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Buxton town guide
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Buxton (photograph courtesy of Derby University)

Location: Buxton
County: Derbyshire
Telephone - please mention Let's Stay Peak District: Buxton Tourist Information Centre (brochures etc) : 01298 25106
Activities:
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Attractions:
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Area Guides:
Buxton


Details: Situated one thousand feet above sea level, and yet surrounded by hills, Buxton has enjoyed a reputation for more than two centuries as 'the Bath of the North'.

A splendid concoction of magnificent architecture, fine hotels, more than twenty acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, excellent modern facilities for shopping and eating out, and the internationally renowned Buxton Opera House, Buxton offers a great deal for visitors of all ages and interests.

The famous waters of Buxton's warm springs are, physically and historically, at the centre of the town's development. The Romans, who called the place Aquae Arnementiae, were the first to take the plunge and through the centuries many thousands of visitors have travelled to the spa town in the hills to sample the supposedly health giving waters. (These days, of course, they are available in most supermarkets!)

Modern visitors will enjoy Buxton. The town is full of character and, with the fine buildings of the Crescent, the Pavilion and the Pavilion Gardens area providing a splendid backdrop, simply wandering in Buxton is a pleasure in itself.

The beautifully landscaped Pavilion Gardens have good facilities for children but are also easily large enough to accommodate those who prefer a quiet spot. They also house the Buxton Pavilion itself , with places to eat and a changing programme of exhibitions, antique fairs and such, and a swimming pool filled with the pale blue Buxton spring water.

In the centre of Buxton, around the magnificent Crescent designed by John Carr to house Buxton's summer visitors in the late 1700s, there is a good range of shops and other attractions, and you will find the Tourist Information Centre, housed in the old Natural Baths, and St Ann's Well - where the warm spring water rises from a mile below ground to be collect free of charge by anyone with a suitable container.

Though not itself within the boundaries of the Peak Park, Buxton is almost entirely surrounded by them and the immediate area presents the keen walker or cyclist with a great range of opportunities from gentle routes in river valleys or around reservoirs to more challenging hiking.

To the west of the town the Goyt Valley area is a convenient and attractive option, with views over the Errwood and Fernilee reservoirs, whilst walking south east along the Mid-Shires Way will bring you close to several limestone villages typical of the area, such as Taddington, Chelmorton, Flagg, Crowdecote and Monyash.

A hard won living has been gained by the inhabitants of these villages since before the Romans came, and evidence of quarrying and early farming can still be made out across the plateau.

Drive or bus east over the limestone plateau, and, before the landscape begins to alter heralding the gritstone moorland beyond, the large village of Tideswell shouldn't be missed.

Its unusually large and splendid parish church, dubbed the 'Cathedral of the Peak', was built during the 14th century and contains beautiful and intricate wood carvings created by a later inhabitant of the village.

To the north of Buxton lies the High Peak - for many people the wild and true heart of the Peak District. Here the Pennine Way begins and a change in the landscape is discernable which can be traced all the way to Hadrian's Wall and beyond.

But be warned! Though the High Peak offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, this is not always the best area for gentle afternoon strolls. Even for experienced walkers with a high level of fitness, proper planning and equipment are required, including suitable footwear, weather gear, maps and even compasses on some routes.

Fortunately expert advice on equipment for those not familiar with the area can be had at Tourist Information Centres and at many of the area's outdoor pursuits outlets. TICs may also be able to give details of walks led by one of the Peak National Park's Rangers - an excellent way to enjoy a safe introduction to the beautiful wilderness of the High Peak.

Though not actually within the boundaries of the Peak National Park, Buxton is extremely well located for exploring the area, and has good road and rail links with nearby Manchester.

Anyone wanting to spend a good deal of their holiday exploring the moorlands of the High Peak should certainly consider Buxton as a base - there are other places giving even quicker access, but none with such a range of types of accommodation or such a broad range of possibilities for entertainment in the evening.

Besides the obvious and considerable attractions of the Opera House there are numerous restaurants and food pubs and, in general, the facilities of a small town rather than those of a village.

Buxton's two museums tell the story of the town from its Roman beginnings and provide a fascinating opportunity to view the world from a microscopic viewpoint at the Buxton Micrarium... both worth a visit at any time and both useful options if the sun fails to shine.

Climb the hill beyond the Crescent to gain the market place and the interesting pubs and shops of a part of the town which is too easily overlooked by many visitors.

Buxton's Opera House is a magnificent reminder of the town's fashionable status during the Victorian period. Lavishly restored it is now one of Britain's most attractive provincial theatres - so after a hard day's sight-seeing, spoil yourself with a night at the Opera!

Facilities:
Banks: Several
Shops: Many
Pubs: Many and lots of cafes/restaurants




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Another Peak District Tourist Guide listing created by Let's Stay Peak District - Tel: 01629 640 640.