The Cornerstones Guest House in Manchester is just one hour away from Bakewell the ancient capital of the Peak District.
The concurring Romans claimed the fertile land on the West bank of the river Wyr at a spot where it was fordable, and where there was Romans there was trade and commerce and so the site became a crossing point and meeting place for local trade.
Some years later the crossing point was given status by a number of bridges being built on the site, however there’s only two remaining today one of them being the subject of many photographs is the 800 year old Five Arched Bridge.
In the early days of this towns long and fascinating history; the Saxon Edward the Elder ordered a fortified borough to be built here around 924; marked only by a mound now, known as Castle Hill. The growth of Badequella also merited a mention in the Domesday Book of 1085.
There seems no doubt that trading on the site has gone on since Roman times however it only been, recorded from the 1300. The first recorded fair was held in 1254 and a charter was granted by King Edward III in 1330. For nearly 700 years the farming community has flocked from miles around for the weekly sale of livestock domestic goods and provisions. That tradition continues today with Markets held every Monday and, unlike most of the other local centres, there is a thriving livestock market at the Agricultural Centre and also a farm market once a month which is well worth a visit. The big event of the year is the annual Bakewell Show and this year is the 180th, which takes place on Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th of August 2010.
The river provides beautiful walks from the five arch bridge; up stream leads to Arkwright Mill, via Holme Hall and Holme Bridge dating back to the 1600.
Bakewell is a straight run from Cornerstones Guest House along the Manchester ring road and on to the A623 which go strait through the centre of the Peak District.
One of the annual Peak Districts events is dressing the well or well dressing which takes place in all the shrouding villages through out the year; 
each dressing there own well in competition with the whole of the Peak District; you will see the dressed wells with flowers and ribbons and everything you can imagine.
Bakewell has something for everybody a full range of shops, many historic buildings, pubs and restaurants, wonderful walks and numerous emporiums of excellence.
Great Food
We have been in each of these and highly recommend them.
Rowley Restaurant and Bar sits on the edge of the beautiful Chatsworth Estate in the pretty village of Baslow. The venue is under the ownership of Max & Susan Fischer of the one star Michelin restaurant at Baslow Hall and their Head Chef Rupert Rowley.
Well funnly enough the next one I was going to mention was Baslow Hall.
These are both just outside of Bakwell.
The Riverside at Ashford on the Water is a beautiful place and restaurant and is the closest to Bakewell.
And last but by no means least; what is this ancient medieval town special known for in the 21century.
The one and only Bakwell Pudding sometimes erroneously called a Bakewell tart, know world wide, well definitely in the north of England you must try one when you go.
The Cornerstones Guest House offers independent accommodation in Manchester is ideally situated for a day out in Bakewell in the Peaks and City Centre which is just 5 miles down the A56.
