Buxton: The Complete Guide

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!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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

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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting St Ann’s Well, Buxton

The Crescent, Buxton

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,” […]

---

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 Baths & Cavendish Arcade

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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting Buxton Baths & Cavendish Arcade

Buxton Opera House

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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting Buxton Opera House

Devonshire Dome

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, […]

---

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

---

Visiting Devonshire Dome

Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Poole’s Cavern

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 […]

---

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

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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting Solomon’s Temple

Thor’s Cave

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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting Thor’s Cave

Chatsworth House

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 […]

---

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, 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 […]

---

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

---

Visiting Throwley Old Hall

Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

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, […]

---

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

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 […]

---

Visiting Manifold Way