Buxton

A spa town in the county of Derbyshire, Buxton has the highest elevation of any market town in England, with a host of great attractions to enjoy.

Those who love the natural wonders of the world will be fascinated by Poole’s Cavern, an extensive limestone cavern in which you can descend and view amazing rock formations. Of course, Buxton is famed for its water production and you can participate in this fame with a visit to St. Ann’s Well, which is fed by the geothermal spring, commercially collected and distributed by Buxton Mineral Water company.

For an unusual type of evening entertainment you can enjoy the Buxton Opera House, which plays host to numerous music and theatre events throughout the year. Buxton sits just off the A6, making it an easy place to access with great road links to the nearby towns and cities, as well as having a railway service and a regular bus service.

Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6XN (0845) 127 2190
Having had its origins in the Edwardian era and played host to performers like Anna Pavlova, Buxton Opera House was restored to its former glory in 2001. It is now the centre of community theatre and attracts many famous names, presenting around 450 performances each year.

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery, Buxton House, Terrace Road, Derbyshire SK17 6DA (01629) 533540
Admission is free to this fine museum which houses a varied collection of geological and archaeological objects, fine art and archives.
The museum also holds a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year in its three galleries.

Pools Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9DH (01298) 26978
Described as the ‘First Wonder of the Peak’, Poole’s Cavern has attracted many visitors to its depths, including, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots; who had a feature of the cave named after her following her visit in 1580.
Nowadays, visitors can explore the caverns in the company of a guide, as well as visit the country park woodlands under which the cavern sits.

The Pavilion Gardens, St. John’s Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6BE (01298) 23114
Donated in the mid-19th Century by the Duke of Devonshire, the Pavilion Gardens are laid out in 23 acres and are visited by over 500,000 people every year.

Housed on the site is a miniature railway which operates throughout the year, as well as the Pavilion Arts Centre which contains a 93-seat studio theatre and 360-seat auditorium.