Buxton’s heyday as a Georgian spa town has a large number of impressive buildings, including the Grand Crescent (not as big as the one at Bath, but similar in style). The attraction of warm springs which emerge at a constant 28 degrees is undoubtedly a factor in Buxton’s history. Visitors still come to ‘take the waters’ – either drinking or bathing in it for the good of their health and to socialise. The Opera House (designed by Frank Matcham in the early 1900s) and the Pavilion Gardens play host to the highly acclaimed Buxton Festival throughout July. The town, with its high street shops, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants serves the surrounding
Peak District and makes a good base for exploring the area.