Eroica Britannia, Near Bakewell, Derbyshire (June)
Eroica Britannia is a 3 day vintage cycling festival in which 3,600 riders take on the Peak District’s renowned cycling routes. The festival celebrates a love of food with its feast stops and Graze food fair.
Festival-goers and cyclists at Eroica Britannia’s Bakewell show ground
Foodies cyclists, make sure you treasure your pre-1987 bike and polish it up for L’Eroica Britannia because we promise you, you’ll want to be there for this Great British Adventure.
With the opportunity to dress up in your best vintage garb and style your hair, you can set off for a cycle ride and then come back and feast at Graze. It’s a social event where the emphasis is on enjoying great food and drink.
The festival even has a beer brewed in its honour by the local Thornbridge Brewery. If you don’t fancy cycling, join the 50,000 festival go-ers who come to cheer on the cyclists and enjoy the festival fun.
Dress Vintage Style
Eroica Britannia is inspired by the original Italian L’Eroica (‘the heroes’) cycle ride – known as the most handsome festival in the world. In the space of just two years, L’Eroica Britannia has been named one of the best value family festivals in the UK by Visit England.
Choose Your Cycle Ride
Depending on your ability, riders can choose from short, medium or long routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles, which take in the Monsal, Tissington and High Peak trails. It’s more of a rally than a race where the emphasis is about getting your vintage bike to the finish line.
Stop for a Village Feast
Rides call at villages which all host their own mini festivals. They serve as ‘Feast Stops’ laden with local food and drink to nourish, sustain, surprise and delight you on your way.
Graze on Britain’s Best Street Food
Back at the show ground, festival-goers can tuck in to the many delights of Graze with its street food trucks. Check out places such as the London double decker bus that’s a mobile oyster shack, the Airstream Diner, or eat British classic dishes from What The Dickens. Wash it down with a bottle of L’Eroica Britannia, a English Pale Ale beer, brewed by the nearby Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell.
Shop at The British Bazaar
The Festival celebrates the ‘Best of British’ with its British Bazaar where you’ll find hardware shops, cook shops, flower shops, heritage-driven fashion, antique furniture and bookshops. There’s even a bike jumble. For family fun, take the kids to the sporting lawn for the egg and spoon race and tug of war. In the evening, listen to live music, bands, theatre and live entertainment.
Tips
- If you don’t own a pre-1987 bike, hire one from the festival’s official partners
- Perfect your vintage look by getting your hair and make-up done in the British Bazaar
- Volunteer to help out at the festival
- Visit the nearby Thornbridge Brewery for a brewery tour
Where to Stay in the Peak District
If you’d prefer to stay in a local pub. The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley is only a short drive away from Bakewell.
Ready to start planning a Peak District break? Take a look at these recommendations for the Best Places To Stay in The Peak District
Dogs
Dogs are allowed but they ask that I’m kept on a short lead and supervised at all times. Please take care of me because roaming dogs will be removed from the site by the RSPCA. Can I take part in the dog show?
How to Find Eroica Britannia
Eroica Britannia Cycling Festival, Friden Grange, Newhaven,Nr. Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0DY
Website: www.eroicabritannia.co.uk
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.