Family-friendly events at Bakewell Visitor Centre during half-term and more

People calling in at Bakewell Visitor Centre over the half-term holidays and beyond are invited to enjoy two free exhibitions.

Budding archaeologists and history fans can enjoy the latest exhibition about the Victorian collector Thomas Bateman, sometimes known as the Barrow Knight. ‘Brought to Light – the Remarkable Bateman Collection’ is on loan from Weston Park Museum, Sheffield. Fascinating information panels and photographs of artefacts are on display until the beginning of May.

Naturalists and fine art lovers will appreciate the talent of wildlife artist Richard Whittlestone – one of Britain’s most loved and respected artists. Working in acrylics, watercolour and oils, Richard draws inspiration from his deep love of the Peak District’s landscapes and nature, and his knowledge of birds and other wildlife. His work is on display at Bakewell Visitor Centre during February and March.

Sharon Mosley, who manages Bakewell Visitor Centre, said: “We’re really pleased to be hosting these two exhibitions – we like to offer new and exciting things for people to experience during their visit to the centre.

“We hope the Thomas Bateman exhibition will inspire people’s enthusiasm for archaeology. It encourages you to look at the landscape differently and understand more about the Peak District’s history. We hope it will inspire people to visit local museums too.

“Richard Whittlestone’s artwork is beautiful. The detail in his wildlife paintings is wonderful and gives you the feeling of being close-up to the bird or animal.”

Artist Richard Whittlestone said: "From the tamed beauty of the farming lowlands, including the splendours of Chatsworth and Haddon estates with their woodlands and slow rivers, their buzzards, herons and kingfishers; to the wild rugged uplands, home to merlin, golden plover and mountain hares, which live among the heather and tumbling streams; the Peak District National Park has everything that a professional wildlife painter like me could ever need to draw never-ending inspiration from."

Also new for 2023, Bakewell Visitor Centre now stocks pre-loved books – every purchase will help the visitor centres continue to provide great experiences across the National Park. People with books to donate can drop them at Bakewell or Castleton Visitor Centres during opening times.

Sharon Mosley said: “Our centres already host a wonderful array of new reads, but with your support of providing second-hand books, we can do more. We welcome books that are Peak District related, about nature, wildlife, geography, walking, cycling, heritage, archaeology, photography, and children’s books.”

Every purchase helps care for the National Park and supports the work of the visitor centres.

Bakewell Visitor Centre is close to the town centre and open daily. It is housed in The Old Market Hall, which dates back to the early 17^th century.