Buxton

  

Buxton is one of most popular tourist destinations in the Peak District famed for its natural spring water and Georgian architecture. The town was founded by the Romans who called it Aquae Arnemetiae. It was the fifth Duke of Devonshire who put Buxton on the map with development in 1780s - the centrepiece being the Georgian Crescent (soon to be a 5* Spa Hotel). The town's rich history features Roman settlers, royal prisoners, outlaws and noble benefactors.

Visitors to Buxton can fill their own bottles from the permanent flow at St Anne's Well in front of the Crescent. Luckily, due to filtration through the limestone, there is no sulphurous smell or nasty taste to the mineral water here, unlike many others in the country.

The town's magnificent architecture also includes The Pavilion Gardens, 23 acres of award winning ornamental gardens including serpentine walkways, children's play areas, lake and a miniature railway. There is a historic Winter Gardens linking the Opera House with the main complex. The building houses a bistro, Art Café, Gallery in the Gardens with a large retail area and the Tourist Information Centre. Frank Matcham's admired Opera House is home to the Buxton Festival, which has developed into one of Britain's largest opera-based festivals, Fringe, and the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.

The University of Derby's Buxton campus is set under the Devonshire Dome which is the largest unsupported dome in the country with a diameter of 174ft and open to visitors. Guided tours, a bistro, fine dining and spa and beauty treatments are available to book.

Buxton has a large selection of independent retailers and well known high street brands: The Old Court House and George Street & Quadrant area is home to a wealth of great places to eat, whilst the Cavendish Arcade features a range of independent boutique shops craft and gift emporiums. Spring Gardens Shopping Centre offers well know high street names, whilst the main street is home to a range of town's well known names as well as hiking and outdoor stores. Higher Buxton has a village feel with independent shops and services

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Prices

Free entry

Open all the time

Nearby

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