All Saints Church Bakewell
A thousand-year-old church in Bakewell, featuring Saxon relics, 15th-century tombs, and a seasonal cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter exploration
All Saints Church Bakewell
Best Time
Quieter exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thousand-year-old church in Bakewell, featuring Saxon relics, 15th-century tombs, and a seasonal cafe.
"A must-see for history buffs, with ancient gravestones and stunning architecture."
Allow ample time for the churchyard
You could easily spend an hour exploring the graveyard and reading the ancient gravestones. :compass:
Don't miss the interior
The inside of the church is stunning, with Norman and Saxon areas and beautiful stained glass. :church:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Anglo-Saxon Stonework
Church Porch
Discover ancient carvings and relics from the church's Saxon origins, offering a tangible link to over a millennium of history.
Vernon Chapel Monuments
Vernon Chapel
Marvel at the spectacular collection of 15th and 16th-century monuments, showcasing intricate artistry and historical significance.
Historic Churchyard
Churchyard
Wander through a beautiful graveyard filled with centuries-old gravestones, some bearing poignant inscriptions from past eras.
Bakewell Crosses & Stone Coffins
Outside the Church
See a remarkable display of ancient stone coffins and the iconic Bakewell Crosses, remnants of the area's rich past.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to All Saints Church
Exploring Bakewell's Historic Heart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample time for the churchyard
You could easily spend an hour exploring the graveyard and reading the ancient gravestones. :compass:
Don't miss the interior
The inside of the church is stunning, with Norman and Saxon areas and beautiful stained glass. :church:
Check for seasonal events
The church hosts events like the Christmas Tree Festival, adding extra charm to your visit. :christmas_tree:
Drone views are spectacular
Aerial shots capture the church's unique architecture and its picturesque setting in Bakewell. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample time for the churchyard
You could easily spend an hour exploring the graveyard and reading the ancient gravestones. :compass:
Don't miss the interior
The inside of the church is stunning, with Norman and Saxon areas and beautiful stained glass. :church:
Check for seasonal events
The church hosts events like the Christmas Tree Festival, adding extra charm to your visit. :christmas_tree:
Drone views are spectacular
Aerial shots capture the church's unique architecture and its picturesque setting in Bakewell. :camerawithflash:
Visit the honesty area
Find nice cards and other items in the small honesty area inside the church. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise All Saints Church Bakewell for its rich history, stunning architecture, and the captivating churchyard filled with ancient gravestones. Many highlight the impressive Saxon and Norman elements, as well as the significant monuments within the Vernon Chapel. While generally free to enter, some note the seasonal nature of the onsite cafe.
"In a first visit to Bakewell a must see for the was the All Saints Church, which sits on a small hill overlooking the town.
It's a couple of minutes walking distance from the main town high street.
The original church itself dates back to Saxon times around 920 but the present church was started in the 12th century.
This is an ancient church with alot of history. The architecture is marvel to see and the church graveyard is beautiful and filled with hundreds of amazing gravestones several hundred years old, you could easily spend an hour walking round.
This is mos definitely worth a wonder up whilst in Bakewell."
Matt Longville
"The church is beautiful and ancient, but for me it's where John Butler is meditating. Had the privilege of meeting him and talking to him a bit. I'm humble and blessed!"
ita40200
"I have visited Bakewell many times over the years, and only visited this recently and I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
What a stunning church and church yard!
You can spend ages just walking the yard and reading the stones, admiring the church from the outside and the views from up top.
(A lot of stones are from the cholera outbreak in Bakewell, incredibly sad seeing all the little ones who didn't make it)
Then you go into the entrance and are greeted by the most incredible collection of stone grave covers and 100s of year old carvings. Great info board which I appreciated.
And then the inside. Oh my. Just wow. An obviously still used and loved church which has kept its amazing history alive, while still hosting an active community.
This is not just a church which is dying quietly but for tourist visits but an alive and happy one. A little honesty area where you can get some nice cards and so on, incredible Norman and also Saxon areas.
Highly recommenced for any church lover or history nerd."
Kat Hunt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
All Saints Church Bakewell is conveniently located just a couple of minutes' walk from the main high street in Bakewell. If you're driving, there are usually parking options available in the town center.
Bakewell is served by local bus routes. From the town center, it's a short and pleasant walk up to the church. Check local bus timetables for routes and schedules.
The church sits on a small hill overlooking the town, offering lovely views as you approach. A gentle uphill walk from the town center leads you to its impressive facade.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the church, Bakewell town center offers several car parks within easy walking distance.
Yes, cycling is a great option if you're exploring the Peak District. There are usually places to secure bikes in Bakewell town, and the church is easily reachable by bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to All Saints Church Bakewell is generally free, though donations are welcome to help with its upkeep.
The church is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's advisable to check local listings or contact the church directly for the most up-to-date opening times, especially if you plan to visit outside of peak tourist season.
The churchyard of All Saints Church Bakewell is usually accessible to the public without an admission fee, allowing you to explore the historic gravestones.
Yes, the church often hosts special events like the Bakewell Christmas Tree Festival. These events can be a wonderful addition to your visit, though they might affect regular access.
As an active place of worship, visitors are expected to be respectful. Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be mindful of services or private ceremonies.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a rich history with Norman and Saxon architectural elements, beautiful stained glass windows, and the significant Vernon Chapel monuments.
The church is home to an incredible collection of Anglo-Saxon stonework, stone grave covers, and the historic Bakewell Crosses, offering a deep dive into local history.
Absolutely! The churchyard is a beautiful and historic space filled with hundreds of gravestones, some dating back centuries, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.
While official guided tours might not always be available, the church often has informative boards, and the vicar is known to be friendly and happy to answer questions about its history.
The Vernon Chapel is a key feature within All Saints Church, housing a spectacular collection of monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries, making it a highlight for history enthusiasts.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a seasonal cafe at All Saints Church Bakewell that serves sandwiches and other refreshments, perfect for a break during your visit.
Bakewell town center, just a short walk away, offers numerous cafes, pubs, and bakeries where you can enjoy local specialties like the famous Bakewell Pudding.
The churchyard offers a scenic spot, but it's always best to be mindful of the sacred nature of the site. There are also public green spaces in Bakewell town suitable for picnics.
While the cafe offers refreshments, it's not guaranteed they serve the traditional Bakewell Pudding. You'll find plenty of bakeries in town that do.
Information on specific dietary options at the seasonal cafe is limited. It's recommended to check with the cafe directly or explore the wider range of dining options in Bakewell town.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside All Saints Church Bakewell, but it's important to be respectful of ongoing services or private moments.
The church's spire, the historic churchyard with its gravestones, and the unique Anglo-Saxon stonework are all excellent subjects for photography. Aerial shots also offer a stunning perspective.
Yes, drone footage has been captured of All Saints Church Bakewell, showcasing its architecture and the surrounding Peak District scenery. Always ensure you comply with drone regulations.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light that enhances the church's stone features and the surrounding landscape.
While generally allowed, avoid intrusive photography during services. Respect the peaceful atmosphere of this historic place of worship.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church itself is a place of worship, the surrounding grounds provide space for exploration. Consider visiting the seasonal cafe for a simple snack or sandwich, offering a brief respite. Bakewell town, just a short walk away, has more family-friendly amenities and the famous Bakewell Pudding to enjoy.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Spend ample time exploring the historic churchyard, a veritable open-air museum of gravestones, and don't miss the Bakewell Crosses. The church's continuous history spanning over a thousand years provides a rich narrative that will deeply satisfy any history enthusiast.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplative Visitors
The church's interior, with its ancient architecture and stained glass, also invites moments of quiet reflection. The seasonal cafe offers a simple spot to rest and perhaps enjoy a coffee while taking in the surroundings. The views from the church hill also provide a beautiful panorama for solitary enjoyment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Thousand Years of History
Key historical features include the Anglo-Saxon stonework found in the porch, offering a direct connection to the church's earliest days. Inside, the Vernon Chapel is a treasure trove of 15th and 16th-century monuments, showcasing the artistry and status of prominent families from those periods. The churchyard itself is a historical record, filled with gravestones dating back hundreds of years, some bearing inscriptions from significant local events like the cholera outbreak.
For those interested in deeper historical context, the church provides an informative display board that helps visitors understand the significance of the artifacts. The presence of Bakewell Crosses and stone coffins outside further enriches the historical narrative, making All Saints Church Bakewell a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with the past.
Exploring the Churchyard and Its Stories
Particular attention is drawn to the gravestones from the cholera outbreak in Bakewell, which are described as incredibly sad, especially those of young children. This poignant aspect of the churchyard offers a powerful reminder of historical public health challenges. Beyond the individual graves, the Bakewell Crosses and stone coffins displayed outside the church are significant archaeological finds that add another layer of historical intrigue to the site.
Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the churchyard. The views from the hilltop where the church is situated also add to the experience, providing a scenic backdrop to the historical exploration. It's a space where history, nature, and quiet reflection converge, making it a highly recommended part of any visit to Bakewell.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details
+1Inside, the stained glass windows are a notable element, adding color and light to the sacred space. The Norman and Saxon areas within the church showcase distinct architectural periods, allowing visitors to trace the building's development. The Vernon Chapel, in particular, stands out for its spectacular collection of monuments, which are intricately carved and span the 15th and 16th centuries, representing a significant artistic and historical collection.
The church's exterior also holds architectural interest, with its unique building style and its commanding position overlooking the town. The combination of ancient stonework, historical monuments, and the overall grandeur of the structure makes All Saints Church Bakewell a visually striking landmark.
+1
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