Bakewell

The pudding made this place famous, but there's so much more to this Peak District market town than its legendary tart. Bakewell sits perfectly in the Wye Valley, limestone cottages climbing gentle hills while the River Wye meanders through town. Monday markets still pack the streets with proper Derbyshire farmers selling everything from stilton to lamb.

St Anne's Church dominates the skyline - its Saxon origins make it one of the oldest in the Peak District. The Wall of Words gallery showcases local artists, though it's a bit hit-and-miss depending on what's showing. Most visitors come for the walking though. Lathkill Dale stretches north from town, arguably the most beautiful dry valley in England once you get beyond the car parks.

Magpie Mine tells a darker story - this abandoned lead mine reminds you that tourism wasn't always the main game here. The surrounding moors feel properly wild. Bole Hill offers cracking views back towards town, while Moatlow Knob rewards the trek with panorama across three counties.

Chatsworth's just down the road if you fancy a bit of stately home grandeur, but honestly, Bakewell works better as a base for proper outdoor adventures. The forests - Low Moor Wood, Rake Wood, and the various plantations - provide shelter when the moors get too exposed.

Getting here's straightforward enough. The A6 runs right through town, connecting to Manchester and Derby. Staying at one of the nearby parks puts you within striking distance of both the White and Dark Peak, plus you're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper pub lunch when the camping stove won't do.