Guide to Top Things to do in Buxton

Located in Derbyshire, Buxton sits at the edge of the Peak District, surrounded by the dramatic and beautiful Derbyshire Hills. Here, you will enjoy ornamental gardens, breathtaking landmarks, and gorgeous Georgian and Victorian architecture, in an area that has plenty to offer as a spot for relaxation or an adventurous getaway. There are activities in Buxton for every member of your party, whether you prefer shopping and dining, outdoor exploration, enjoying family attractions, or visiting historical sites. Now, Together Travel is thrilled to announce new properties in Buxton, in a historic building but with all the upgrades you would expect in a holiday home. 

Places to Visit in Buxton

There are so many landmarks and historical sites in and near Buxton that you will never run out of places to explore. Here, we offer a list of some of the top spots you should put on your list. 

• The Pavilion Gardens: A stunning historic venue established in 1871, Pavilion Gardens is a Victorian era treasure. This tranquil retreat is made up of 23 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, with manicured lawns, meandering pathways, ornamental flowerbeds, lakes, and bountiful green space to explore. There is much to enjoy about the Pavilion Gardens, including charming children’s playgrounds and a miniature train ride, and the Pavilion itself is a historic building that plays host to an array of events throughout the year. At the Pavilion and its gardens, you will find craft fairs, food festivals, art centre exhibitions, and live music performances, and the Pavilion holds food and drink facilities, as well as public toilets. 

  

   

• Buxton Opera House: The Buxton Opera House, designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham, opened in 1903, and was a popular venue for many years, until the great depression of 1921. In 1927 it was converted into a cinema, then wired for sound when the ‘talkies’ took over. It was a popular cinema for decades, but then fell into disrepair and closed in the 1970s. In 1979, people both locally and nationally pushed for a restoration, which included a new orchestra pit, and in that same year, the inaugural Buxton Festival was staged at Buxton Opera House. Further restorations occurred in the 1990s, and in September 2010 the second theatre, the Pavilion Arts Centre opened. Today, Buxton Opera House is one of the UK’s leading theatres, presenting about 450 performances each year.

   

  

   

• The Crescent: One of the finest Georgian crescents in the UK, the Buxton Crescent was built for the 5th Duke of Devonshire during the 1780s, styled after the Royal Crescent in Bath. A Grade-I listed building in the centre of Buxton, it features a gorgeous façade, elegant interiors, and rich history, and is now known as one the best spa hotels in the Peak District. Located across from St Ann’s Well, it is northeast of the Natural Mineral Bath and southwest of the Buxton Thermal Baths. 

   

  

   

• Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park: A two-million-year-old natural limestone cave, Poole’s Cavern boasts striking stalactites and stalagmites, including the ‘Flitch of Bacon’ and the ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Pillar. Some of the stalagmites have a unique ‘poached egg’ colouration and porous texture, due to the minerals seeping from the lime-burning activities above ground. 

   

  

   

• Solomon's Temple: This tower, built in 1896 atop a Bronze Age burial mound, replaced an earlier tower that had fallen over time, due to the elements. The tower was built to give employment to people in the area, rather than serving a practical purpose, and today it serves as a viewing platform where visitors can take in the surrounding countryside. The views are spectacular, as the tower stands on a ridge 1,440 feet above sea level, allowing visitors to see 15 miles or more in every direction. 

   

  

   

• St Ann's Well: Over the centuries, this has been a source of thermal waters, and it was designated as one of the seven ‘Wonders of the Peak’ by Thomas Hobbes in 1678. Believed to have healing properties, it has been revered since Roman times and was dedicated to St Anne by the 1520s. In the 16th century, an act of parliament ruled that a free supply of the water from this spring must be provided to residents of the town, and today that water is bottled and sold as Buxton Mineral Water. St Ann’s Well is one of three wells that are included in the Buxton Well Dressing Festival, and can be found at the bottom of The Slopes, next to the Pump Room and opposite Natural Baths and The Crescent. 

   

  

   

• Grin Low Woods: This forest was planted in the early 19th century, to block the sight of the quarrying and burning of limestone on the hillside. The Duke of Devonshire wished to present a more attractive landscape to the gentry visiting the Crescent to take the waters, and this was a way to hide the quarries, lime kilns, and ash spoil heaps. Today, the plantation at Grin Low has 40 hectares of mature woodland that houses plentiful woodland flora and fauna. As you walk the trails through Grin Low Woods, make sure to look for the interesting wooden sculptures that line the trails. 

   

  

   

• The Green Man Gallery: A vibrant, independent, artist-led gallery and arts centre, the Green Man features ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary art and craft by Resident Artists and guests from all over the region. It is also a popular venue for workshops, classes, live performances, and other arts events. This not-for-profit business also has spaces for hire and serves as a resource and source of support for a wide creative community. 

   

  

   

• Buxton Raceway: If you are a motorsports enthusiast, do not miss this raceway, juxtaposed against a backdrop of picturesque countryside. Offering an adrenaline-fueled experience, the venue plays host to a variety of racing events throughout the year. There is something for everyone who loves automotive events, as the races feature different classes of cars and a range of competitive formats. 

   

  

   

Where to Stay in Buxton

When you are looking for Buxton accommodation, Together Travel has beautiful properties at the Centre of town. These stunning apartments, in a Grade II listed Georgian building, are perfectly situated to allow you to explore all of the landmarks and attractions in Buxton. It is an extremely walkable location, within walking distance of just about everything you could want to see as you amble the vibrant streets of this beautiful English spa town. Within a short walk of Together Travel’s stylish apartments, you will find the Devonshire Dome, the Cavendish Shopping arcade, the Pavilion Gardens, the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, and the Buxton Opera House. Walk a little further, and you can visit Poole’s Cavern or Solomon’s Temple. Buxton is new on our list of comfortable, luxurious properties, and Together Travel is excited to offer this space for you as a base for your unforgettable vacation. 

Making Every Trip Unforgettable

When you are ready to travel to a gorgeous destination that is just around the corner, Together Travel Co. is here to bring your holiday dreams to life. Why cope with stressful airport queues, when you can load up your car and be at an amazing holiday spot in the UK before you know it? Whether you prefer one of our luxurious apartments in Buxton or you and your family are interested in visiting another locale, we have a wealth of comfortable, stylish accommodations in the UK for you to enjoy. Find out how we can make your holiday amazing by contacting our expert concierge team at +44(0)1625 416430 or emailing us for more information.