On a recent day trip to Eyam in the Derbyshire Peak District we came across a hidden gem in the form of Hassop Station near Bakewell. With a cafe, bookshop, gift shop, and cycle hire I couldn’t believe that we hadn’t found this wondrous place before.

Situated on the side of the beautiful Monsal Trail (a walking, cycling and riding route) it makes the perfect pit-stop during the summer holidays.

This area seems to be undergoing a period of change at present. Hassop Station has only been open a year and the Monsal Trail has undergone safety renovations to it’s famous tunnels. These were officially opened in May 2011 and makes the whole trail far more user friendly (and interesting).

We were rather more concerned with coffee and cake on this occasion. Hassop Station even has a play area for the kids, so all members of the family are equally happy.But if we had been feeling energetic we could have hired a bike or two, there were even electric bikes for hire (much more my speed).

We finished our day with some of the yummiest ice-creams I’ve had since our last trip to Italy. Hope Valley sell many gorgeous flavours, we tucked into Rosemary’s Raspberry Pavlova and Gertrude’s whisky and Ginger 🙂 A very successful and yummy day out!