Bakewell Old House Museum

Steeped in over five centuries of local heritage, Bakewell Old House Museum invites you to step back in time right in the heart of the Peak District. Nestled behind All Saints Church on Cunningham Place, this award-winning museum is housed within a captivating Tudor building that originally served as a tax collector's cottage during the reign of Henry VIII. Today, it stands as a vibrant testament to the rich and varied history of Bakewell, England, offering a unique, independent experience that brings together architectural gems, diverse collections, and immersive town tours.

What makes a visit here so unforgettable is the building itself. Expanded into an Elizabethan gentleman's residence complete with a rare surviving garderobe, the property took on a new life during the Industrial Revolution when Sir Richard Arkwright converted it into cottages for his mill workers. Each room you walk through reveals a different layer of this fascinating past, making the museum a must-see destination for architectural enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike. Our passionate team of volunteers is dedicated to sharing these stories, ensuring every visit is warm, personal, and full of extraordinary details about Bakewell and this beautiful part of Derbyshire.

Services & Facilities

We provide a range of experiences designed to make history accessible and engaging for all ages. From our detailed guided tours to our excellent educational programs, there’s always something new to discover. We take pride in being a welcoming and accessible community hub.

• Self-Guided Museum Visits: Explore the house and its eclectic collections at your own pace, from Tudor artifacts to Victorian costumes and vintage cameras.
• Guided Town Tours & Walks: Join us for weekly tours of Bakewell, available for individuals, families, and groups, diving deep into the town’s hidden corners.
• Educational & School Visits: We offer tailored educational programs that support the history curriculum, providing children with a hands-on connection to the past.
• Venue Hire: Our unique historical setting provides a memorable space for community groups and private events.
• Community Exhibition Space: We host rotating exhibitions created by local groups, showcased in our dedicated community gallery.
• Animal-Friendly Visits: We are proud to be a dog-friendly museum, so your four-legged family members are welcome to join the adventure.

What We Offer

A day at the museum is packed with unique attractions that change with the seasons. With an annual ticket that grants you unlimited return visits, you can become a regular explorer of our ever-evolving exhibits and trails.

Annual 2026 Exhibition: Home Sweet Home

Throughout 2026, the museum is celebrating the art of miniature with our special exhibition. Discover locally-made dollhouses from the 1870s, a large collection of classic Tri-Ang dollhouses, and beautifully crafted modern miniatures from artists like Valerie Claire Miniatures and Jane Harrop. The exhibit also includes fascinating 3D-printed miniatures and intricate book nooks, blending historic craft with contemporary creativity.

Interactive Children’s Trails

Families can dive deeper with our award-winning trails. Take on the updated Rat Trail or the Scavenger Hunt, or embark on ‘Journey with George,’ a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Each completed trail is rewarded with a special, collectible pin badge, turning a museum visit into an exciting quest for all ages.

Why Customers Choose Us

Visitors consistently rank us as the number one attraction in Bakewell on TripAdvisor, and it's the authentic, volunteer-led experience that sets us apart. We are not just a museum; we are a gateway to the heart of the Bakewell and Peak District, run by people who genuinely love this place and its stories.

• Award-Winning Experience: Recognized as the top-rated attraction in Bakewell on TripAdvisor, a testament to our quality and visitor care.
• Five Centuries of Stories: The building itself is our star artifact, with Tudor, Elizabethan, and Industrial Revolution history embedded in its walls.
• Passionate Volunteers: Our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers consistently earn praise for making history come alive with personal touches and deep local insight.
• Exceptional Value: Your admission ticket provides access to the museum and the annual exhibition and is valid for an entire year, offering incredible value for repeat visits.

Serving Bakewell & England

Located in the ancient market town of Bakewell, Derbyshire, the museum serves not only the local community but also visitors from across England and the world. We are deeply rooted in the Peak District, and our museum tells the specific, compelling story of this corner of the country—from its Tudor foundations to its industrial heritage.

Our collections have been donated by local residents over sixty years, meaning every object has a direct and personal link to the area. We actively support the Bakewell and District Historical Society, providing a vital space for research, talks, and heritage preservation. As a registered charity and an Arts Council accredited museum, we are a credible and trusted custodian of local history.

Hours, Location & Directions

Planning your visit is easy. We are open seasonally, and our hours are regularly confirmed to ensure you have an up-to-date and convenient trip.

• Seasonal Opening: The museum is open annually from the 25th of March to the 5th of November, welcoming visitors for the spring, summer, and autumn months.
• Operating Hours: During the open season, we are open Monday through Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Address: You can find us at Cunningham Place, Bakewell DE45 1DD, England, tucked behind the historic All Saints Church. Please visit the Contact Page on our website for detailed directions.
• Ticket & Entry Info: Tickets can be purchased on the door or online. A standard adult ticket costs £8.65 on the door. We also offer a Derbyshire Days Out Discounted Adult ticket for £6.50 upon presentation of a valid partner ticket.

Questions Visitors Ask

To help you prepare for an enjoyable day out, here are answers to the questions we hear most frequently from our guests. We want your experience to be smooth and fascinating from the moment you arrive.