pretty little English town which deserves to be known for more than tarts

The Peak District is famed for its beauty, rivalling the likes of the Alps. Its capital is Bakewell, an idyllic town where the eponymously named popular pudding originated.

The 19th-century tart, made from short-crust pastry filled with almond paste, jam and frangipane, was first created by Mrs Greaves, the landlady of the Derbyshire town’s White Horse Inn. 

It is thought she came up with the concoction by mistake but as it tasted so good, the recipe stuck. 

Changes have been made over the years: the egg custard was replaced with frangipane, chopped almonds were swapped out for sugar paste and it is now often topped with a candied cherry.

Although the dessert is famous for a reason, there is a whole lot more for visitors to do in Bakewell and the surrounding area.

There are several markets and shops to be enjoyed in the little town which sits on the River Wye and its medieval five-arched stone bridge 

Many also enjoy simply wandering around the town as it is widely believed that Jane Austen based the village of Lambton, which features in Pride and Prejudice, on Bakewell.

You can marvel at the beautiful buildings, charming courtyards, and quaint streets — and, if strolling along the river, feed the ducks. 

Just a few miles down the A6 is the medieval Haddon Hall, described as the “most perfect house to have survived from the Middle Ages”.

The 200-year-old property is one of the oldest houses to have remained under one family’s ownership throughout its history.

A five-minute journey from Bakewell lies the “jewel in the Peak District’s crown”, Chatsworth House.

Home to the Cavendish family since the 1550s, the 30-room house and its 105 acres of land hold plenty of wonders to be enjoyed from exhibitions to sensory gardens. 

A short walk from the house lies the Devonshire Arms where visitors can enjoy local craft ale or locally-sourced produce, much of which is sourced from the Chatsworth Estate.

For those who want to enjoy the great outdoors, head on the Monsal Trail by foot, bike, horse or wheelchair.

The route, which runs along the former Midland Railway line, takes you through the Peak District’s stunning Dales.

The trail was first opened in 1981 after the railway closed several years earlier in 1968. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, where the tart was first created. For those who don’t have a sweet tooth, there’s plenty on offer in the tea room upstairs.