Bakewell's BEST Kept Secret: Castle Inn's Unforgettable Stay!
Bakewell's BEST Kept Secret: Castle Inn's Unforgettable Stay! (Honestly, It Nearly Smashed My Expectations!)
Okay, folks, let's talk Castle Inn in Bakewell. Forget your preconceptions of stuffy, predictable hotels because this place… this place is something else. I’m still buzzing from the experience, and let me tell you, it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were moments that had me muttering under my breath, but honestly? The overall vibe, the sheer charm of the place, and the unexpected little touches? They just… won me over.
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(First Impressions - The Good, The Bad, and the "Wait, What?")
From the moment I pulled up, the Castle Inn just… felt special. It's not a slick, corporate edifice; it's a building with character. Think exposed stone, ivy creeping up the walls, and a genuine sense of history. My first impression was, "Holy cow, THIS is a castle?!" (Okay, maybe not a real castle, but close enough!)
Accessibility: Now, I'm not disabled myself but I always look for places that are thinking about their guests. They’ve got an elevator (thank heavens!), and some of the rooms are specifically designed for wheelchair users. I saw ramps and wide doorways, which is a major win in my book. Facilities for disabled guests: Checked.
Check-in: Here's where things got a little wonky. Check-in/out [express] wasn’t really an option, nor was Check-in/out [private]. The front desk, bless her heart, was lovely but also super busy. She was juggling phone calls, other guests, and apparently, a rogue pigeon that had wandered in. It took a good 15 minutes before I had my key. But honestly? That's the kind of slightly chaotic charm I find, dare I say it, endearing. It's not sterile perfection, it's real life. Front desk [24-hour]: Yes, thankfully!
(The Room - My Little Castle Cell, with Wi-Fi!)
My room… oh, my room. It wasn’t just a room, it was an experience. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
The bed? Heavenly. The Extra long bed was a definite plus for my lanky frame! The blackout curtains, a complete godsend. I'm a light sleeper, and these things blocked everything. The free Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – wireless) worked flawlessly, which is crucial for me, especially when I need to, you know, work. (Thank the internet gods!) They provide Internet access – LAN, or LAN access, which is good for techy people.
There was a cute little desk (Desk, Laptop workspace) – perfect for jotting down my thoughts and of course, checking emails. The Coffee/tea maker was a life saver, especially after a long day of exploring. Complimentary tea and Free bottled water, a lovely touch. The mini bar was stocked, but honestly, I’m more of a bring-my-own-snacks type of traveler. Refrigerator was in the room. Safety/security feature was checked.
But here's the thing: the room wasn't just functional; it was beautiful. Think plush carpets, tasteful artwork, and windows that opened (Window that opens!) onto a truly stunning view of the surrounding countryside. It felt luxurious but also… cozy. Like a secret hideaway.
A Moment of Mild Panic & A Bathing Revelation
I had one minor hiccup, though. The first time I tried to use the shower, the water pressure was like a dribble. I nearly lost it! Fortunately, a quick call fixed the problem. The hotel staff were quick to respond and really helpful! Crisis averted! And the separate shower/bathtub was amazing. I may or may not have spent an hour luxuriating in the bathtub, with the complimentary bubble bath. Bathrobes and Slippers? Yes, please!!
(Food, Glorious Food! - And the Occasional Hiccup…)
The dining experience at Castle Inn was… well, it was a mixed bag. Breakfast [buffet] was a triumph. A vast array of everything you could possibly want, from a full English to continental options, fresh fruit, pastries… I could have happily stayed there all morning. They had the options to allow Breakfast takeaway service. Western breakfast, delicious. Asian breakfast, wasn't my thing, but I saw many customers enjoying it.
Dinner, however, was a bit more hit-or-miss. The A la carte in restaurant menu sounded AMAZING, but the execution was a bit… inconsistent. One night, I had a truly divine roast pork, the next night the roasted vegetables were borderline burnt. Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant are available. Alternative meal arrangement also available. The salad in restaurant was also, meh. A bit bland. The soup in restaurant, however, saved the night.
Let's be honest, I’m used to everything being perfect. Not every hotel is a Michelin star establishment, so I gave them some leeway. I'm also not a huge fan of trying to eat a meal at a bar (which they have). However, I did enjoy the Happy hour where they provide Bottle of water, and Desserts in restaurant.
The staff in the restaurant however, were faultless. Attentive, friendly, and always willing to help, even when things got busy. There’s a Coffee/tea in restaurant.
They offer Room service [24-hour] which is a big plus for me, as I like to eat meals in my room.
(Spa & Relaxation - Worth the Hype?)
Okay, the spa… this is where the Castle Inn really shines. Spa, Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], all are available.
I opted for a massage (because, you know, self-care). It was, hands down, one of the best massages I've ever had. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, and the whole experience was utterly blissful. I spent a good hour in a fluffy robe afterward, sipping herbal tea and just… being. The Pool with view, chef's kiss. The outdoor pool, however, was closed.
The Fitness center, while available, felt a little… cramped. I’m not much of a gym bunny but I did a quick circuit.
(Cleanliness & Safety - The COVID Conundrum)
I'm still a little cautious these days and I was really happy with the Castle Inn’s commitment to cleanliness. Cleanliness and safety were clearly a priority. The amount of hand sanitizer dispensers dotted around, the staff wearing masks, and the frequent cleaning in public areas were reassuring. They had Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, and Daily disinfection in common areas. I even saw them using Anti-viral cleaning products, and the Staff trained in safety protocol. You could even have Room sanitization opt-out available if you desired.
They also had things like Cashless payment service and Safe dining setup. They are certainly taking care of their customers and their staff.
(Things to Do - Beyond the Hotel Walls)
Bakewell itself is a charming little town, and the Castle Inn is perfectly placed for exploring. The Peak District is on your doorstep, so hiking, cycling, and simply admiring the scenery are all easily accessible. I had a lovely walk through the town & went shopping at a Convenience store. They also have a Gift/souvenir shop.
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Right, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average boring itinerary. This is the Castle Inn Bakewell: Survival Guide & Shenanigans Schedule. And frankly, it's probably going to be chaotic, just like me.
Day 1: Arrival & Bakewell Bliss (Possibly)
- 14:00 (ish): ARRIVAL! Oh, the sweet, sweet anticipation. Hopefully, the drive from wherever I am (probably stuck in a traffic jam fueled by existential dread) wasn't too horrendous. First things first – check in. Pray to the Travel Gods that the room isn't facing a screaming toddler convention. If it is, well, at least there's the pub downstairs…
- 15:00: Room Reconnaissance & Panic Assessment: Okay, room. Does it smell vaguely of damp and disappointment, or is it an oasis of calm? Crucial information. (Currently imagining a damp smell with a hint of a screaming toddler convention, send help). The bathroom is inspected for cleanliness – standards are low after a public bathroom in the service station earlier. Also, a quick inventory of available tea bags. This is vital for survival.
- 16:00: Bakewell Tart Pilgrimage (The Real Deal): Right. No faffing about. We're going straight for the source! The Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. Prepare for a sugar rush of epic proportions. I’m aiming for a classic, and also a chocolate variant and maybe something else…oh, decisions, decisions! Be prepared to queue. Be prepared to be judged for your tart consumption. Be prepared to fall instantly in love. (They're good, okay? REALLY good.)
- 17:30: Exploration & A Walk Along the River Wye (Attempted): A leisurely stroll along the river… that's the plan. In reality, it'll probably involve several wrong turns, a near-miss with a rogue goose, and a muttered curse under my breath at the lack of decent public benches. Hopefully, I'll also find out the location of the local ice cream parlour.
- 19:00: Dinner at the Castle Inn (and Praying It’s Good): Time to return to base. Dinner. Fingers crossed for a decent pub grub situation. Hoping for a proper pie. Praying the beer selection isn't all fizzy lager. Praying REALLY hard that I don't accidentally order something I'll regret (like, say, the "mystery meat" special.)
- 20:30: Pub Life & People Watching: The heart of the adventure: The castle inn’s pub. Settling in for a pint (or two) and some serious people-watching. Because, let's face it, the best entertainment is observing the glorious chaos of humanity. Bonus points for eavesdropping on a juicy conversation. Double bonus points if I make friends with a friendly local who can tell me all the insider secrets.
- 22:00: Bedtime (Maybe): Sleep. Assuming I haven’t consumed too many pints and I don’t start hearing phantom toddler screams.
Day 2: Peak District Adventures (and Possibly Getting Lost)
- 08:00 (ish): Wake up! Or at least, attempt to. Breakfast at the Castle Inn. Will the full English be a triumph or a tragedy? Only time (and my stomach) will tell. I hope they do really good sausages.
- 09:00: Peak District Exploration (Attempt 1): Aiming for a scenic drive through the glorious Peak District. Planning on visiting Chatsworth House (I might even dress up like Lady Grantham, just for kicks). Pictures required! (I am not expecting to behave like that but I like to imagine it.)
- 11:00: Chatsworth House (and My Inner Snob Emerges): This is where things might go wrong. Hopefully, I don't spend the entire time comparing it to my own humble (non-existent) mansion. The art? The gardens? The sheer, mind-boggling wealth? Prepare for an overload of grandeur.
- 13:00: Lunch with the View (or at Least a Decent Sandwich): Finding a pub with a view! This is not a request. This is a demand. Needs to include a sandwich.
- 14:00: More Peak District Ramble & Wondering If I'm Lost (Again): Potentially a walk, maybe a hike. Probably get lost. Embrace the chaos. The countryside is fantastic at hiding directions.
- 16:00: Tea & Cake (Essential): Refueling is crucial. Gotta find a tea shop. Tea and cake are non-negotiable. Preferably a scone.
- 17:00: Return to Bakewell & Regroup: Heading back to the Castle Inn.
- 19:00: Dinner & Debrief at the Inn (If I Survived): Dinner round two. Hopefully, I will have survived the day.
- 20:30: Pub Life (Again) & Contemplating Life Choices: More pub. More beer. More people-watching. Wondering why I thought a hike was a good idea.
- 22:00: Bedtime (Hopefully): Maybe. Probably. If I can even move by this point.
Day 3: Farewell Bakewell! (Sob)
- 09:00: Final Breakfast & Fond Farewells: One last bacon sarnie? Possibly. Trying not to think about leaving.
- 10:00: Last-Minute Bakewell Tart Refill (Because, Duh): Gotta stock up before I leave. Maybe buy some for my cat. She deserves tart.
- 11:00: Departure (and Emotional Breakdown): The moment of truth. Saying goodbye to Bakewell. Bittersweet. Probably going to be a small, internal sob.
- 12:00: Drive Home (and Planning the Next Trip): The long journey back. Already dreaming of the next adventure and the perfect Bakewell tart.
- 13:00: Stop offs to avoid the traffic, and pick up some snacks.
Important Notes:
- Flexibility is Key: Shit happens. Plans change. Embrace it.
- Embrace the Imperfection: I fully expect to get lost, make questionable food choices, and generally look like a bewildered tourist. It's part of the fun!
- Don't Judge: Unless you're judging my tart consumption. Then judge away. I probably deserve it.
- Enjoy Yourself: That's the most important part.
- Bring comfy shoes! You'll want to be able to keep up and enjoy the views.
So there you have it. My possibly disastrous, undoubtedly delicious, and definitely messy trip to Bakewell. Wish me luck (and send therapy).
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Bakewell's BEST Kept Secret: Castle Inn - Unforgettable (or Forgettable, Depending on the Day) Stay!
Okay, so, the Castle Inn. It *IS* "unforgettable," huh? Seriously? Spill the beans!
Unforgettable? Oh, honey, it's *definitely* unforgettable. Whether you're etching roses into your memory with delight... or desperately trying to scrub the memory with bleach, well, that depends on the day. Let's just say my first trip? Pure, unadulterated, slightly tipsy bliss. Picture this: arriving late, rain lashing against the windows, smelling the wood fire through the open door, and that glorious Bakewell pudding... Just... *oozing* against the roof of my mouth. I'm tearing up just *thinking* about it. Talk about a warm welcome to the Peak District! That night? Dreamt of sheep. Perfect sheep. Fluffy, contented wool, happy to give me the time of day.
Then, the next time… Well, let's just say the sheep in my dreams that night were wearing little frowns, and one of the pipes in my bathroom decided to have a particularly dramatic sobbing session at 3 AM. Unforgettable, indeed.
The rooms...are they, you know, like, nice? I've seen pictures. But pictures can lie.
Nice? "Nice" might be the understatement of the century...or the understatement of a particularly grumpy travel blogger. Look, expect charm, *real* charm. Think creaky floorboards that whisper secrets. Think windows that actually open, letting in the crisp, clean air (sometimes a little *too* crisp, depending on the wind direction).
They're not "sterile modern luxury." Thank the heavens for that. They're rustic, they're cozy, they're… well, the wallpaper might have seen better days. And the plumbing? Let's just call it a *character building experience*. Embrace the character! Or, you know, pack earplugs and a sense of humor. My room had a lovely view of the pub roof, which, okay, wasn't the romantic vista I'd hoped for, but hey, at least I could hear the laughter drifting up. Made me feel like I was part of the village, even if I *was* alone with a bag of crisps.
And the food? I heard whispers of glorious Bakewell Pudding...
Oh, the pudding. The PUDDING! It’s the stuff of legends, it really is. THAT IS THE REASON TO GO. Seriously. You go to the Castle Inn *for* the Bakewell Pudding. No, that's not completely fair. The dinners are generally hearty, the breakfasts are generous… okay, the coffee can be a bit weak (bring your own instant, just in case!), but the pudding… sweet, gooey, warm… I could write a sonnet. Or maybe just eat another one. I once had *three* in a row because, well, why not?
Side note: they also do a smashing Sunday roast. Just... GO HUNGRY. Seriously.
Is it noisy? Honestly? I'm a light sleeper.
Okay, look. "Quiet" is not exactly its middle name. You're in a pub. A *popular* pub. You'll hear laughter, you'll hear clinking glasses, you'll probably hear someone belting out a particularly enthusiastic (and often off-key) rendition of "Sweet Caroline" late into the night. If you're a light sleeper? Pack earplugs. Or, embrace the chaos!
My first time, I thought I'd died and gone to pub-goer heaven. My second? I thought I was *in* heaven, with a bunch of rowdy pub-goers partying... and I was trapped in hell, because the banging. Oh, the banging and the creaking.
What's the vibe, overall? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? A bit of both?
The vibe? It's… well, it's a pub, remember? So, there's a general feeling of bonhomie. It’s a place where you can definitely get a romantic atmosphere, especially with a roaring fire and a good drink. But it is also the best place for family gatherings, too.
Families, couples, walkers, even a stray dog or two... all get a warm greeting at the Castle Inn.
Anything *really* bad? Like, anything to watch out for?
Okay, honesty time. The parking situation can get a bit… shall we say… *competitive*. Especially on a weekend. Be prepared to circle the block a few times. Or, if you're like me, just embrace the walk! It probably won't take you long to realize you've walked around almost the entire village, then you'll be ready to go eat Bakewell Pudding. It's always a great treat.
Also, the wifi can be iffy. Just, y'know, a heads up. Embrace the digital detox... or, again, bring your own MiFi. And the stairs! They’re steep. If you’re unsteady on your feet, request a room on the ground floor. Seriously. Don't be me and end up in the attic after three pints of ale, wondering how you’re going to get down the next morning. It's an experience, just not the best way to start the day.
So, would you recommend it? Be honest!
Look, it’s not perfect. It’s not slick. It's got quirks. It might even drive you slightly mad at times. But… absolutely, yes. *Absolutely*. The Castle Inn is about character. It’s about the experience. It's about the pudding. It's about Bakewell!
Yeah, there are rough edges. But that's what makes it real. That’s what makes it… unforgettable. Just go. Go and see what you think. Just...do it.
Okay, but *seriously* about the pudding... tell me more. Tell me everything!
Right. The pudding. Okay, buckle up.
It’s not just a dessert; it's a religious experience. A warm, glorious, slightly gooey, *amazing* religious experience. You bite into that flaky pastry, and thenEasy Hotel Hunt
