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BUXTON - the cultural capital of the Peak!
Former Spa resort town built by the Romans, Buxton is the northern equivalent of of Bath, complete with Crescent (shortly to be re-developed into a prestigious spa and hotel) and, of course, the Opera House. Let's Stay PEAK DISTRICT explores this famous Derbyshire town, currently in the grip of major revival ...

GETTING TO BUXTON
From the M1
Take junction 28, then A38 towards Derby. At roundabout join A61 towards Chesterfield, then turn left on to A615 to Matlock. In town centre join A6 towards Bakewell and continue on A6 to Buxton.
From Derby
Take A52 towards Ashbourne, at roundabout take second exit to Ashbourne town centre, then join A515 (one way system) and continue on this road via Tissington, Newhaven and Harpur Hill, into Buxton.
From Manchester
Take the A6 Buxton Road through Chapel en le Frith, at roundabout take second exit and continue on A6 to roundabout in centre of Buxton.
From Stoke-on-Trent
Head north on the A53 towards Leek, continue on A53 to Buxton.

By Bus
Numerous bus services pass through the town including Trans-Peak from Derby or Manchester; X18 or 240 from Sheffield or 170 from Chesterfield.
By Coach
The National Express 440 service between Manchester and London stops at Buxton Market Place.
By Rail
There are regular inter-city trains from London Euston to Manchester, Stockport and Macclesfield with connecting services to Buxton.
Airport
The nearest airport is Manchester (direct train links), others in the area include Robin Hood Doncaster, Birmingham or Nottingham East Midlands.

BRIEF HISTORY OF BUXTON
Water is at the very heart of Buxton’s existence – literally, as well as figuratively. The town that today is synonymous with bottled mineral water grew up around a cluster of thermal springs. They were first harnessed by the Romans, who named the town Aquae Arnemetiae, and by the Middle Ages were well established.

Mary Queen of Scots came to take advantage of the water’s healing properties, under the supervision of her gaoler, the Earl of Shrewsbury. She stayed five times at what is now the Old Hall Hotel and the principal bedroom is still named after her.

Buxton’s heyday came in Georgian times when the fashion for ‘taking the waters’ brought wealthy visitors flocking to the town and it was developed as an exclusive spa resort, second only to Bath.

That claim to fame is about to be restored with the imminent redevelopment of the Crescent as a prestigious spa and hotel – but this is only one aspect of the revival which is currently gripping the town.

In the last few years millions of pounds have been poured into Buxton. The Octagon centre and Pavilion Gardens, originally designed by Paxton’s pupil Edward Milner, have been completely revamped and are now blooming once again.

Frank Matcham’s magnificent Opera House too has undergone major refurbishment. And most recently, the Devonshire Dome – originally built as a stables for guests visiting the Crescent and later covered by one of the world’s largest unsupported domes, to become a hospital – has been given a new lease of life as a community facility and campus of the University of Derby.

Wandering around Buxton is a journey of discovery. At every turn there is some awe-inspiring sight – in addition to the architectural delights, keep an eye out for the ancient market cross, Solomon’s Temple (a hilltop folly offering spectacular views) and natural wonders such as St Ann’s Well, where Buxton spring water is freely available, and Poole’s Cavern with its surrounding country park.


GEOGRAPHY OF BUXTON
Buxton lies at the heart of the Peak District, but is excluded from the protection and restrictions of the National Park. At around 300 metres above sea level, it is the highest town in England yet famous for its thermal springs.

The surrounding area is important for agriculture, but because of the climate and soil quality is primarily used for sheep and cattle farming.

The River Wye flows through the centre of Buxton, flanked by parks, gardens and The Slopes, which combine to create a green space within the urban area. A large number of trees are protected by preservation orders.


ATTRACTIONS IN BUXTON

OPERA HOUSE
Designed by leading Edwardian theatre architect Frank Matchem and lovingly restored in 2001, the Opera House presents around 450 performances each year, including dance, comedy, drama and music, as well as opera.
Contact details
Buxton Opera House
Water Street
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6XN
Box Office: 0845 127 2190
Email: admin@boh.org.uk
Website: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

BUXTON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Located in an imposing building in Terrace Road, the museum houses a number of permanent collections including a comprehensive display of Derbyshire police memorabilia. Temporary exhibitions include a changing programme of work by local artists, including regular workshops. There are also educational opportunities and a museum shop.
Contact details
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Terrace Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6DA
Tel: 01298 24658
Fax: 01298 79394
Email: buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk
Website: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/buxton_museum/


PAVILION GARDENS
23 acres of beautifully restored and landscaped gardens, including lakes, flowers, trees, bandstand, adventure playground and miniature railway.
Website: www.paviliongardens.co.uk

OCTAGON
Set within the Pavilion Gardens, this historic venue offers a year-round programme of fairs and events, ranging from antiques, toys and book fairs to events for artists and designers, gardeners, vintage car enthusiasts, farmers markets and regional food fairs.

DEVONSHIRE DOME
Now home to the University of Derby’s Devonshire campus, the striking circular building was originally built by John Carr of York. Visitors are welcome to call in for coffee or dinner, to take advantage of hair and beauty salons, or indulge in a spa treatment – all run by students.
Website: www.derby.ac.uk/buxton

POOLE'S CAVERN & COUNTRY PARK
Beautiful woodland surrounding a natural limestone cave which features stunning stalactites and stalagmite formations. The cavern extends more than 300 metres into the hillside. An adjoining visitor centre tells of its Bronze Age cave dwellers, Roman metalworkers and other fascinating details.
Website: www.poolescavern.co.uk

GO APE!!
New for 2007 is this high-wire adventure course set in the tree-tops of woodland adjoining Poole’s Cavern.
Go Ape!

THE CRESCENT
Built by the Duke of Devonshire in 1784 and designed by John Carr to rival the famous Royal Crescent at Bath. The building is still a remarkable sight, though currently undergoing renovation.

PUMP ROOM
Opposite the Crescent, this building was by Henry Currey in 1884 and the well can still be seen. Until renovation begins, it houses a display by local artists and crafts people.

ST ANNE'S WELL
At the base of The Slopes, opposite the Crescent, this fountain runs constantly with Buxton spring water at 28 degrees Celcius. Go armed with an empty bottle!

SOLOMON'S TEMPLE
Dominating the skyline towards the south of the town, this folly, built around 1890, marks the site of a Bronze Age barrow. The uphill trek is well worth the effort for the view from the platform at the top of its winding stone staircase.


EVENTS IN BUXTON
Buxton is undoubtedly the cultural capital of the Peak…

Buxton Festival
World famous arts festival, with associated literary festival and the largest fringe programme in England (second only to Edinburgh in Britain). It takes over the entire town each July. Featuring hundreds of performances from comedy and drama to music and film.

Buxton Puppet Festival Usually follows Buxton Festival, featuring British and international artists, with performances and workshops for all ages at the Opera House and surrounding venues.

International G&S Festival Britain’s largest Gilbert & Sullivan festival, which comes to the Opera House at the beginning of August, featuring major international companies.
Buxton Wells Dressing: a Derbyshire tradition that dates back to 1840 in Buxton. Coinciding with Buxton Festival, it begins with dressing of the town’s wells and is followed with a week-long programme of events.

Buxton Carnival
Well dressing week ends in mid-July with the town’s annual gala. This starts with a procession of floats and bands through the main streets and culminates with a fete in the Recreation Ground.

Four Four Time Festival
Live music featuring the best of rock, pop, blues and jazz music. Based at the Pavilion Gardens in February.


ACTIVITIES IN BUXTON
Although not strictly inside the Peak District National Park, Buxton is at the very heart of the conservation area and makes the perfect base from which to explore it.
Skating
Cote Heath Skate Park is the perfect centre for skating or skate-boarding. This free facility is open to all, but take your own skates.

Golf
- Peak Practice Golf at Fairfield Common features a 340yd floodlit driving range suitable for all ages and abilities.

- Buxton & High Peak Golf Club, founded in 1887, is the oldest club in Derbyshire. The well drained, par 69 course is one of the most consistently playable courses in the area. (Town End: 01298 26263)

- Cavendish Golf Club, commissioned in 1823 by the Duke of Devonshire, occupies an undulating and partly-wooded site with several marvellous holes and wonderful scenery (Gadley Lane: 01298 79708).

Walking
Nestling in a hollow on the slopes of the Pennines, Buxton is a perfect centre for walkers. There are plenty of walks to choose from, with flat, well-surfaced paths – like Broad Walk in the Pavilion Gardens, or the riverside Serpentine Walk – and a variety of more challenging terrain in the surrounding area, from rolling moorland and dales to the steep climb of nearby hills like Grin Low.

Biking
There’s no shortage of country lanes in the area, but be warned – the area is hilly. The best family cycling routes follow the site of former railway lines, like the Tissington and High Peak Trails, both offering traffic-free routes just a few miles south of the town. Cycle hire available at Parsley Hay, off the A515, at the junction of the two trails, tel: 01298 84493.

Climbing
The gritstone edges and limestone cliffs of the Peak District make it a honeypot for rock climbers of all abilities, offering everything from beginners’ routes to E10 classics.

Equestrian
The local riding centre is Buxton Riding School at Fern Farm, offering lessons, liveries, treks and riding holidays. Details: 01298 72319


WINING & DINING IN BUXTON
Buxton is not exactly the centre of the foodies’ universe, but there is plenty on offer for those prepared to seek it out...
Gourmets will be thrilled to discover Columbine (Hall Bank), a cosy classic restaurant and the only one in the town so far to merit a place in the Good Food Guide.

Right next door is Beltane, a trendy new café-bar that offers decent food (they have a French chef) and drink in a lively atmosphere.

Other favourites include Project X (George Street), another contemporary café-bar that boasts decent food, big squashy sofas and live music, and Nathaniel’s (Market Street), a family-run café-bar that shares its premises with Back to Front antiques.

Traditionalists will appreciate the historic setting of the Old Hall Hotel, bordering The Crescent, which has a popular wine bar as well as a restaurant. The Lee Wood Hotel (The Park) has a very good restaurant and brasserie in its bright, airy conservatory.

For the multi-cultural experience, there’s a choice of the usual Indian, Chinese (Kwei Lin in Lower Hardwick Street is recommended) and Italian (including Firenze in Eagle Parade and La Terrazza in the Cavendish Arcade), plus Spanish (Flaminco tapas bar in Concert Place), Thai (the highly-regarded Simply Thai in Cavendish Circus) and, for those who must, Chippy’s Plaice (Spring Gardens).

There is also a growing number of upper-end chains – including Pizza Express and, most recently, Caffe Nero – as well as any number of tea shops and old-style cafes.

For those in search of alcoholic refreshment, there’s no shortage of pubs and bars, with a choice of more than 20 around the town centre, many of them Grade 2 listed.


SHOPPING IN BUXTON
Buxton is a town of two halves: Higher Buxton, the old town centre, focused around the Market Place, and the more affluent modern centre at the bottom of the hill.

Higher Buxton has a fairly typical high street with one or two real gems – notably the Colin Cross’s Violin Shop and Scrivener’s second-hand bookshop, a treasure house featuring five floors of old books, a museum, a café and a restoration service.

Alexander’s interior design centre is at one end of the road, while near the Town Hall is Jo Royle outdoor specialists. Hidden in the backstreets is card-maker’s paradise RU Crafty2, a couple of good toyshops and Arnametia’s purple shop, selling everything from goddess clothing to crystal balls.

Cavendish Arcade
Down the hill near The Crescent is the Cavendish Arcade, an exclusive mall created in the old thermal baths. With its vaulted stained-glass roof, distinctive Minton tiles and array of designer shops, it makes a unique shopping experience.

Round the corner in George Street is the Old Court House, another collection of individual outlets, including everything from toys and clothing to homeware and therapy centres.

But the principal shopping street is Spring Gardens, where you can find long-established family businesses juxtaposed with a range of major chain stores, including Waitrose and M&S.


NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & TOWNS
As the largest town in the area, Buxton is well placed as a base for numerous beauty spots and tourist attractions including:
- Tissington Hall and Gardens
- Chestnut Centre for otters
- Chatsworth House and Farm Shop
Haddon Hall
- The plague village of Eyam
- Peveril Castle at nearby Castleton


TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Information Centre:
The Crescent - (01298) 25106
Visit Buxton website

Parking:
On-street parking is at a premium, particularly while regeneration work is ongoing, but some is available – expect to pay around 70p per hour. Public car parks are provided in the Market Place and by the Town Hall at Higher Buxton, at the Pavilion Gardens, at Poole’s Cavern, or off Bridge Street.

Public toilets:
- Sylvan car park
- Market Place
- Buxton Cemetery
- Pavilion Gardens car park

Churches:
- Trinity Church, Hardwick Mount
- Parish church of St John the Baptist, St John's Road
- St Anne's Church, Bath Road
- St Mary's Church, Dale Road
- St Anne's R.C. Church, Terrace Road
- Methodist Church, Market Place
- Baptist Church, Cemetery Gate, Ashbourne Road
- Pentocostal Church, London Road
- First Church of Christ Scientist, Holker Road
- Spiritualist Church, Holker Road
- Church of God, Hardwick Square South
- Jehovah's Witnesses, Darwin Avenue
- United Reform Church, Hardwick Square East

Taxi:
- Taxi rank in The Quadrant
- Allied Taxis: 01298 72123
- Holmes: 01298 22968
- Premier Cars: 01298 77767
- Sapphire Taxis: 01298 23793
- JAM: 01298 72333
- Crescent Cars: 01298 73515
- Buxton Radio Taxis: 01298 23457
- Swan Taxis: 01298 70423
- County Cars: 01298 22866

Doctor:
- Buxton Medical Practice: 2 Temple Road Tel: 01298 23298
- Elmwood Medical Centre: 7 Burlington Road Tel: 01298 23019
- Stewart Medical Centre: 15 Hartington Road Tel: 01298 22338


MORE BUXTON CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOMED
- writers, bloggers & more made very welcome!
Do you have an interest in Buxton? Would you like to contribute to this page and gain free publicity for your organisation or business? Would you like to add details of any walks, events or any special items that would be of interest to visitors, holidaymakers and locals? Are you interested in blogging about Buxton? Then please call Mike Cummins on 01629 640640 - and help us continue to make this the best page on the internet about Buxton. Or email if you prefer - info@peakdistrict-nationalpark.com


ACCOMMODATION IN BUXTON
For Buxton holiday accommodation listings including Buxton hotels, Buxton holiday cottages, Buxton b&b & more - please click here
Do you own holiday accommodation (or a tourist related business - restaurant, cafe, pub, shop etc) in Buxton that's not yet listed? Interested in advertising with us? Advertising costs from as little as £49 per year. Please call Let's Stay Peak District on 01629 640640

EXTERNAL LINKS
Links to trusted websites with more useful information about Buxton:
- CRESSBROOK website article on Buxton
- DERBYSHIRE UK - visits Buxton


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