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's fame as a healh 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.

Buxton Festival is held in the last week of July and first week of August. It seats almost 1000 people in a magnificently decorative auditorium.

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 appearence.

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.

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 Bushfield - 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

Swift Holiday Cottage - Swift Cottage is a 200 year old, warm and homely, stone-built cottage situated in a prime location on the edge of the village of Tideswell in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District. Recently returned to local ownership, the cottage has been sympathetically restored to a state more in keeping with its age and has only recently come on the market for holiday lets.

The property includes 3 bedrooms, 2 doubles and 1 single, sleeping up to 5 guests. Read more at Swift Cottage

For more accommodation in and around Buxton, try Derbyshire and Peak District Accommodation

Looking for work in the Buxton area try Jobs in Buxton

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

www.buxtonfestival.co.uk for Information On Buxton Festival

For more information on St Anne's Well try www.indigogroup.co.uk