Summary of Attractions in Buxton
Amid the timeless allure of the Peak District, Buxton stands as the highest market town in England, positioned at 300 meters above sea level.
For centuries, visitors have flocked to Buxton to partake in its renowned spring water, a tradition that experienced a significant boost in the 18th century under the leadership of the 5th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish. His ambitious vision included the establishment of a spa resort.
Among his contributions were the construction of Buxton Crescent, an elegant row of townhouses, and the Devonshire Dome, which remains the largest free-standing dome in the UK. The romantic landscapes surrounding Buxton are captivating, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to embark from the town center to traverse the hills, navigating through moorland and ancient woodlands.
Let us delve into the premier attractions in Buxton:
1. Pavilion Gardens
The centerpiece of Buxton is the exquisite 10-hectare park that was inaugurated along the Wye River in 1871, designed by the talented Edward Milner.
The park is adorned with ornamental lakes, vibrant flowerbeds, mature trees, winding paths, and an ornate wrought iron bandstand, all embodying the grandeur of the Victorian era.
Younger visitors can enjoy a ride on the miniature train and explore the play areas, while adults can appreciate the Octagonal Hall (1875) made of metal and glass and Frank Matcham’s elegant Opera House.
Pavilion Gardens regularly earns the prestigious Green Flag award, a benchmark for UK parks, and features a coffee bar as well as an arts and crafts gallery, which will be explored in detail further down.
It is advisable to check the event calendar prior to your visit to Buxton, as your trip may align with one of the arts and crafts, jewelry, and antiques fairs held in Pavilion Gardens during the summer months.
2. Poole’s Cavern
This limestone cavern, located a short distance from the heart of Buxton, dates back two million years and has evidence of habitation by people during the Bronze Age and Roman times.
The cave has been a tourist attraction for nearly 350 years, with historical accounts suggesting it was visited by Mary Queen of Scots.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visitors will traverse through 300 meters of chambers, marveling at unique formations such as the Mary Queen of Scots Pillar and the Poached Egg Stalagmites, which exhibit distinctive yellowish pigmentation on their tips.
The cave operates throughout the year and is situated within Buxton Country Park, where guests can explore woodland trails and ascend the 437-meter Grin Low hill.
3. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Housed within the historic Peak Hydropathic Hotel (1880), the Buxton Museum and Gallery showcases exhibitions in archaeology, history, and geology, each sourced from the town and the surrounding Peak District.
The “Wonders of the Peak” exhibition provides a timeline extending from the Big Bang to the Victorian era.
Visitors can learn about the geological formation of the area and observe fossils of Pliocene mammals that once roamed the Peak District, including scimitar-toothed cats and cave lions.
The Boyd Dawkins Study recreates the working environment of the esteemed archaeologist and geologist Sir William Boyd Dawkins, who discovered many of the fossils showcased in the museum and whose personal archives and library were gifted to the town posthumously.
The museum’s art collection features various paintings, prints, and watercolors by renowned artists such as Marc Chagall, Frank Brangwyn, and Edgar Chahine.
4. Chatsworth House
This grand estate belongs to the Cavendish family, who played a pivotal role in establishing Buxton as a spa destination, situated 15 miles east in Bakewell.
Visiting Chatsworth House is a must, especially since the approach takes you through the picturesque hills, woodlands, and moorlands of the National Park.
Upon arrival, you will be captivated by one of the UK’s most opulent estates, adorned with art collections featuring works by Rembrandt, Veronese, and Joshua Reynolds, along with Roman and Ancient Egyptian sculptures.
The house underwent significant construction in the 17th and 19th centuries, inviting exploration of over 30 rooms including the magnificent Painted Hall, State Rooms, Sketch Galleries (which house drawings by Old Masters), and the Sculpture Gallery.
The expansive 105-acre garden embodies 500 years of horticultural expertise, retaining many historic features such as the Cascade, 1st Duke’s Greenhouse, and cascading water features.
5. Opera House
Designed by Frank Matcham, Britain’s foremost theatre architect at the turn of the 20th century, Buxton’s Opera House features 902 seats and opened in Pavilion Gardens in 1903. After serving for 25 years as a venue for touring opera and theatre companies, it transitioned to a cinema, before being restored and reopening in the 1970s as a space for live performances.
The building is a marvel, both externally and internally, showcasing a facade embellished with a pair of Neo-Baroque domes, cherubim, gold leaf, and exuberant plasterwork, in addition to its ornate frescoes within the auditorium.
The Opera House schedules a variety of performances including opera, classical music, choral concerts, stand-up comedy, film screenings, and touring tribute acts, while also organizing events at the Pavilion Arts Centre and other locations around Buxton.
6. Devonshire Dome
A pivotal part of William Cavendish’s ambitious vision for Buxton, the Devonshire Dome holds the title of the largest unsupported dome in the UK. Constructed in the 1780s on an octagonal base, it was originally intended to accommodate horses and staff for the guests of the Buxton Crescent, another significant project of Cavendish.
The Devonshire Dome underwent restoration in the early 2000s and now belongs to the University of Derby’s Devonshire Campus.
Visitors are encouraged to enter and admire the dome, which, at 44.2 meters, surpasses both the Pantheon and St Paul’s Cathedral in height.
Inside, you will find a commercial spa, cafe, and restaurant, along with the dome serving as a splendid venue for fairs and events year-round.
7. Goyt Valley
To the northwest of Buxton lies the Goyt Valley, an area of stunning natural beauty at the source of the River Goyt.
The landscape features a blend of forests, moorland, and farmlands, interconnected by an extensive network of walking paths and bridleways.
Some parts of the valley boast gentle terrains, while others present more demanding characteristics, with steep slopes and deep gorges.
The valley hosts two significant reservoirs, Fernilee (1937) and Errwood (1968), where visitors can either hike along the wooded perimeters for a leisurely stroll or tackle the more challenging slopes that descend to the water’s edge.
There are 18 designated walking routes in the valley, each offering distinct attractions, ranging from a historic packhorse bridge to the ruins of Errwood Hall and remnants of the abandoned Cromford and High Peak Railway.
8. Solomon’s Temple
A visit to Poole’s Cavern can be complemented by a scenic walk through the woodlands and past grazing cattle to this Victorian folly, situated at an elevation of 440 meters above sea level.
Solomon’s Temple was inaugurated in 1896, taking the place of an earlier tower from the same century.
This previous structure was erected by Solomon Mycock, the proprietor of the Cheshire Cheese Hotel, which is how the name originated.
The site is significant due to the presence of a Bronze Age burial mound. Although reaching the temple requires a strenuous climb from the cavern, it is essential for the panoramic views of Buxton and the surrounding Peak District, accessible via its spiral staircase.
9. Buxton Crescent
Inspired by the Royal Crescent in Bath, the notable Buxton Crescent was completed in 1789, following just over ten years thereafter. Commissioned by William Cavendish, this project aimed to transform Buxton into a fashionable Georgian spa destination.
This crescent-shaped row of townhouses, accompanied by an arcade, included a hotel and an opulent assembly room.
It faces the Slopes to the southeast, where visitors will find St Ann’s Well, which will be discussed further below.
Situated directly across is the Pump Room, also under the management of Buxton Council.
When this article was composed in 2018, both buildings were undergoing extensive renovations, projected to conclude in 2019, at which point Buxton Crescent will reopen as a singular hotel.
10. Axe Edge Moor
While in Buxton, you may wish to venture out and experience as much of the Peak District as possible.
For another excursion, Axe Edge Moor is located at the confluence of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire.
The three counties intersect at Three Shires Head on the River Dane, where one can discover an 18th-century packhorse bridge.
If you are brave enough to endure the brisk waters, several natural pools are available for swimming in this area.
Axe Edge Moor is located a mile or two southwest of Buxton, with elevations exceeding 550 meters.
Plan your visit for a clear day, as the breathtaking vistas from the elevated trails across the moor are extraordinary.
There is no better place to pause than at England’s second-highest pub, the Cat and Fiddle Inn.
11. St Ann’s Well
Located directly across from the Crescent, St Ann’s Well is where visitors can sample Buxton’s renowned mineral water—remember to bring a bottle.
The spring water emerges at a temperature of 28°C, just slightly above room temperature and possesses a smooth taste with a hint of carbonation, distinguishing it from many natural springs.
Flowing from a mile beneath the earth’s surface, this spring also absorbs some negligible radiation.
A shrine to St Anne has existed here since the Middle Ages.
At one point, it was housed within a chapel, which was dismantled during the reign of Henry VIII. Historically, Mary Queen of Scots is documented to have consumed the waters while imprisoned at Chatsworth House during the 16th century.
12. Gallery in the Gardens
While enjoying your time in the Pavilion Gardens, consider visiting this gallery located in the main building adjacent to the tourist information desk.
The Gallery in the Gardens serves as a showcase for the artistic works of over 40 local artists and craftspeople.
The pieces for sale encompass textiles, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, embroidery, glass art, linocuts, etchings, wood carvings, and prints.
Regardless of when you visit, one of the artists featured at the gallery will be present and will gladly share insights regarding their artistic process.
13. Go Ape Buxton
An exhilarating day out awaits individuals aged 10 and older at Go Ape Buxton, a high ropes course nestled within the dense woodlands of Buxton Country Park.
Situated in the Peak District at an elevation of over 360 meters above sea level, the course features an extensive 733 meters of zip lines, Tarzan swings, and unstable bridges that may take up to three hours to complete.
The highest platform in this course reaches over 11 meters above the forest floor, while the lengthiest crossing between tree platforms spans 19 meters, so be cautious of looking down! It is advisable to bring climbing gloves for maximum comfort during your experience.
14. Archie’s Farm
Situated within the rural Peak District landscape on the southeastern outskirts of Buxton, Archie’s Farm is an engaging attraction for children, offering opportunities to interact with various friendly domestic animals.
This farm operates during school holidays and is home to goats, alpacas, donkeys, tortoises, ducks, chickens, pigs, sheep, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
It features scheduled feeding times for pigs, alpacas, and goats, during which children can learn about the animals, while they can also handle guinea pigs twice daily.
In addition to animal interactions, the farm provides sand diggers and space hoppers for younger children, alongside a grassy picnic area for families to enjoy.
15. Millers Dale
Venturing back into the Peak District National Park, Millers Dale is a picturesque valley located along the River Wye.
The valley is notable for its two railway viaducts; one was constructed in 1866, and its parallel counterpart was erected in 1905. These structures were part of the now-defunct Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Midland Junction Railway, closed in 1968. Visitors can walk across one of these magnificent old structures on the 8.5-mile Monsal Trail, which follows a portion of the former railway line, passing by previous stations and six tunnels.
Millers Dale is also recognized for its geological significance; at the abandoned Station Quarry, the layers of limestone are exposed, revealing bands of shale, with nearby evidence of ancient lava flows.
