Bakewell is the commercial centre of the White Peak and earns it. The Monday market is a proper working market, produce, clothing, provisions, rather than a tourist spectacle. The tart shops selling original Bakewell Pudding (note: the proper version is a pastry shell with jam and frangipane, not the iced cherry kind from a supermarket) are on Bridge Street and collectively justify the drive.
The medieval bridge over the River Wye, the church above the town, and the walk along the river downstream toward Haddon Hall make up a half-day easily. Combine with Chatsworth (4 miles north) for a full Peak District day.