Buxton is an old market and spa town, nestling amongst the surrounding Derbyshire hills at a height of over 1000ft, making it the highest town in England. Buxton grew in fame as a spa town because of the pale blue water which bubbles up from thermal springs beneath The crescent. These are the outlets from a subterreanean resevoir, where the water lies for many years before coming to the surface at a constant temperature of 82 degrees fahrenheit. Buxton has a mixed economy with tourism playing a major role. The University of Derby is also significant employer. There are 2 main retail areas with higher Buxton holding a market on tues and saturday, whilst lower Buxton has a pedestrianised shopping area with indoor malls.
Buxton's fame as a health spa dates back to Roman times, who were thought to have settled here around AD80 and built baths, the remains of which were excavated in the 17th and 18th centuries. Over the years Buxton became popular with pilgrims wanting to take the waters and one famous visitor was Mary Queen of Scots who suffered badly from rheumatism.
The 18th century saw much development in Buxton with the building of The Crescent by the 5th Duke of Devonshire with money made from his copper mines. The building included a ball room and an assembly room and was completed in 1788. Originally it contained a town house for the Duke but by 1804 he had relinquished his accommodation and it became the Centre Hotel with a hotel on each side, St Ann's to the west and the Great Hotel to the east. Hotel guests were able to use private entrances to the baths.
The Devonshire Royal Hospital was built in 1790 as stabling for horses.
In 1857 a portion of the stabling block was given over as a hospital. The magnificent slate dome was added in 1880 and at that time was the largest unsupported dome in the world with a span of 154 feet. The hospital is now part of Derby University.
The Palace Hotel was designed by Henry Currey in 1867 and is now the largest hotel in Buxton. It was built to accommodate the growing number of visitors anticipated with the coming of the railway to Buxton.
The Serpentine Walks have been a feature of Buxton for many years. They were originally landscaped by Joseph Paxton in the 19th century.
The Pavillion gardens lie on the banks of the River Wye and are the home of the spa water swimming pool. The pavillion itself, a glass and iron structure was built in 1871. It has been carefully restored to maintain its Victorian feel, It houses a variety of native and tropical plants.
The Pump Room which faces The crescent was built in 1894 and thermal water was served here until 1981. Now the public can sample the water from the drinking fountain next to it, known as St Ann's Well, which is decorated at Well Dressing time.
The Opera House, completed around the turn of the 20th century acts as a focal point for the annual Buxton Festival , founded in 1979, and held in the last week of July and first week of August at various venues including the Opera House. The festival programme includes literary events , concerts, recitals as well as opera. Another popular event is the Buxton Festival Fringe which features films, drama, dance, music and other cultural events along the same lines but on a smaller scale to the Edinburgh Fringe. The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, founded in 1994, also runs for over three weeks from the end of July through most of August. The Opera House has a year long program of drama, concerts, comedy and other events and recently the former Paxton Suite in the Pavilion Gardens was re-opened as a performance venue called the Pavilion Arts Centre and includes a 369-seat auditorium.
Visit the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery to discover the geology, archeology and history of the Peak District in the Wonders of the Peak time tunnel. The museum also has a collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, and holds regular exhibitions by local and regional artists and various other events. The Pavilion Gardens hosts regular arts, crafts, antiques and jewellery fairs.
There are a couple of churches of note. St John the Baptist Church was built in the Italianate style with a cupola and a massive portico. It contains some very fine mosaics and stained glass. St Annes Church is probably the oldest building in Buxton dating back to at least 1625. It is towerless and aisleless and has a chapel like appearance.
The Old Hall Hotel was originally Buxton Hall. It was built by the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, George Talbot, whose wife was Bess of Hardwick, in 1550, replacing an earlier building. It is situated over a natural spring, the warm mineral waters of which were the reason for Buxton's origin. This was the site of the Roman Baths ("Aqua Arnemetiae") thought to have been named after the Celtic water Goddess Arnemetiae. The Celts considered this Spring as a sacred shrine, possibly a thousand years or more before the Roman occupation.
Close to the hall is a Victorian letter box, hexagonal in shape and erected in 1867. It is quite unique in Derbyshire.
A major attraction to the west of the town is Pooles Cavern, a natural limestone cave, known to have been inhabited by primitive man. Adjoining the site is a country park. Footpaths lead to Solomon's Temple on Grin Low, half a mile away, providing extensive views over Buxton.
Buxton Town is made up of two halves separated by quite a steep hill, Terrace Road, which is skirted on one side by the Slopes - a very pleasant grassy hill, criss-crossed by paths and benches. Higher Buxton is where the market place is situated, and Higher Buxton was traditionally the heart of the town. Tuesday and Saturday are market days. This area includes the Buxton Museum & Art Gallery as well as craft and other shops.
Lower Buxton is where the majority of shops are, including the two shopping arcades, Cavendish and Spring Gardens. Spring Gardens is pedestrianised. Buxton boasts a wide range of shops from Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, as well as some of the best in specialist designer boutiques. The Cavendish Arcade is a unique and vibrant mix of craft, fashion, antiques and books. Buxton’s Market days are Tuesday and Saturday on The Market Place in Higher Buxton. There is also a monthly Farmers' Market in the Pavilion Gardens and an annual Continental Market bristling with traders from across Europe.
Tourist Information for Buxton
Buxton Festival 2012 will run from 7 - 25 July 2012 see www.buxtonfestival.co.uk
The 19th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival will take place in the magnificent Buxton Opera House from Saturday 28th July to Saturday 18th August 2012. See http://gsfestivals.org
Buxton Festival Fringe will run 4-22nd July 2012. See www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
How to get to Buxton
Buxton is a good base for exploring the western and southern part of the Peak District as there are direct bus services to many of the popular tourist attractions including Bakewell, Castleton, Haddon Hall a nd Chatsworth. Getting there is easy as there is a Train service from Stockport and Manchester and a National Express coach service from London
By Car
Buxton is easy to reach by car via the A6, A515 and A53.
By Rail
A train service is available from Manchester Picadilly Station to Buxton. For further information on all available services and connections call 08457 484950.
Buxton Tourist Information Centre is situated in the
Pavilion Gardens, St Johns Road,
Buxton SK17 6BE
Telephone: 01298 25106
Email: tourism@highpeak.gov.uk
Buxton Street Map
Main Car Parks
Market Place (Town Hall) 52 (incl. 4 Disabled)
Market Place (Sainsbury's) 21 (incl. 3 Disabled)
Market Street 86 (incl. 6 Disabled)
The Slopes 62 (incl. 5 Disabled)
Sylvan Car Park 68 (incl. 4 Disabled & 11 Coach)
Bridge Street 18 (incl. 1 Disabled)
Spring Gardens Centre 422 (incl. 26 Disabled)
South Street 10 (incl. 1 Disabled)
Pavilion Gardens 262 (incl. 15 Disabled)
Doctors in Buxton
Buxton Medical Practice
2 Temple Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9BA
Tel: 0129823298
The Stewart Medical Centre
15 Hartington Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6JP
Tel: 0129822338
Elmwood Medical Centre
7 Burlington Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9AY
Tel: 0129823019
Hospitals in Buxton
Buxton Hospital
London Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9NJ
Tel: 01298 214000
Cavendish Hospital
Manchester Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6TE
Tel: 01298 212800
Dentists in Buxton
Broad Walk Dental Practice
Broad Walk
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6JH
01298 23504
David Monaghan
3 Belmont Terrace
Terrace Road
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6DZ
01298 71898
High Street Dental Practice
Dental Surgery
6 High Street
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6EU
01298 22549
Lightwood Dental Surgery
3 Lightwood Road
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 7BJ
01298 27077
Public Toilets
Public Toilets are located at the following places in Buxton. Except where stated, the toilets are open all day and night, all year round.
Sylvan Car Park Accessible
20p and RADAR key entry from 5pm to 8am
Baby changing facilities
Market Place RADAR key accessible
Closed at 5.30pm to 8am
Baby changing facilities
Buxton Cemetery
Pavilion Gardens Car Park
and Boating Lake Accessible.
Closed at 5pm
Chemists in Buxton
Boots: 62 Spring Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6BZ
Tel: 01298 23084
Burlington Road Pharmacy: 7 Burlington Road, Buxton, SK17 9AY
Tel: 01298 26999
C R Clowes & Son Ltd: 4 Cavendish Circus, Buxton SK17 6AX
Tel: 01298 23218
Lloyds Pharmacy: 2 Temple Road, Buxton SK17 9BZ
Tel: 01298 23411
Peak Pharmacy: Scarsdale Place, Buxton SK17 6EF
Tel: 01298 23488
Superdrug: 11-12 Spring Gardens, Buxton SK17 6BJ
Tel: 01298 23195
Accommodation in Buxton
Victoria Lodge - Victoria Lodge is a spacious self catering house in the heart of the picturesque town of Buxton and is ideally situated to explore the delights of both Buxton and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside. Providing plenty of spacious accommodation of a high standard, this charming house has seven bedrooms and can accommodate up to 15 people. The famous opera house is only minutes away and the town's restaurants and facilites are in easy walking distance for a perfect holiday in Derbyshire. Read more at Vicoria Lodge at Buxton
Central Cottage - Immaculate stone built terraced cottage situated in central Buxton, ideal for all Peak District charms.
Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, ideal location in Buxton, Central Cottage, is an ideal base from which to explore the many attractions of the Peak District. Former Spa resort town built by the Romans, Buxton is the northern equivalent of Bath, complete with Crescent (shortly to be re-developed into a prestigious spa and hotel) and, of course, the Opera House.
Read more at Central Cottage at Buxton
Wheeldon Trees Farm Holiday Cottages - Wheeldon Trees Farm is a group of eight , 4 star rated of recently restored holiday cottages sleeping up to 28 , situated by the side of High Wheeldon hill near Earl Sterndale, Buxton in Derbyshire's Peak District National Park. Private, self-contained units (including one wheelchair friendly cottage), Games Room with fully fitted kitchen & communal dining facilities – ideal for family and group gatherings. Pet friendly. Read more at Wheeldon Trees Farm Holiday Cottages
Barms Farm Guest House - Situated in the heart of the Peak District, Derbyshire with far reaching views towards Buxton, Barms Farm offers quality b&b & self catering en-suite accommodation without compromise. Ideally situated within one mile of Buxton and the famous Buxton Opera House, yet on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park & Derbyshire Dales More information at Barms Farm Guest House
Southmead Guest House -
Southmead is a beautifully refurbished luxury Edwardian guest house which opened in the Summer of 2008 for Bed and Breakfast. We are situated in the historic spa town of Buxton and are surrounded by the magnificent Peak District National Park. We are ideally located within walking distance of the town centre and with easy access to the Goyt valley and beyond. More information at Southmead Guest House
Grendon Guest House B&B Accommodation - Grendon Guest House Buxton is a 5 star Gold award bed and breakfast accommodation offering spacious and luxurious rooms with the warmest of welcomes. Read more Grendon Guest House
Beacon House B&B : Peacefully situated on the outskirts of the village, Beacon House is a working farm, small-holding standing 1,000 feet above sea level, commanding glorious views over Cressbrook/Tansley Dale and Peter’s Stone.
Litton Village is a 5 minute walk, where there is a friendly pub, which serves reasonably priced bar snacks.
Our four star accommodation consists of two spacious double en-suite bedrooms with colour TV’s, tea/coffee making facilities,
hairdryers, clock radio, small fridge and both rooms have central heating. Guests have a private lounge room available to them, where breakfast is also served.
Read more at Beacon House B&B
The Cottage at Earl Sterndale - The Cottage was once the Bakery for the Village, it has now been renovated into a One Bedroom dwelling. It dates back to the 1700's & is built of natural limestone.
Relax & Enjoy this tranquil rural retreat. Cyclists, Walkers & Pets Welcome Read more at The Cottage
New House Farm Guest House - Situated at Brund near the villages of Sheen and Hartington. Come and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Brund, which is a hamlet of Sheen in the picturesque Manifold Valley.
This 3 storey house originates from 1646, and was built by George Critchlow. The building is now owned by Marjorie Critchlow, who welcomes you to share the views and comfortable accommodation here on the Staffordshire / Derbyshire border
Read more at New House Farm Guest House
Monks Retreat Holiday Cottages - Spacious, beamed, quiet but not too isolated, lovingly maintained, and overlooking some of the most spectacular scenery in the Peak Park, the cottages are situated where Millers Dale meets Monks Dale - a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty, renowned for its excellent walking with a network of paths leading directly from the door. There are paths of all grades from very easy to more challenging past towering limestone cliffs and along peaceful rivered dales. Our farm trail leads to a ridge walk with views of 7 dales.
Read more at Monks Retreat Holiday Cottages
Braemar House Farm B&B - Braemar House Farm is a family run 200 acre working dairy farm offering the warmest of stays. Located in the heart of the Peak District, on the outskirts of the village of Earl Sterndale, the Victorian farmhouse sits 1,200 ft above sea level and has spectacular views over the Derbyshire Peaks to the distant Staffordshire moorlands. Read more at Braemar House Farm at Earl Sterndale
Cotterill Farm Holiday Cottages - At Cotterill Farm we have five non-smoking and pet-free holiday cottages for rental as self-catering (vacation rental) accommodation in a glorious but not remote country location. Three cottages are for four person occupancy, one, a new barn conversion all on the ground floor is for three person occupancy and one, a particularly spacious one is for two person occupancy. One of the four person cottages has two double bedrooms, making it particularly suited for two couples.
Read more at Cotterill Farm Cottages
Hartington Cottages - Three non-smoking and pet free stone self-catering (vacation rental) cottages, situated in my private courtyard in the picturesque market square of the highly regarded and superbly located Peak District village of Hartington, Derbyshire .
One 6 person holiday cottage, over 500 years old sleeps six in three bedrooms (each having its own en suite!) and the other two self catering cottages are one bedroomed sleeping 2/3.
Read more at Hartington Cottages
Middle Farm Holiday Cottages at Brushfield - Brushfield is on the Edge of Monsal Dale and lies on a sunny south facing hillside high above Taddington Dale.
Set in the midst of the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District, Middle Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views across open landscapes. It is an idyllic setting providing peace and tranquility. We have two holiday cottages. Maigold Cottage sleeps 4. Albertine Barn sleeps 8.
Read more at Middle Farm Holiday Cottages
Beech and Birch Cottage - Beech and Birch Cottages are two adjacent cottages, centrally located in the heart of the picturesque village of Hartington,making the cottages an ideal base from which to explore the Peak District National Park. The cottages are approximately 200 yards from the local village shops, Post Office and Inns. Beech Cottage sleeps 7 people in 3 bedrooms and was refurbished in 2008 . Birch Cottage was tastefully renovated in 2011 and sleeps 6 people comfortably, in 3 bedrooms, plus there is an additional pull out bed. Read more at Beech and Birch Cottages
Palamara Holiday Cottage - Palamara is a charming, cosy, luxury 4 star rated holiday cottage situated in the beautiful Peak District village of Tideswell. The cottage has two bedrooms, will sleep up to 3 adults and is well equipped to make your holiday complete.
Palamara holiday cottage is short walk from all Tideswell village amenities including excellent pubs, local cafes and quaint shops. With its central position in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the cottage is ideal for exploring and enjoying Buxton, Bakewell, Chatsworth House as well as many other local attractions. The cottage is also ideally placed for enjoying the walking, climbing and cycling of the area.
Read more at
Palamara Holiday Cottage
Riverside House Holiday Cottages - Luxury self catering accommodation in heart of Peak District sleeping up to 12. Lovely river views, walks from door, inlcuding Miller's Dale and Monsal Dale, shops 2 miles, pub one mile. Pet and child friendly. Safe garden, off street parking, games room, BBQ, log burning stove, huge lounge, loads of dining space and very well equipped kitchen and separate utility. Nearby Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Buxton and lots more!
Read more at Riverside House at Litton Mill near Tideswell
Number 6 Litton Mill - is a superb spacious ground floor apartment situated in an historic mill building in a wonderful location in the heart of the Peak District close to Buxton and Tideswell. This quality apartment offers very well equipped and stylish accommodation, including an enormous master suite with super king-size bed, en-suite corner bath and large TV. The other two bedrooms each benefit from an en-suite, while many rooms in this apartment enjoy views over the river, water wheel pit or waterfall. The open plan living area of this Peak District self catering apartment is perfect for groups, with the kitchen area kept stylishly separate by a glass partition, and a sitting area just made for relaxing after a day spent exploring the area. Sleeps 6
Read more at Number 6 Litton Mill
For more holiday accommodation see
Derbyshire and Peak District Accommodation
Guest Houses with B&B in Derbyshire and Peak District
Holiday Cottages in Derbyshire and Peak District
Hotels in Derbyshire and Peak District
Peak District Holiday Guide
Peak District Accommodation
Derbyshire Holiday Cottages
Please also visit Derbyshire Photographs for Buxton photographs
For Peak District information try Peak District Holiday Guide - Peak District Accommodation, Activities and Attractions
www.buxton-opera.co.uk for information on concerts and other events at Buxton Opera House
