Best Coffee Shops and Walks in Derbyshire Dales (2026 Guide)
Abbie Coleman is a Derbyshire-based mum of two and the founder of MMB Magazine and Ey-Up. She creates easy-to-read guides covering what’s on for families in Derbyshire, sharing local events, free activities and tried-and-tested ideas that make planning days out simpler for busy mums. Contact us to work with Ey-UP as a business or as a new blogger.
Last updated May 2026
A walk in the Peak District followed by a great coffee always feels right, even when you have the kids along. Whether you’re enjoying an iced latte in the Bakewell sunshine, warming up with hot chocolate after the Monsal Trail, or having coffee and cake with countryside views, the Derbyshire Dales is full of cosy cafés and scenic walks.
Over the years, our family has visited many of these places, from short riverside walks with Eliza to longer Peak District hikes where a coffee break is a must. This guide highlights the spots we keep coming back to, including top coffee shops in Bakewell, hidden tea rooms, cafés near the Monsal Trail, and some of the best walks in the Peak District National Park.
If you want to find the best coffee and walks in the Derbyshire Dales, here are some of our favourite places to visit in 2026.
Table of Contents
☕ Best Coffee Shops and Walks in Bakewell
Bakewell is one of the best places in Derbyshire Dales for combining excellent cafes, riverside walks and relaxed Peak District vibes. It’s ideal for families, dog walkers, couples and anyone wanting a shorter circular walk without committing to a huge hike.
☕ Porter Cafe, Bakewell
One of the newer coffee shops in Bakewell, Porter Cafe has quickly become one of our favourite places for iced coffee during warmer weather. It feels modern and relaxed while still fitting perfectly into the Derbyshire Dales atmosphere, with a bit of style and the croissants are something amazing. The rhubarb rum and meringue is wow.
📍 Address: Granby Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45
🌐 Website: Porter Cafe Bakewell
If the sun is out, we usuallygrab takeaway iced coffees and walk down towards the River Wye for a gentle riverside walk. It’s a perfect spot before exploring the town or heading towards Monsal Trail.
Why We Love It
- Great coffee
- Ideal for iced coffees and cold drinks
- Relaxed modern atmosphere
- Perfect place for a lighter stop
- Short walk to Bakewell riverside
Top Tip
Head there earlier during school holidays as Bakewell gets very busy by lunchtime.
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🥐 Cornish Bakery, Bakewell
The Cornish Bakery is one of the best cafes in Bakewell if you’re after flaky pastries, breakfast sandwiches and a proper hot drink before a Peak District walk.
📍 Address: Water Street, Bakewell DE45 1EU
🌐 Website: https://www.cornishbakery.com
The upstairs seating is our usual shout during winter, but in summer we get a coffee to go and sit by the river, watching the world go by.
Best For
- Breakfast sandwich before a walk
- Families
- Coffee and pastries
- Takeaway coffees
- Quick stop before Monsal Head or Chatsworth House
Nearby Walks
- Bakewell Riverside Walk
- Monsal Trail
- Ashford in the Water
☕ Badec
BaDEC does genuinely lovely smooth cappuccinos and feels slightly quieter than some of the busier Bakewell coffee shops.
📍 Address: Matlock Street, Bakewell
🌐 Website: Badec
If you prefer a slower, more relaxed coffee stop away from the biggest tourist crowds, this is a really good option as its tucked away behind the Bakewell baths. Great outdoor seating space as well for when the sun is out.
Good To Know
- Cosy atmosphere
- Great coffee
- Excellent homemade cakes
- Warm welcome
- Ideal after a shorter walk
🌿 The Rutland Arms Hotel
The Rutland is one of our favourite places to sit outside during sunny weather with coffee or cold drinks after wandering around Bakewell
📍 Address: The Square, Bakewell DE45 1BT
🌐 Website: https://www.rutlandarmsbakewell.co.uk
There’s something really lovely about sitting here in the summer sun just watching Bakewell life. Plus, you get a shot glass of Malteasers with your coffee!
Best For
- Outdoor seating
- Summer afternoons
- People watching
- Spot of light lunch
- Relaxed atmosphere
🚶 Monsal Trail Coffee Stops
The Monsal Trail is one of the most popular traffic-free routes in the Peak District and one of the best walks in Derbyshire Dales for families, cyclists and dog walkers. Also perfect if you have a pram and need to get out and when Eliza was learning to ride her bike, it was a great place to practice. Plus lots to keep the kids entertained during the route from Thornbridge gardens to the Hassop Cafe stop with the mini play area down to the mini weir /waterfall, always up for a debate on what it’s called!
🚲 Hassop Station Café
Hassop Station Café is easily one of the best cafes in the Peak District for combining coffee, cake and walking.
📍 Address: Hassop Station, Hassop Road, Bakewell DE45 1NW
🌐 Website: https://www.hassopstation.co.uk
Sitting right on part of the Monsal Trail, it’s a fantastic place to start or finish a circular walk along with parking and bike hire.
Why Families Love It
- Traffic-free route
- Bike hire available
- Great coffee
- Homemade cake selection
- Outdoor seating
- Easy parking
- Dog friendly
This is one of the easiest Peak District walks for younger children because you can completely tailor how far you go.
Top Tip
Sunny weekends can get extremely busy so earlier mornings are usually calmer.
🌄 Monsal Head
Monsal Head for me is one of the best views in the Peak District and is absolutely worth visiting at least once.
📍 Address: Monsal Head, Little Longstone, Bakewell DE45
🌐 Website: https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
The walk down towards the viaduct gives you those iconic Derbyshire Dales views you see all over Pinterest and Instagram.
Good To Know
- Beautiful views
- Best for older children
- Uneven paths in places
- Great photography spot
- Nearby pubs and cafes
Quackers Café
📍 Address: Thornbridge Hall, Baslow road, Ashford-in-the Water
🌐 Website: Thornbridge Estate
What’s not to love about the Quackers cafe, part of the Thirnbrodge Estate, which you can easily access off the Monsal Trail. The kids will love it, and the fab duck-themed cafe is a great stop to relax and let the kids run about. If you pay to go to the full grounds, the kids have so much to do, including the famous duck fountain. But even if you stop at the cafe, there’s still a basketball court space to play on the grass and the small holdings for the kids to explore.
Top Tip. Take a net with you if they are going to play scoop the duck out of the fountain. Also, if you live close, buying a Derbyshire annual ticket can work out great value.
🌿 Peak District Walks With Great Coffee Nearby
⛰️ Mam Tor & Castleton
Mam Tor is one of the most iconic Peak District walks and breathtaking, ideal if you’re after dramatic scenery, trig point photos and open fields.
📍 Address: Mam Tor, Castleton, High Peak
🌐 Website: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com
Afterwards, Castleton has several cosy tea rooms and characterful cafés perfect for warming up after windy walks.
Best For
- Longer walks
- Experienced walkers
- Autumn colours
- Best views
- Peak District photography
🌊 Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower Reservoir is one of our favourite outdoor activities in the High Peak area because it works brilliantly for families and first-time Peak District visitors.
📍 Address: Ladybower Reservoir, Hope Valley
🌐 Website: https://www.derwentvalley.org.uk
The walking trail has options for shorter routes or longer walks for little legs.
Why We Love It
- Easier terrain
- Pushchair-friendly sections
- Visitor centre nearby
- Ice cream stops in summer
- Great spot for family walks
🌲 Padley Gorge
Padley Gorge feels completely different to many of the more open Peak District walks. It’s more of a woodland wander with streams, stepping stones and shaded paths.
📍 Address: Near Grindleford, Peak District National Park
🌐 Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Important
Take good footwear as it can get muddy after heavy rain and some spare shoes back at the car to change before you drive home.
🍰 Hidden Gem Tea Rooms in Derbyshire Dales
☕ Aisseford Tea Room, Ashford in the Water
Ashford in the Water is one of the prettiest villages in Derbyshire Dales and is quieter than Bakewell during busy weekends.
📍 Address: Church Street, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell DE45 1QB
🌐 Website: Search “Aisseford Tea Room”.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
- Homemade cakes
- Warm welcome
- Riverside walks nearby
- Cosy atmosphere
- Hidden gem feel
🧁 Old Smithy Tearooms, Monyash
One of our favourite places after exploring Lathkill Dale or the Tissington Trails.
📍 Address: Church Street, Monyash, Bakewell DE45 1JH
🌐 Website: Search “Old Smithy Tearooms Monyash”.
Great For
- Slice of homemade cake
- Cheese sandwiches
- Outdoor seating
- Local produce
- Relaxed Peak District atmosphere
🚲 Carsington Water
Carsington Water is brilliant for flatter circular walks, including with a pram and family bike rides.
📍 Address: Carsington Water, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
🌐 Website: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com
Nearby Coffee Stop
MainSail Coffee Stop
Perfect for:
- Coffee and cake
- Ice cream
- Families
- Hot drinks after cycling
- Spot of light lunch
Things To Know Before Visiting
🚗 Parking
Popular areas like Bakewell, Monsal Head and Mam Tor become extremely busy during weekends and school holidays.
👨👩👧 Pushchair Friendly Routes
The Monsal Trail and parts of Ladybower Reservoir are much easier than Padley Gorge or Mam Tor.
🐶 Dog Friendly Cafés
Most of the cafes listed are dog friendly, especially Hassop Station Café.
🌦️ Peak District Weather
Even during summer, Derbyshire weather changes quickly so always pack layers.
Our Favourite Coffee and Walk Combination?
For easy family walks:
Hassop Station Café + Monsal Trail
For beautiful Peak District views:
Monsal Head
For sunny afternoons:
Porter Cafe + Bakewell riverside walk
And for cosy tea rooms and homemade cake:
Ashford in the Water
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