Bakewell Old House Museum
Step into Bakewell's oldest building, a 1530s Tudor home filled with local history, artifacts, and engaging family activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Bakewell Old House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Bakewell's oldest building, a 1530s Tudor home filled with local history, artifacts, and engaging family activities.
"A fascinating glimpse into Bakewell's history, which I'm glad I didn't miss!"
🎯 Ticket Validity
Your ticket lasts a whole year! Come back to see future exhibitions with the same entry fee.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your well-behaved dog along! They're welcome inside, making it a great stop with pets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tudor Architecture
The entire building
Step back in time in Bakewell's oldest building, a beautifully preserved Tudor home from the 1530s.
Treasured Quilts Exhibition
Gallery space
Admire a stunning collection of historical quilts, showcasing intricate patchwork and quilting traditions.
Family Activities
Throughout the museum
Engage kids with a rat trail, Tudor dressing up, board games, and traditional outdoor games.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ticket Validity
Your ticket lasts a whole year! Come back to see future exhibitions with the same entry fee.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your well-behaved dog along! They're welcome inside, making it a great stop with pets.
🚶♀️ Steep Hill Access
The museum is up a steep hill from town, through the churchyard. Wear comfy shoes!
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for about 1.5 hours to fully explore the house and its fascinating exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ticket Validity
Your ticket lasts a whole year! Come back to see future exhibitions with the same entry fee.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your well-behaved dog along! They're welcome inside, making it a great stop with pets.
🚶♀️ Steep Hill Access
The museum is up a steep hill from town, through the churchyard. Wear comfy shoes!
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for about 1.5 hours to fully explore the house and its fascinating exhibits.
✨ Interactive Exhibits
Kids will love the rat trail and Tudor dressing up! Fun for all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bakewell Old House Museum for its well-preserved Tudor architecture and engaging historical exhibits, offering a fascinating glimpse into local life across centuries. The friendly staff and family-friendly activities, like the 'Rat Trail,' are frequently highlighted. While the steep walk to the museum is noted, the overall experience is considered well worth the effort, especially with the added bonus of dogs being welcome.
"This little museum, hidden behind All Saints Church, is very easy to miss! It took me about 10 minutes to walk here from the town centre, up a steep hill and through the churchyard, but it was well worth the effort. It's in a well preserved 2-storey Tudor house, reached through a cobbled courtyard. I paid £7.50 for an adult ticket (it's £4.50 for a child), valid for a year. The lady at the welcome desk was enthusiastic and friendly, explaining the museum's layout and what there was to see. It took me about an hour and a half to see it all. The self guided tour began with a short video outlining the house's history as a Tudor tithe collector's home and, much later, accommodation for Victorian mill workers. You get to see what it was like to live here in both these eras as you walk around. The downstairs rooms still have original features like oak beams and old stone fireplaces, and some of the furniture is also original. Lots of domestic artefacts, and a wealth of information to read. There's so much of interest to see upstairs, from antique cameras to Victorian toys, and WW2 memorabilia to home remedies for numerous ailments, and lots of stories too, including how Bakewell pudding was invented. There were plenty of activities for children, including a rat trail to follow, and a small gift shop and toilets at the entrance. A fascinating glimpse into Bakewell's history, which I'm glad I didn't miss!"
Valerie Hinchliffe
"We wandered up to this museum on recommendation from a lady who was volunteering at one of the charity shops in town. She knew we enjoyed embroidery and thought we'd appreciate the historical pieces, as well as recently stitched items the local embroidery club had done to complement items in the museum collection. What a fantastic collaboration!
We found the museum to be worth every bit of the entrance fee and had no wait to start our tour with one of the knowledgeable docents. Coming from the United States it was very interesting to see 500 years of history represented in one building and collection. The vignettes were meticulously curated and displayed. We practically had the building to ourselves and spent quite a bit of time looking around. We could easily have spent more time and remarked amongst ourselves that this would be a valuable school or family trip for all ages. Thank you to the two docents!"
Donna Tiffan
"What a treat this was. Wandered up to get a better view of the town and then started following signs to the museum, had the dog with me so thought I’d only be able to take a look from the outside, but they allowed dogs! Got a great intro to the place and the two ladies at the ticket office were a delight. Would recommend to anyone visiting Bakewell."
Christian M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is a short, albeit steep, walk from Bakewell town center, passing through the churchyard of All Saints Church. It's well worth the effort for the historical insights and views.
Yes, there is free parking available near the museum, which is a convenient perk for visitors.
Absolutely! Bakewell is a charming town, and the museum is within walking distance from the center. If you're exploring the wider Peak District, consider local bus routes or guided tours that might include Bakewell.
Bakewell is a great base for exploring the Peak District. Many TikTok creators highlight scenic walks and drives from Bakewell, often mentioning nearby attractions like Haddon Hall. +1
While the museum offers a self-guided tour with an introductory video, knowledgeable docents are often on hand to provide insights and answer questions, enhancing the visitor experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are around £7.50, with child tickets priced at £4.50. The great news is that your ticket is valid for a full year, allowing you to revisit for future exhibitions.
The museum is typically open 7 days a week from 11 am to 4 pm, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially outside of peak season.
While advance booking isn't always necessary, checking the museum's website for online ticket options or information on purchasing upon arrival is recommended, especially during busy periods.
Access to the first floor is limited by stairs, which might be a consideration for visitors with mobility challenges. However, the downstairs area and courtyard are generally accessible.
Yes, there is a small gift shop located at the entrance, offering a selection of souvenirs and items related to the museum's collections.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore 500 years of history in a Tudor home, featuring domestic artifacts, Victorian toys, WW2 memorabilia, and stories of Bakewell's past, including the invention of Bakewell pudding. +1
Yes, the museum offers a 'Rat Trail,' Tudor dressing-up for all ages, Tudor board games, and traditional outdoor games, making it a fun and educational experience for families.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Bakewell Old House Museum, making it a great destination for visitors exploring the Peak District with their pets.
Most visitors find that about an hour and a half is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly, though you could easily spend longer if you're particularly interested in the exhibits.
The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, including textile art like quilting and embroidery, and installations, often partnering with local artists and guilds. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Bakewell town center offers numerous cafes and eateries. For a recommended stop, Hassop Station Cafe is a popular choice for walkers and visitors.
While there might not be designated picnic areas directly at the museum, the surrounding Peak District offers many beautiful spots for picnics, especially if you're enjoying a walk.
The museum typically offers tea and biscuits, especially during workshops, but it's not a full-service cafe. You'll find more extensive dining options in Bakewell town.
Bakewell is famously known for the Bakewell Pudding and Bakewell Tart. You can find these delicious treats in many local bakeries and cafes.
Many cafes in Bakewell are dog-friendly, especially those catering to walkers. Hassop Station Cafe is a highly recommended option that welcomes dogs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival or look for signage. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted.
The exterior of the Tudor house, with its historic architecture and cobbled courtyard, offers charming photo opportunities. Inside, the preserved rooms and unique exhibits provide interesting shots.
Bakewell town offers picturesque scenes, including its charming streets, the River Wye, and the iconic Bakewell Bridge. The 'Love Lock' bridge is also a popular spot for photos. +1
Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the rolling hills, dramatic valleys, and charming villages of the Peak District National Park. Moody, atmospheric shots are also common.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historical sites and national parks to protect heritage and wildlife. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the museum is located up a steep hill, so be prepared for a short climb. However, the effort is rewarded with a unique historical adventure that’s both educational and enjoyable for all ages. The ticket's year-long validity is also a bonus for families who might want to revisit during different seasons or exhibitions.
🐶 Dog Owners Exploring the Peak District
While dogs are welcome, it's always good practice to ensure they are well-behaved and kept on a lead to respect other visitors and the delicate historical environment. The museum's location in Bakewell also means you can easily combine your visit with dog-friendly walks in the surrounding countryside.
🧵 Textile Enthusiasts & Crafters
Beyond the permanent collection, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary textile art, including embroidery and installations by local artists and guilds. Keep an eye on their schedule for these special displays, and you might even find opportunities to participate in workshops like tea bag embroidery.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Tudor Life
The museum's narrative extends beyond its Tudor origins, detailing its later use as a lodging house for workers in the local cotton industry during the Victorian era. This dual history provides a rich tapestry of local life. The self-guided tour, often enhanced by enthusiastic docents, includes a short video that sets the historical context, making the visit both informative and engaging.
From domestic artifacts and antique cameras to Victorian toys and even home remedies, the collection is diverse and offers a fascinating insight into the everyday lives of people who lived and worked in Bakewell. The stories shared within its walls, including the tale of the Bakewell pudding's invention, add a personal touch to the historical narrative.
Textile Treasures and Artistic Expressions
+1The museum actively collaborates with local embroidery clubs and guilds, presenting contemporary textile art that complements its historical collections. For instance, the 'Bowls in a Fragile World' installation by Debra Shipley offered a unique artistic perspective. These temporary exhibitions ensure that there's always something new and inspiring to discover with each visit.
Furthermore, the museum occasionally hosts workshops, such as the popular Tea Bag Embroidery workshop, providing hands-on creative experiences for visitors. This blend of historical artifacts and contemporary artistic expression makes Bakewell Old House Museum a multifaceted destination for history buffs and art lovers alike.
A Family-Friendly Adventure
To immerse children in the Tudor era, there are opportunities for Tudor dressing up, allowing them to step into the shoes of historical characters. Traditional Tudor board games and outdoor games are also available, offering a playful way to connect with the past. These activities are designed to be inclusive, catering to children of all ages.
With its interactive elements and the welcoming atmosphere, the museum provides a memorable experience for families. The chance to explore a real historic house, combined with hands-on activities, makes it an ideal outing for a day trip in the Peak District.
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