Buxton Guide, Derbyshire
Buxton, a historic spa town on the western edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire, is a vibrant place to visit and a gateway to the nearby national park.
A town of 22,000 people south of Manchester and Stockport on the A6 and connected to both by train, the town makes for an excellent day-trip or longer stay.
The town also offers access to some wonderful countryside and other attractions nearby. The Peak District, England's first National Park is on the doorstep, as are the stately homes of Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Hardwick Hall.
Buxton History
Buxton known as Aquae Arnemetiae was the second most important Roman spa in ancient Britain, after the Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset.
Also of historic interest is the Old Hall Hotel in the town. Indeed, it claims to be one of the oldest hotels in Britain. It was built in 1573 and housed Mary Queen of Scots from 1576-1578 during her period of house arrest under Elizabeth I. She was under the supervision of the Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife - Bess of Hardwick. Mary scratched the following words on a window in the building before she left: "Buxton, whose warm waters have made thy name famous, perchance I shall visit thee no more - Farewell." The unfortunate Scottish queen was to be sadly executed at Fotheringhay in 1587. Bess of Hardwick had four husbands altogether and introduced the Earl of Shrewsbury to the spa's healing waters. It had little effect on his temper, however, and the pair separated acrimoniously.
When taking the waters again became popular in Victorian times, Buxton enjoyed an architectural renaissance with the coming of the railway from Manchester in 1863. Fine buildings were constructed and the town enjoyed a cultural and economic boom.
Nowadays, Buxton is England's highest market town and known for its excellent music and theater festivals.
Buxton Attractions
Buxton has much to offer with its excellent natural mineral water surely top of the list. The water comes to the surface at a constant 28°C and can be collected for free at St Ann's Well or purchased in supermarkets throughout the country. The water flows from a lion's head below a statue of a woman (St Ann) and her daughter - the Virgin Mary.
Nearby is The Crescent - the town's finest building. Modeled on The Royal Crescent in Bath, The Crescent was built by the 5th Duke of Devonshire of Chatsworth House fame between 1780 and 1789. The architect was the prolific John Carr (1723-1807), who had prisons, bridges, town halls and even the Hospital de Santo António in Porto, northern Portugal on his impressive CV.
After a long period of restoration, The Crescent reopened in 2020 and now houses the five-star Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel. Facilities include a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. Guests can choose from a buffet or à la carte breakfast options. The spa has a hot spring bath and a sauna. Buxton's first masked ball for 200 years took place in the Assembly Rooms within the hotel in September 2022. The grand 18th century ballroom is the hotel's largest space.
Another big draw in the town especially for families with kids is Pavilion Gardens.
Pavilion Gardens
The Pavilion Gardens date from 1871, when the 7th Duke of Devonshire suggested the idea of a "pleasure garden" to boost the amenities of the growing and increasingly prosperous town. The Concert Hall, (the Octagon) was designed by local architect, Robert Rippon Duke, and opened in 1875.
The present 23 acres of pleasant grounds include a lake, a children's play area, a bandstand, a cafe, a miniature train, and the Pavilion Arts Centre. The latter is home to the 902-seat Buxton Cinema and the Buxton Opera House. The Opera House hosts the annual Buxton Festival (in July) and the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.
The large Victorian cast iron and glass conservatory has a number of exotic species including palms and ferns.
Pavilion Gardens attracts over half a million visitors a year and plays host to numerous bazaars, fairs, local Farmers' Markets, and other events.
Bands play most Sunday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm from April to September.
The miniature train runs on most weekends (weather permitting) and during school holidays. Rowing boats and pedalos on the lake can be hired from the lakeside kiosk Monday to Saturday from 10.30 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from 12.30 pm to 4 pm.
Pump Room
The former Pump Room, opposite The Crescent is now the Buxton Visitor Centre (opened in 2019) where visitors can purchase tickets to visit The Crescent. It is also used as an event and venue for performances during the town's various festivals.
The interesting Buxton Museum & Art Gallery on Terrace Road has over 1,200 objects on display. These include exhibits of the archaeology, art, geology, and history of the Peak District. The museum occupies part of the Victorian era Peak Hydropathic and Thermal Establishment which offered guests accommodation, water treatments and excursions. Admission is free.
Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre on Water Street is a 902-seat opera venue. It hosts the annual Buxton Festival and Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. It also puts on pantomime, music concerts, comedy and other performances throughout the year. The grand building dates from 1903.
A pleasant stroll, one mile south of the center is Poole's Cavern, a natural, limestone cavern. There are guided tours. Other interesting tours of the town itself include the Buxton Tram and History and Heritage Tours.
Buxton Shopping
Architect Henry Currey was responsible for the Natural Mineral Baths which opened in 1854 on the site of the original Roman baths. A 1980s shopping arcade, Cavendish Arcade, now occupies the site. The curved stained glass canopy here by contemporary British artist Brian Clarke is the largest in Britain.
Scrivener's Books and Bookbinding on the High Street has over 40,000 books on five floors and a small museum in the cellar.
Buxton Hotels
Buxton has some great places to stay to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the town's lively festivals.
As well as the five-star Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel and the historic Old Hall Hotel, try the Portland Hotel, the Palace Hotel or the Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel.
The Portland Hotel offers traditional furnishings and a full English breakfast. The Palace Hotel dates from Victorian times and includes a swimming pool and a restaurant. The Westminster Hotel overlooks the Pavilion Gardens and is a family-run establishment.
See here for a listing of accommodation in Buxton to suit all budgets.
Eat & Drink
In Pavilion Gardens refreshment options include the Pavilion Tea Room overlooking the gardens offering breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. The Pavilion Kitchen has a menu of homemade pizzas, quiches, and salads. In addition, there is an ice cream parlour and coffee van with indoor and promenade seats.
There are some excellent pubs to sample local and craft ales as well as some decent food. The Miltons Tap (formerly the Miltons Head), The Railway (near the station), The Cheshire Cheese and RedWillow all come recommended. There is accommodation too at the Queen's Head.
Other recommended places to eat are Eat at No 5 on London Road, vegetarian and vegan cuisine at The Herb Garden on Hardwick Street and great breakfasts at Dubbing Good Food on the High Street.
Buxton Access - Getting To Buxton
Buxton Station has trains to Piccadilly Station, Stockport Station, Whaley Bridge, New Mills Newtown, Disley, Middlewood, Hazel Grove, Woodsmoor and Davenport.
The 199 bus service connects Buxton with Manchester Airport and the wider world.
There are also buses to Chesterfield, Derby via Matlock Bath, Leek, Macclesfield, Sheffield, and Manchester.
By car nearby places of interest include historic Peveril Castle, Edale, the Derwent Dam Museum and the picturesque village of Eyam with its beautiful Parish Church of St Lawrence.
Hire a car at Manchester Airport. Compare the biggest brands in UK car hire to get the cheapest deal on a variety of vehicles from compact cars to estates to SUVs.
Related Resources
Maps of Buxton
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