Buxton: The Gateway to the Peak District

Places to See

The Romans settled in Buxton from around 78AD, naming it Aquae Arnemetiae, meaning the Spa of the Goddess of the Grove, and it has been renowned for the healing properties of its spa waters ever since. The town grew in size and influence in the late 18th Century, when it was developed by the 5th Duke of Devonshire as a resort spa in the style of Bath. The graceful Crescent was built in 1780, and echoes the famous Royal Crescent in Bath.

Buxton Mineral Water is still bottled just outside the town and is sold internationally. Its source, St Ann’s Well, is a geothermal spring located close to the Crescent. The water emerges from the ground at a warm 28 degrees Celsius, and members of the public are welcome to drink directly from the well or fill their own bottles there.

Buxton Opera House

Buxton is well known for its beautiful Edwardian Opera House, designed by Frank Matcham in 1903. It has recently been restored after a major refurbishment programme, and its opulent interior is well worth seeing, with magnificent ceiling paintings and gold leaf decoration. The Opera House hosts a great many drama, comedy and music events throughout the year.

Devonshire Dome

A further remarkable Buxton landmark is the Devonshire Dome, built in 1789 and designed by local architect Robert Rippon Duke. It is one of the world’s largest unsupported domes with a diameter of 44.2 metres, larger than the Pantheon and St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, or St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The Devonshire Dome is now a campus of the University of Derby.

The Dome also houses a range of facilities including a café and event spaces, making it a popular venue for conferences, weddings and exhibitions throughout the year.

Pavilion Gardens

On a sunny day, head straight for the Pavilion Gardens, an impressive Grade II listed building built in 1871, set in 23 acres of landscaped parkland on the banks of the River Wye.

The Pavilion Gardens houses Buxton’s Visitor Information Centre, as well as a gift shop and café. It also hosts regular craft and art fairs. The parkland includes a large children’s play area, a miniature train, ornamental ponds and a well-stocked tropical greenhouse.

If boutique shopping is more your thing, be sure to visit the Cavendish Arcade, located within the original thermal baths. It has a range of independent shops and lovely cafes, all set in this beautiful historic building dating from 1852.

Eating and Drinking

There is no shortage of brilliant places to eat and drink in Buxton. The town centre offers a wide range of independent cafes, traditional pubs, and restaurants serving everything from light lunches to fine dining.

For a taste of history, the Old Hall Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Buxton and the oldest hotel in England. The present building dates from 1670, but an earlier building on the same spot was a temporary gaol to Mary, Queen of Scots in 1584, when she was held here by the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife, Bess of Hardwick.

Today the Old Hall Hotel offers traditional dining overlooking the beautiful Pavilion Gardens, either in the restaurant or the more informal wine bar. Afternoon tea is served daily.

For a more relaxed vibe, Buxton has several excellent pubs and bars offering craft beers, cocktails and live music. Many establishments in the town centre serve home-cooked, locally-sourced produce, and there are plenty of choices for all tastes and budgets.

Whether you are looking for a quick coffee and cake, a traditional pub lunch, or an elegant evening meal, Buxton’s dining scene has something to offer every visitor.

Out and About Around Buxton

Buxton is situated in a fabulous location and any visitor to the town should also plan to explore the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. Buxton is overlooked by two hills, Grin Low Hill and Corbar Hill. On the top of Grin Low Hill, at 439m high, is a well-known local landmark, a tower known as Solomon’s Temple.

A folly built in 1834 to provide work for the town’s unemployed, it was restored in 1996 and is now open to the public. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the crooked tower for magnificent views over the town.

On the top of Corbar Hill, look out for Corbar Cross, a tall cross given to the town by the Duke of Devonshire to celebrate Holy Year in 1950. The cross is a well-known local landmark and offers equally impressive views across the surrounding countryside.

The woodlands surrounding Buxton, including the famous ‘Ring of Trees’ that encircles the town, offer miles of peaceful walking trails through mature deciduous woodland. These ancient woodlands are home to a wide variety of wildlife and provide a beautiful setting for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike.

Poole’s Cavern

Located a short drive outside the town is Poole’s Cavern, a beautiful show cave formed naturally out of the limestone rock over 2 million years ago. The Cavern is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and recent archaeological explorations have suggested that it was occupied during the Bronze Age.

The Cavern has been officially open to the public since 1853, when the entrance was made accessible and a system of gas lamps was installed.

Thankfully, modern visitors can now marvel at the Cavern’s wonders with the help of LED lighting. The area open to the public extends to around 310 metres in length and includes spectacular rock formations in the many chambers.

Poole’s Cavern is set within the extensive Buxton Country Park. There are numerous country walking trails through the 100 acres of mature deciduous woodland, which link up to Grin Low Hill and Solomon’s Temple.

Outdoor Adventures

For those seeking more adventurous activities, Buxton and the surrounding area offer a wealth of options. The nearby woodland trails are perfect for mountain biking, while the gritstone edges and limestone crags provide excellent rock climbing opportunities.

The Buxton Country Park and the wider Peak District landscape offer endless possibilities for walking, cycling, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, there is a trail to suit every ability.

For families, the woodland trails and play areas provide the perfect setting for a day of outdoor fun. The area is also popular with birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, with a rich variety of wildlife to discover throughout the year.

Where to Stay in Buxton

Buxton offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From the historic Buxton Crescent Hotel to charming guest houses and B&Bs, there is something for every visitor.

For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide and plan your adventure in this remarkable part of Derbyshire.