Buxton: The Complete Guide

Buxton The Crescent Seen Through Gardens
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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10 Best places to See in Buxton

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

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

The Crescent Hotel In 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…
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
Visiting The Crescent, Buxton

Buxton Pudding Emporium

While Bakewell is renowned for its tart, Buxton is steadily gaining recognition in the realm of baked goods with its delectable pudding. This gooey and sticky delight is based on a revived 200-year-old recipe that combines custard, pastry, and jam. It made its mark in history when it was served at a dinner hosted for the Mayor of Derby in…
Location: Buxton Pudding Emporium, The Square, Buxton, UK | Hours: 10:00am - 5:30pm | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Buxton Pudding Emporium

Buxton Baths & Cavendish Arcade

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

Buxton Opera House

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

Devonshire Dome

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

Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

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

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

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

Poole’s Cavern

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

Solomon’s Temple

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

Best Day Trips from Buxton

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

All Saints Church 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.…
Visiting Bakewell
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Thor’s Cave

Thors Cave View
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…
Location: Thor's Cave, Ashbourne, UK | Distance: 19.0km
Visiting Thor’s Cave

Chatsworth House

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

Throwley Old Hall

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

Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

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

Manifold Way

Thors Cave Staffordshire Peak District
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…
Visiting Manifold Way

Nottingham

Robin Hood 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…
Visiting Nottingham
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Gloucester

Gloucester Cathedral
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…
Visiting Gloucester
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Where to Stay in Buxton

The best area to stay is near the Crescent and Pavilion Gardens, offering a historic spa-town atmosphere. For a countryside retreat, nearby Peak District villages provide charming guesthouses.

Buxton can be enjoyed in 1 to 2 days, with time for spa treatments and historic architecture. A 3-day stay allows for exploring the Peak District National Park.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Buxton. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Buxton Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Buxton

Visiting Buxton in Spring

Spring in Buxton brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like exploring Pavilion Gardens or hiking in the Peak District.

Visiting Buxton in Summer

Summer offers warm weather and longer days, perfect for enjoying Buxton’s festivals, open-air concerts, and the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Visiting Buxton in Autumn

Autumn provides cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. It’s a great time to visit Buxton’s historic sites, take scenic walks, and enjoy the local cuisine in cozy restaurants.

Visiting Buxton in Winter

Winter in Buxton is magical with festive Christmas markets, ice skating at the Pavilion Gardens, and exploring the historic buildings adorned with holiday lights.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 5°C
  • February 7°C
  • March 9°C
  • April 13°C
  • May 15°C
  • June 18°C
  • July 20°C
  • August 19°C
  • September 16°C
  • October 12°C
  • November 9°C
  • December 8°C

How to get to Buxton

Traveling to Buxton by Train

Buxton has a train station with regular services connecting it to Manchester and other major cities. The station is conveniently located near the town center.

Traveling to Buxton by Car

Buxton is accessible via the A6, A515, and A53 roads, making it easy to reach by car. There are several parking facilities available in the town center.

Traveling to Buxton by Bus

There are numerous bus services that connect Buxton with nearby towns and cities, providing an affordable and convenient way to travel.

Traveling to Buxton by Plane

The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from Buxton. From the airport, you can take a train or hire a car to reach the town.