Valley Lodge Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the heart of Matlock, the charming county town of Derbyshire, you'll find the tranquil haven of Valley Lodge care home. This idyllic setting offers…
RespiteResidentialDementiaNursing
Care homes in Bakewell
Bakewell sits in England's East Midlands with a notably older population — residents aged 65 and over make up 22.6%, well above the national average — suggesting an established retirement community. The town offers good access to parks and everyday amenities, though you'll want to weigh its crime figures and transport links carefully before deciding.
Living in Bakewell
Green SurroundingsWell Served
What do these badges mean?
- Green Surroundings — Excellent access to parks, playing fields and other green space nearby (OpenStreetMap).
- Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
SafetyB
Good — safer than 41% of similar areas (per head of population)
Based on Derbyshire data (town-level not yet available)
Green SpacesA
Excellent — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Derbyshire data (town-level not yet available)
Daily ConveniencesA
Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
Based on Derbyshire data (town-level not yet available)
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Bakewell is about £1,125/week, below the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Council funding & top-up in Bakewell
The average residential care home in Bakewell costs about £1,125/week, while Derbyshire’s published usual rate is around £974/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £151/week (≈ £7,852/year) to bridge the gap.
Average fee in Bakewell
£1,125/wk
Derbyshire usual rate
£974/wk
Likely top-up gap
£151/wk
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Derbyshire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
Care homes (1)
What care costs in Bakewell
Residential (avg)
£1,125/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,125/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,125/week
Is Bakewell a good retirement location?
Bakewell is a retirement-minded area with above-average numbers of older residents, solid everyday services, and plenty of green space. It suits people who want a quieter market-town setting with decent local facilities and don't rely on frequent rail travel. The relatively high crime rate and moderate choice of care homes are honest trade-offs worth considering.
Health & support
- Medical access: GP surgeries and pharmacies are locally available; the nearest major hospital is within reach by car or planned transport.
- Safety: Recorded crime stood at 272 offences in 2026–04, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour among the most common categories — notably higher than many quieter retirement areas.
- Family & connection: Think carefully about where your family and support network live, and how often you'd realistically see them.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care-home fees vary locally; check current rates against the national average to judge affordability for your circumstances.
- Transport: The area is served by local bus routes; trains to nearby cities are available but not within walking distance of the town centre. You may need a car or be happy relying on buses.
- Housing options: A range of care homes operate locally; visit and compare to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Bakewell has 33 parks and 19 allotments, offering good scope for walking and outdoor activity. The town centre hosts 38 restaurants and cafes and 28 pubs and bars, supporting an active social life.
- Community: Look into local groups, clubs and memory-cafe provision when you visit — these strengthen day-to-day connection.
- Climate: The East Midlands typically sees cool winters and mild summers; prepare for regular rain and occasional frost.
Things to weigh up
- Crime rate: At 272 recorded offences, Bakewell's crime level is notably higher than many comparable retirement towns; visit at different times and speak to current residents about feeling safe day-to-day.
- Care-home choice: The local care sector offers several homes, but choice is moderate — start visits early to secure a place that suits you.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Bakewell?
There are 18 care homes listed in and around Bakewell on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Bakewell cost?
Care homes in Bakewell range from around £1,125 per week, with averages of £1,125 for residential, £1,125 for dementia, £1,125 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Bakewell compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Bakewell is about £1,125 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Bakewell are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
14 of the 18 care homes in and around Bakewell are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Bakewell?
Homes in and around Bakewell offer dementia (2), nursing (2), residential (1), respite (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Bakewell offer dementia care?
2 care homes in and around Bakewell offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Bakewell offer respite care?
Yes — 1 care home in and around Bakewell offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Bakewell area?
Bakewell is graded B for safety on AskBart (based on Derbyshire) — safer than 41% of similar areas (per head of population). This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Bakewell?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Derbyshire Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Bakewell?
A care home's weekly fee in Bakewell usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Bakewell may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Bakewell?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Bakewell?
Start by shortlisting homes in Bakewell by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Bakewell?
Care homes in Bakewell are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Derbyshire?
If you're widening your search beyond Bakewell, nearby areas with care homes include Amber Valley, Chesterfield, City of Derby, Erewash and High Peak. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Bakewell care expert.
Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.