Buxton Attractions
Buxton (pop. 20,000), situated at a height of 1,000ft/306m, is a good center from which to explore the Peak District. The radioactive springs here were known in Roman times (first century B.C.), and since then many illustrious visitors have come to Buxton, including Mary Queen of Scots. In Higher Buxton, the oldest part of the town, are the Town Hall (1899; Market Place) and the museum (Terrace Road), in which prehistoric and Roman finds are displayed and the development of the town as a spa and resort is documented.
During July there is an opera festival that began in 1989 and runs for two weeks featuring rare operas and Handel productions.
During July there is an opera festival that began in 1989 and runs for two weeks featuring rare operas and Handel productions.
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Pavilion Gardens
The Pavilion Gardens, along with the Victorian conservatory, offer a lovely display of plants. The gondola lake, also one of the highlights, is fed by the River Wye.
Arbor Low
It is worth making a trip to Arbor Low (9mi/14km southeast of Buxton), a Neolithic stone circle with 50 stones (1,200ft/366m).
Buxton Country Park - Poole's Cavern
Just 20 minutes away on foot from Grin Low Woods is Poole's Cavern with its impressive dripstone formations.
Poole's Cavern is a 2 million year old, natural limestone cave. There is evidence that the caves have received visitors as far back as 5,000 years ago.
All values are in local currency
Poole's Cavern is a 2 million year old, natural limestone cave. There is evidence that the caves have received visitors as far back as 5,000 years ago.
Hours
March 1 to November 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
| Family | 20.00 |
| Adult | 7.00 |
| Concession or reduced rate | 5.50 |
| Child | 4.00 |
| Child 4 & under | FREE |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Chestnut Centre Conservation Park
The Chestnut Centre Conservation Park is located near Buxton in Chapel-en-le-Frith. The center grew out of the interests of its proprietors in the endangered otter and barn-owl. Today you will find Europe's largest collection of multi-specied otters and owls here, including Britain's only pair of giant otters.
Chestnut Centre Conservation Park
Chapel-en-le-Frith SK12 6PE
England
Chapel-en-le-Frith SK12 6PE
England
Hours
March 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
October 1 to February 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | Sunset | Sunset |
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Devonshire Royal Hospital
The Devonshire Royal Hospital (1859), originally built as a riding school, has a dome 154ft/50m in diameter; it is now a major center for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Grin Low Woods
In Grin Low Woods Solomon's Temple (1,440ft/439m) offers a panoramic view. The tower was erected in 1896, in memory of Solomon Myrock, on a prehistoric burial mound.
Micrarium
At the Buxton Micrarium visitors can study nature up-close since almost all displays involve looking through microscopes.
Micrarium
Unit H, Ringstones Ind Est Bridgemont Whaley Bridge
Buxton SK23 7PD
England
Unit H, Ringstones Ind Est Bridgemont Whaley Bridge
Buxton SK23 7PD
England
The Crescent
Interesting for its architecture is the Crescent, which is situated a short distance away from the Pavilion Gardens. This crescent-shaped street, 316ft/96m long, was built in 1780-88 out of local sandstone and was designed by John Carr of York, who modeled it on the Royal Crescent in Bath.
Well-Dressing Festival and Carnival
Buxton, like other places in the Peak District, is noted for the custom of "well-dressing", said to have originated in the nearby village of Tissington. The custom, which may well go back to pagan times, involves setting up a sacred image by a spring. The image is made of wood covered with clay and then coated with a mosaic of flower-petals.
The wells in Buxton are usually "dressed" in mid-July. A carnival is also held to celebrate the annual custom.
The wells in Buxton are usually "dressed" in mid-July. A carnival is also held to celebrate the annual custom.
