Buxton: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mr Eugene Birchall

Buxton takes great pride in its enchanting 10-hectare park, which was established on the banks of the Wye River in 1871 and skillfully designed by the prolific landscape architect Edward Milner.

The park exudes the grandeur of the Victorian era, with its picturesque ornamental lakes, vibrant flowerbeds, majestic mature trees, winding pathways, and an elegant wrought iron bandstand.

For children, there are delightful attractions such as a miniature train to ride on and exciting play areas to explore. Meanwhile, adults can admire the impressive Octagonal Hall, constructed in 1875 with its captivating metal and glass architecture, as well as the regal Opera House designed by Frank Matcham.

Pavilion Gardens consistently earns the prestigious Green Flag award, which signifies its status as a top-tier park in the UK. Within the gardens, visitors can also find a charming coffee bar and an arts and crafts gallery, which we will delve into further later.

Before planning your trip to Buxton, it’s worth checking the calendar, as you may have the opportunity to experience one of the arts and crafts, jewellery, or antiques fairs hosted in Pavilion Gardens during the summer season.

History of Buxton

Buxton: Roman Origins

Buxton’s history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Aquae Arnemetiae, famous for its thermal springs. The Romans built baths and a settlement here to take advantage of the healing waters.

Buxton: Georgian and Victorian Era

Buxton flourished as a spa town in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the construction of grand buildings like the Crescent and the Devonshire Dome. The town became a popular destination for those seeking the health benefits of its natural springs.

Buxton: Modern Day

Today, Buxton retains much of its historic charm while offering modern amenities and attractions. The town is known for its beautiful parks, cultural festivals, and historic architecture.

Visiting Buxton for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Buxton on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Buxton not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Buxton and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

St Ann’s Well, Buxton

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rosser1954

Just a stone's throw away from the Crescent, you'll find Ann's Well, where you have the opportunity to savor Buxton's renowned mineral water—just be sure to bring along a bottle. Flowing at a temperature of 28°C, slightly above room temperature, Buxton's mineral water boasts a smooth taste with a touch of aeration, distinguishing it from many other natural springs. Emerging…

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Location: St Ann's Well - Public Water Fountain, The Crescent, Buxton, UK | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting St Ann’s Well, Buxton

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Buxton . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

The Crescent, Buxton

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Douglal

Located in the northern part of England, Buxton unveils a hidden gem known as the Crescent, which stands as one of the finest Georgian crescents in the entire United Kingdom. The roots of Buxton trace back to the Romans, who established a settlement called Aquae Arnemetiae, meaning "the spa of the goddess of the grove," at the present-day location. Numerous…

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Location: Buxton Visitor Centre & The Buxton Crescent Experience The Pump Room The Crescent Buxton SK17 6BH United Kingdom | Hours: The Pump Room (Buxton Visitor Centre) 10:00am-4:00pm every day| Price: Buxton Visitor Centre: Free. Buxton Crescent Visitor Experience Adults: £11.99 General Admission, £15.95 Premium Tour. | Website | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting The Crescent, Buxton

Buxton Baths & Cavendish Arcade

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Elisa.rolle

Nestled in the heart of Buxton, The Cavendish Arcade is a charming boutique shopping hall that thrives with a community of small independent businesses. Here, you can find a delightful array of clothing, jewellery, local food and drinks, and other delightful treasures. What sets this place apart, however, is the historic building that houses it—the former Victorian thermal baths of…

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Location: Cavendish Arcade, The Crescent, Buxton, UK | Hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Buxton Baths & Cavendish Arcade

Buxton Opera House

© Rob Bendall

The magnificent entrance of Buxton Opera House, designed in the art deco style, offers just a glimpse of the splendor that awaits inside. With its stained-glass frontage, graceful Doric columns, and twin rib domes, the architecture is truly captivating. Constructed in 1903 by the renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory in 2001,…

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Location: Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, UK | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Buxton Opera House

Devonshire Dome

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tanya Dedyukhina

As part of William Cavendish's ambitious vision for Buxton, the Devonshire Dome stands as a testament to architectural grandeur. Notably, it boasts the largest unsupported dome in the United Kingdom. Constructed in the 1780s on an octagonal base, its original purpose was to accommodate horses and servants for guests staying at the impressive Buxton Crescent, another remarkable project undertaken by…

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Location: Devonshire Dome, Buxton, UK | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Devonshire Dome

Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ruth Sharville

Buxton takes great pride in its enchanting 10-hectare park, which was established on the banks of the Wye River in 1871 and skillfully designed by the prolific landscape architect Edward Milner. The park exudes the grandeur of the Victorian era, with its picturesque ornamental lakes, vibrant flowerbeds, majestic mature trees, winding pathways, and an elegant wrought iron bandstand. For children,…

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Location: The Pavilion Gardens, Saint John's Road, Buxton, UK | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Douglal

Housed within the historic Peak Hydrophathic Hotel (1880), the Buxton Museum and Gallery offers captivating exhibitions that delve into the archaeology, history, and geology of both the town and the Peak District. One of the highlights is the Wonders of the Peak exhibition, which takes you on a fascinating journey through time, from the inception of the universe with the…

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Location: Buxton Museum & Art Gallery, Terrace Road, Buxton, UK | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Poole’s Cavern

Public Domain / Dave Pape

Poole's Cavern, named after a legendary outlaw who supposedly used the caves as a hideout for robbing travellers in the 15th century, has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. Located just a 10-minute walk from Buxton town centre, this immense limestone formation, believed to be around two million years old, is regarded as one of England's finest "show caves."…

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Location: Poole's Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton, UK | Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm | Price: From £17 | Website | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Poole’s Cavern

Solomon’s Temple

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jonathan Kington

Perched atop the site of a Bronze Age burial mound, Solomon's Temple oversees the spa town of Buxton, proudly holding the title of the highest market town in England. This charming two-story folly, standing at 20 feet tall, was originally constructed in 1896 as a replacement for an earlier tower built by a local farmer named Solomon Mycock. The previous…

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Location: Solomon’s Temple, Buxton, UK | Distance: 1.9km

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Visiting Solomon’s Temple

A day trip from Buxton offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Buxton provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Bakewell

Attribution / Rob Bendall

Nestled alongside the serene river Wye, Bakewell, the largest town in the Peak District National Park, beckons with its warm-hued stone structures, medieval five-arched stone bridge, and delightful courtyards, attracting painters, photographers, and visitors seeking picturesque sights. According to local lore, the renowned Bakewell Pudding was born out of a culinary mishap by a resident cook in the mid-19th century.…

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Visiting Bakewell

Thor’s Cave

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Iankelsall1

Just beyond the village of Wetton in the Staffordshire Peak District lies the impressive Thor's Cave, a natural cavern nestled within a steep limestone crag. Its grand arched entrance is easily visible and accessible from the footpath below. Thor's Cave has provided evidence of human habitation dating back to the later Stone Age, approximately 11,000 years ago. It continued to…

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Location: Thor's Cave, Ashbourne, UK | Distance: 19.0km

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Visiting Thor’s Cave

Chatsworth House

Attribution / Rob Bendall

Located in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the river Derwent, Chatsworth is the esteemed residence of the Devonshire family. With a history dating back to the 1550s, this stately home has evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing tastes, passions, and interests of successive generations. Chatsworth House boasts an impressive array of over…

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Location: Chatsworth House, Bakewell, UK | Hours: 10AM – 4.30PM | Price: Adult House & Garden: £28.50 | Website | Distance: 20.5km

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Visiting Chatsworth House

Throwley Old Hall

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Graham Hogg

Throwley Old Hall, located near the village of Calton and alongside the River Manifold in north-east Staffordshire, England, is a historic stately home in a state of ruin. It holds the distinction of being a Grade II* listed building and a scheduled monument. Currently, the estate is privately owned. The house, positioned in a north-east/south-west alignment, consists of two storeys,…

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Location: Throwley Old Hall, Farwall Lane, Ashbourne, UK | Website | Distance: 21.7km

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Visiting Throwley Old Hall

Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

Attribution / Rob Bendall

Ilam Park is situated on the picturesque bank of the River Manifold, nestled amidst steep hills. It offers visitors the chance to explore a stunning formal Italian Garden, enjoy panoramic views of Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill, and take leisurely walks through enchanting ravine woodlands. Ilam Hall, which is under the management of the YHA, serves as a youth hostel,…

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Location: Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak | Hours: Park: Daily 9am to 7pm | Price: Free | Distance: 23.1km

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Visiting Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

Manifold Way

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Martin Spamer

The Manifold Way, also known as the Manifold Track, should not be confused with the longer Manifold Trail, which is a 23-mile walking route stretching from Dovedale to the village of Flash. While the Manifold Way and the Manifold Trail share some sections of the route, the Manifold Trail is not legally accessible for cyclists and features rocky and uneven…

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Visiting Manifold Way

Nottingham

Situated on the north bank of the River Trent, Nottingham is the county town of Nottinghamshire and encompasses a series of hills. With a rich history as a trading centre and manufacturing hub, the city has gained renown for its exquisite lace production. In recent years, Nottingham has transformed into a thriving cultural destination, offering a wealth of attractions. Visitors…

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Visiting Nottingham

Gloucester

Gloucester is a cathedral city located on the River Severn situated between the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean. It is the most inland port in the UK, Gloucester has a proud industrial past, intertwined with a rich history that dates back to Roman times. Combine this with an ever-changing and developing city, and Gloucester offers the perfect mix of old…

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Visiting Gloucester