CASTLE INN BY GREENE KING INNS
About the Castle Hotel
Castle Inn, Bakewell - A Traditional Riverside Inn
The Castle Inn, a fixture in Bakewell since the 16th century, presents itself as a grounding presence along the River Wye. It's a place where history breathes through the very timbers, offering a tangible link to a bygone era. This traditional inn, situated directly on the A619, provides a solid, unpretentious base for exploring the Peak District, serving as a reliable port in what can be a sea of over-stylized modern establishments.
Location
Positioned along the picturesque River Wye, the Castle Inn is strategically placed for those seeking the heart of the Peak District. Bakewell itself, known for its eponymous tart, is a charming Derbyshire town, and the inn is a mere stone's throw from its centre. While not offering sweeping vistas, its proximity to the river imbues the immediate surroundings with a gentle, natural serenity. Local landmarks such as All Saints Church and Haddon Hall are within easy reach, as are several galleries catering to artistic sensibilities, all within a few kilometers.
Style and Character
This is a 16th-century inn, and it wears its history with a certain gravitas. Expect the kind of cosy, low-beamed interiors and often crooked walls that speak of centuries of habitation. It's not a place striving for contemporary chic, but rather embracing its heritage with a comforting authenticity. The atmosphere leans towards the traditional, a dependable haven that prioritizes comfort and familiarity over transient trends. It's a characterful property where the past feels very much present.
Service and Facilities
The Castle Inn operates primarily around its welcoming bar and restaurant facilities. The team here are geared towards providing the hearty fare expected of a country inn, with a focus on efficient and friendly service. While grand amenities like a spa or pool are absent, the core offerings are solid. The convivial bars, often featuring those characteristic low beams and a palpable sense of history, are where much of the social life congregates, offering a fine selection of real ales and wines. For those seeking a more engaging experience, an interactive distillery tour with tastings is available, offering a sophisticated diversion.
Rooms
The rooms at Castle Inn offer a straightforward comfort, reflecting the inn's traditional character. Each is equipped with the essentials for a pleasant stay, including a flat-screen TV, heating, and an electric kettle for those all-important hot beverages. The private bathrooms come with complimentary toiletries, and family rooms are configured with two beds to accommodate multiple guests. While not boasting expansive square footage, they provide a clean, functional, and warm retreat after a day of exploration, with carpeted floors adding a touch of quietude.
Food and Drink
The culinary heart of the Castle Inn beats within its friendly restaurants and cosy bars. Guests can anticipate a menu rooted in traditional British pub classics, elevated with mouth-watering steaks and burgers, and rounded off with decadent desserts. The hearty full English breakfast is a particular highlight, designed to properly refuel you for the day's adventures. The drinks selection is equally considered, featuring a range of hot beverages, some alcoholic and some not, from warming mulled wine to the sophisticated Mis Amigos Chocolate Cream Tequila Liqueur. There's also a Kraken Coffee Roast Rum offering for a spirited twist, alongside Fentimans Ginger Beer and a classic prosecco for celebratory moments. For a truly special occasion, a bespoke three-course menu, particularly for New Year's Eve, offers a refined dining experience.
Value for Money
The Castle Inn offers a compelling value proposition, particularly with its "2 mains for £25" offer, which also includes two drinks from a selection of draught beers, wines, and soft drinks. This package, when considering the comforting core menu and the inn's historic setting, presents a very reasonable option for travelers. The inclusion of breakfast with room bookings further enhances its appeal, making it a sensible choice for those seeking an authentic taste of the Peak District without undue expense.
Accessibility
While the historic nature of the Castle Inn, with its 16th-century architecture, presents inherent challenges for universal accessibility, efforts have been made to accommodate guests. Specific details regarding adapted rooms or ramp access would require direct inquiry, but the ground-floor restaurant and bar areas are generally more accessible than the upper accommodation floors. It's always advisable to contact the inn directly to discuss specific needs prior to booking.
Family-Friendly
The Castle Inn is well-suited for families, particularly with its family room configurations and the restaurant's inclusive menu. The availability of comfort food classics and the hearty breakfast are generally crowd-pleasers. While not offering dedicated children's facilities like play areas, the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional inn means families are made to feel welcome. The offer that includes two main meals and two drinks for £25 can also be particularly beneficial for family dining. It's a place where creating new memories over a comforting meal feels entirely natural.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- No pets allowed
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Children
- Children's menu
Room features
- Heating
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Room decor
- Carpeted floor