Our guide to the top things to do in Buxton

Come and stay in wonderful Buxton, there's so many things to see and do here. Did you know that Buxton in the Peak District is the highest market town in England? Sitting 300 metres above sea level, this charming spa town has been attracting visitors since Roman times. Initially attractive because of the healing qualities of its thermal springs, nowadays Buxton allures visitors with its beautiful town gardens, the iconic opera house and theatre, and the wealth of independent shops and eateries throughout the town. 

Serving as a hub for the wider area, Buxton is a very pretty backdrop for those of you that are planning a trip to the Peak District National Park and all the amazing places it offers. The town is also very dog friendly with Pavilion Gardens at its centre and a high proportion of pubs and cafes that welcome pets in town. There are also things to do in Buxton that include sports options for visitors such as Cavendish Golf Club and Buxton Cricket Club.

Many come to Buxton's attractions in Derbyshire to enjoy the lively atmosphere, amazing architecture, beautiful historic buildings and, of course, the culture, shopping and eating out. There are also quite a few free things to do in Buxton too. We’ve compiled a guide to making the most out of your visit, with everything from outdoor activities to the best spots for lunch. If you want to stay in Buxton, make sure you check out our great collection by clicking on the button below.

Skip to:

• Walks and outdoor activities
• History and culture
• Where to eat 
• Retail therapy
• Getting around

Walks and outdoor activities

When visiting a new place, it is likely you will want a nice balance of adventure time and chill time, so here is a guide to the best things to do in Buxton which you can fit into a morning or afternoon, so you still have plenty of time to relax around your cottage too.

Poole’s Cavern and Country Park

Poole's Cavern & Country Park is one of Buxton’s hidden wonders and one the locals are incredibly proud of – after all, it is around two million years old. This is an old natural limestone cave set just on the edge of Buxton and you can experience it for yourself by going underground with an expert guide to view the vast limestone caverns and crystal stalactites. Visiting the area's show caverns and caves is one of the best things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire in our opinion.

This is an educational, fun and stimulating experience where you can learn about the different points in history in which the cave was utilised. From the Stone Age cave dwellers to the medieval cave robbers, this limestone has seen it all!

Serpentine Walks

If you are looking for a walk in the town itself, then seek out the Serpentine Walk which is located in an extension of the Pavilion Gardens. Crossing Burlington Road, the path follows the River Wye and snakes back around again to rejoin the larger expanse of the public park. 

It takes you through the park along the river's edge, making it a lovely spot for a gentle stroll with the opportunity to enjoy the nature and wildlife that surrounds you. It is a nice way to take in the picturesque setting of Buxton town itself. 

Axe Edge Moor walk

This is a major moorland west of Buxton which is the source of the River Dove, River Manifold, River Dan, River Wye and River Goyt. There is a lovely walk that starts from the Derbyshire Bridge car park which takes you on a journey through the wild moorland of Axe Edge. 

You will visit Three Shires Head where the counties of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire meet! Overall, the walk is easy and is around 7 miles, finishing back at Derbyshire Bridge. Rest and relax with a beer and slap-up meal at the Cat & Fiddle pub which lies en route towards the end. Read our guide to the Peak District's most inspiring views for more ideas of places to visit beyond Buxton.

Naze View Farm Alpaca Experience

A different kind of walking experience! If you head to Naze View Farm just 8 miles from Buxton, you will come across six adorable and friendly alpacas at the Naze View Farm alpaca experience. They are keen to spend some quality time with you. Here you can meet the alpacas in their field before putting their halters on. You get the chance to learn their names, pet them and take some memorable snapshots.

From here, you will be able to take them on a gentle stroll around the fields and farm. After your alpaca fun, you are invited to enjoy some tea/coffee and homemade cake in the farmhouse. For more ideas on where to go walking in the Peak District, check out our guide to 10 fantastic walks in Derbyshire.

Northfield Farm Riding and Trekking Centre

For anybody over 8 years old, this horse riding school at Northfield Farm is a wonderful idea for those who want to see the wild wonders of the Peak District in style. Based in the UK's highest village, Flash (5 miles from Buxton), the quality of horseback views is undisputed. Established in 1976, a riding and trekking experience is unmissable; the owners offer a range of treks for riders of all abilities. 

Treks can be anything from 1 hour to 2 full days, taking in natural wonders such as the Three Shires Head, Booth Top, and Roach End. For even more outdoor activities read our Peak District guide.

Explore Buxton's history and culture

Most people who visit the Peak District are those who like to get out and about in nature, immersing themselves in the impressive landscape and enjoying time out in the fresh air. Many come to climb the mountains or speed down them on a bike, and many come for leisurely strolls down different woodland paths and walkways to get that much-needed time out. And Buxton is a brilliant place to do just that. Here are some lovely historic walks in and around Buxton.

The Pavilion Gardens and Tropical Greenhouse

Quite often a well-thought-out town will have a central garden that brings a bit of the countryside where people can enjoy nature, wildlife, and greenery on their doorstep. The Pavilion Gardens are enjoyed by over 500,000 people every year who enjoy a combination of walks, lakes and play areas, and have been restored back to their original Victorian style for visitors and locals to experience. Take the kids here to stretch their legs, feed the ducks and enjoy a ride on the park's miniature railway.

For a small fee, you also enter the tropical greenhouse which overlooks the park and is attached to Buxton Opera House. It's a great place to hide from inclement weather as you warm up and follow the many winding trails past exotic trees, flowers and plants. There is also a cafe in the complex too. For other great family-friendly places to visit in the Peak District, read our guide.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

If you are new to an area and want to find out about its history and heritage, the best way to do this is to visit a museum where historic artefacts are kept along with heaps of information and local knowledge. ‘Wonders of the Peak’ is the main, permanent exhibition at the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, and this boasts over 1,200 objects on display covering around 360 million years of history. From geology to archaeology, there is plenty to see and learn about here. 

Keep an eye out for the pre-historic tools, Roman jewellery and Saxon silver and discover what generations of Peak District people have left behind. Marvel over Ice Age animal parts including a cave lion’s hind leg. You can enjoy browsing the gift shop which sells minerals, fossils, and bespoke gifts. If you love visiting historic places, read our guide to castles and stately homes in the Peak District for ideas.

Buxton Crescent Wellness Spa

Over the decades, Buxton has slowly been restored so as to make the thermal springs the town's centrepiece of tourism once again. Buxton Cresent Wellness Spa at the Old Hall Hotel is the jewel of the project. The famous Buxton hot springs and thermal water rises from the earth at a constant 28 degrees centigrade; unique spa treatments have returned to the town after decades of obscurity. 

Pampering treatments include mineral-packed mud, healthy lifestyle programmes, and a good choice of relaxation and leisure facilities including an indoor/outdoor pool with a sauna, steam and ice rooms, and a beauty salon. This hotel is one of the very best places for a spa break in Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park.

Buxton Opera House and Cinema

Buxton's famous Opera House is located next to the Pavilion Gardens and is an eye-catching building with its giant cupola. First opened in 1903, and designed by Frank Matcham who designed the London Palladium and the Coliseum, the building's exterior is a must-see. 

One of the north's most identifiable buildings, it's a great place to see an opera or some theatre. It is home to a few annual performing arts festivals as well - to round out the programme, the Opera House also doubles as an art house cinema, so you're never short of an interesting evening or afternoon's entertainment. The Opera House is attached to the Pavilion Arts Centre, which opened in 2010 and has helped to expand its programme of events dramatically. This is a good start to seeing what Buxton's nightlife is like, although the town does have lots of pubs and a few clubs to while away the small hours should the mood take you.

Solomon’s Temple

This is a Victorian fortified hill marker, Solomon's Temple, which sits on the summit of Grin Low Hill near Buxton and can be easily reached by foot, making this a nice trip out. It will take you about 40 minutes from Buxton Station. The views from the top are impressive, overlooking Buxton and stretching to the far surrounding countryside. At this point you are 439 metres above sea level and on a clear day, it is possible to see Mam Tor and Kinder Scout – the highest hills in Derbyshire. You can easily tie this visit in after a trip to Poole’s Cavern as they are located close by.

The two-storey tower structure is 6.1 metres tall and was built in 1896 replacing an earlier structure built by Solomon Mycock, a local farmer. The structure stands on top of an ancient Bronze Age burial ground where skeletons were found during its construction. In Victorian times, a brisk walk up to the temple was a popular ritual for some fresh air after taking to the water. A climb to Solomon's Temple from the town is one of the most romantic things to do for couples in Derbyshire. For more ideas on where to go make sure you read our guide to the best places to visit in the Peak District. 

Where to eat in Buxton 

So much of any holiday is about the food and much of our day is planned around the next food stop. Whether you need breakfast, lunch or dinner ideas or are just keen to grab a moment to enjoy hot coffee and homemade cake, there are many places to eat in Buxton. Here are some to start you off…

The Pavilion Cafe

Set in the Pavilion gardens, The Pavillion Café is one of three cafes which can offer up some lovely dishes to suit any size of appetite. Relax with a light bite, a main meal or a coffee and cake, and watch the kids enjoy the soft play area. 

High Peak Bookstore and Cafe

Combine reading, shopping and eating all in one in High Peak Bookstore and Café. With 5,000 square feet of book-buying heaven, this is any bookworm’s dream. It serves local, freshly ground coffee and an excellent range of loose-leaf teas, as well as breakfast items, lunches, light bites, cakes and snacks. 

The Old Sun Inn

The Old Sun Inn has been a favourite with locals and visitors to Buxton for a long time. The second oldest building in Buxton, this 17th-century inn is an old-school pub with the added bonus of being a great place to eat as well as drink. There is a lovely fireplace to keep cosy next to on a winter's evening, and a courtyard for summer drinks in the sun. The menu is full of interesting twists on family favourites like steaks and burgers; there's even a gluten-free menu for kids. So from bar food to pub classics with a dash of nouveau cuisine, The Old Sun Inn is one of the very best in Buxton.

Enjoy some retail therapy in Buxton

There is a wide range of independent and unique shops in Buxton complementing a number of national retailers. Immerse yourself in the classical architecture, charming arcades and pedestrianised streets and suddenly shopping becomes a more relaxing event.

The main shopping street is Spring Gardens, along which you will also find the Springs Shopping Centre which has a variety of stores, ranging from Waitrose to New Look and WH Smith. There is something for everyone in this popular retail destination. Many independent and traditional shops line the High Street and Market Place in Higher Buxton. Find one of the county's best second-hand bookshops, a traditional butcher and a home decor emporium. Definitely worth the trip up the hill!

The Arches is an artisan market which welcomes everyone to come and browse its quintessentially quirky collection of stalls and pop-up shops. This is a nice place to come for the atmosphere and the chance to come across unique wares you won’t find anywhere else.

Getting around in Buxton

Buxton is quite compact and despite being the highest town in the UK, once you are there, the centre of town doesn't present any particularly steep hills. True, there are a number of mild slopes but all the main attractions in this blog are in Buxton's centre or a short walk away (the only exceptions are the Alpacas, Axe Edge Moor and Northfield Farm). There are frequent local buses that service the suburbs and towns further afield like Bakewell. 

Map of places to visit in Buxton

Use our handy map to find the location of the places mentioned in this guide.

Stay in a holiday cottage in Buxton

Have we inspired you to visit Buxton during your next holiday in the Peak District? Although we have mentioned many things to do and see, places to eat and things to try, there is so much more to discover in this magical area. From hiring bicycles to riding horses, there is a huge amount of activities on offer through the Peak District National Park which can all be experienced whilst staying in or around Buxton.

Browse our collection today. We have everything ranging from family-friendly holiday homes and larger houses for big groups, to smaller romantic cottages for two and trendy two-person apartments. Pick a cottage today and plan a Buxton break to look forward to.

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