Buxton in Derbyshire

Buxton Accommodation, Attractions and Activities

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

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

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

Fernydale Farm B&B Accommodation - Fernydale Farm B&B is an award winning farm house accommodation situated in Earl Sterndale near Buxton. Pet friendly. Read more at Fernydale Farm

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

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 Accommodation, Activities and Attractions

For more local information try www.buxtononline.net and Buxton Guide

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