Check out our ultimate guide to the top 25 best things to do in Buxton. Whether you’re a local and wondering how to spend the evening, visiting for the day or here for a few days break, you can find theatre, festivals, comedy, films, kids activities, outdoors stuff, walks and hikes, attractions not to miss and a few lesser known gems you really should know about. Enjoy…
1. Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Poole’s Cavern makes for a great day out come rain or shine and there’s a nice woodland nice walk on offer too if you fancy a ramble. In the cave, explore the vast limestone caverns and see how the spectacular crystal stalactites and stalagmites have lined the chambers over millions of years. With LED lighting, the caverns look spectacular along the effectively illuminated walk ways, so don’t forget your camera. A day out at Poole’s Cavern can be enjoyed by everyone and the Cafe @ the Cavern serves a varied, tasty menu. Guided tours need to booked in advance only currently; go to their website where you’ll find everything you need to know and how to book . The walk through Grin Low Country Park opposite the cavern entrance up to Solomon’s Temple offers breathtaking views of Buxton.
More information and online bookings: poolescavern.co.uk
T: 01298. 26978
Entry / Cost: Poole’s Cavern: Adults £14.50 (ages over 16 years), Child £6.80, Family £37.50 (2 Adults, up to 3 Children), Students/Seniors £12 (with valid ID), BCA Members £0 (Must produce card on arrival). All tours must be booked in advance online.
Opening times: Tours take place from 9.30am, last tour commences 4.30pm, 7 days per week.
Bookings: Advance bookings only.
2. Ride a boat on the Boating Lake in the Pavilion Gardens
Having reopened the boating lake in 2019 after more 25 years, you can once again take to the waters in a rowing boat or pedalo in the Pavilion Gardens! Enjoy pretty vistas across to Broadwalk and look out for the striking Mandarin ducks, Moore Hens and Canada geese that reside here. It’s a lovely leisurely activity for a sunny day with family or friends. Boats take up to 4 people.
More information: parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/the-pavilion-gardens
T: 01298 23114
Entry / Cost: Check prices on site
Opening times: Vary – please check their website before travelling. Opening times can be weather dependent.
3. See a show at Buxton Opera House
Frank Matcham designed Buxton Opera House in 902 seat theatre dating back to 1903, displaying both a spectacular exterior and interior. The year-round programme offers drama, comedy, music, family events and opera and the theatre is home to the well known annual Buxton International Festival, as well as many other regular festivals. The programme is diverse with something on offer for all ages and there’s regular workshops for children too.
More information and latest show listings: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
T: 01298 72190
Entry / Cost: Check online for show ticket prices
4. Treetop adventures at Go Ape Buxton
Go Ape Buxton is in walking distance from our historic spa town and you’ll also find the two-million-year-old natural limestone cave Poole’s Cavern, in Buxton Country Park. If you’re looking to give your pupils a school trip to remember, or you fancy giving your little monkeys a birthday party they won’t forget or you like the idea of swinging through the trees on your next hen or stag do –this thrilling outdoor activity is lots of fun and the woodlands are really pretty too.
More information: goape.co.uk/days-out/midlands/buxton
T: 01603 895500
Entry / Cost: Various packages available – call or check their website.
Opening times: Open all year round except December – please choose your booking slot on their website.
Bookings: Places can be booked via time slots online.
5. Book a tour at the Buxton Crescent Visitor Experience
Buxton Crescent Visitor Experience has nine rooms to explore inside the iconic Grade 1 Crescent building. Telling the story of both the history of the Crescent and the how this building was very much a centrepiece of Georgian and Victorian Buxton, the ‘tour’ is an interactive experience as you move from one room to another, culminating in a virtual reality balloon ride from Winnats Pass to Buxton. Tickets can be booked in advance online or are available to purchase from Buxton Visitor Centre (The Pump Room).
More information / book your tickets at: buxtoncrescentexperience.com/buxton-crescent-experience
T: 01298 214577
Entry / Cost: General admission – Adults (16 yrs +) £11.99, Young Person (8 – 15 yrs) £7.99, Child (0 – 7 yrs) FREE, Essential Companion FREE, Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £33. Premium Tour – Adults (16 yrs +) £15.95, Young Person (8 – 15 yrs) £11, Child (0 – 7 yrs) FREE, Essential Companion FREE, Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £44.
Opening times: Various tour times take place throughout the day, Monday – Sunday; please check time slots when booking your visit.
6. Ride a bike along the Monsal Trail
The Monsal trail is a disused railway line closed in 1968 and converted in 2010 – 2011 into a new traffic-free cycle track, allowing people to cycle from Blackwell Mill, Nr.Buxton to Bakewell. The trail is lovely and along the way you can see remains of Derbyshire’s industrial heritage as well as lots of Peak District wildlife; in summer there’s often an abundance of butterflies, birds, wild flowers and if you keep a look out – huge dragonflies. You go through several old railway tunnels as well the viaduct which offers gorgeous views of the gentle Derbyshire countryside. Hassop Station Café on the trail is a great half way point stop off for a light lunch or a cuppa. You can hire bikes from Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire (see link below).
More information: peakblackwellcyclehire.com
T: 01298 70838 / 71986
Entry / Cost: (One price all day) Adults £22, child under 5ft £15, Electric bike £35 (maximum weight 18 stone), Two seater child trailers £15, Single Seat Wee Hoo Trailer £15, Tag-a-longs £15, Baby seats £5, *Dog trailers no longer Available*
*EXACT HEIGHTS OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN NEEDED WHEN BOOKING*
Opening Times: Open 7 days a week, 9.30am – 5pm, March to October (inclusive)
7. Afternoon Tea at Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel
Their Afternoon Tea Packages (which can be part of a spa day) offer a lavish experience in the beautiful restaurant in this Grade I listed building. A perfect treat if you’re looking for a five star luxury experience here in Buxton. Read our Afternoon Tea review here when we visited!
T: 01298 808999
Find out more about all packages available: ensanahotels.com/en/destinations/united-kingdom/buxton/buxton-summer-break
8. See a film at Buxton Cinema
Buxton Cinema promises to be something quite different than your standard multiplex. Showing the latest blockbusters as well as all time favourite classics, Buxton Cinema really fills the cinematic void which has previously left Buxtonians forced to travel for up to an hour to get their film fix. Popcorn, snacks and drinks are on offer in the cafe. They also have regular accessible showings including autism friendly, audio description and subtitled films.
More information and latest showtimes: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/cinema
T: 01298 72190
Entry / Cost: General admission – £7 adults (Students/ Children / Seniors £5), ticket cost for some showings vary inc. the Buxton Film programme.
Opening times: All year round.
Bookings: Ticket bookings can be made in advance online or tickets can be purchased over the phone from the Box Office or in person when you arrive.
9. Gallery in the Gardens
Operated by and featuring art work by the High Peak Artists group, the Gallery in the Gardens‘ is a permanent exhibition in the Pavilion Gardens. What’s great about the gallery is that all art work on display is for sale. The art work is varied and of an high standard, featuring ceramics, screen prints, lino prints, photography, paintings, jewellery and more. If you’re looking for a unique gift this is ideal. The group also run pop up exhibitions in Art Cafe (upstairs in the cafe), during various times in the year, in particular during Buxton Festival Fringe and Christmas. Well worth a visit and you can team this up with a visit to explore the Pavilion Gardens too.
More information: galleryinthegardens.co.uk
T: 07849 673058
Entry / Cost: Free
Pavilion Gardens opening times apply.
10. Ride the miniature train at Pavilion Gardens
If haven’t ridden the miniature train in the Pavilion Gardens yet – then you should! Ok, it’s not exactly a thrilling adrenaline inducing rollercoaster of a ride but it is fun and the kids will love it. Don’t forget to shout and wave as you go through the tunnel…
Moreinformation: parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/the-pavilion-gardens/miniature-train
T: 01298 24105
Entry / Cost: £2 adults, £1 child
Opening times: Throughout the year, weather permitting.
Bookings: No advance booking required.
11. Buxton Buzz Comedy Club
Buxton Buzz Comedy Club brings us stand-up from some new and not-so-new faces on the comedy club circuit! A great night out if you’re looking for some comedy.
More information: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/whats-on/category/buxton-buzz-comedy-club
T: 01298 72190
Entry / Cost: £9 in advance, £12 on the door
Bookings: Advance booking recommended (advance bookings can be made over the phone and online).
12. Ring of Trees Walk around Buxton
The Ring of Trees trail takes you all the way around Buxton, through various pretty woodlands – but have you walked it all? The woodlands are lovely in summer with various flora and fauna to see. A cheap day out offering a good walk if you don’t want to venture further into the Peak District. Go to Buxton Civic Association website where you can find a map of the trail to follow and lots of local information, points of interest to look out for along the way and wildlife you might see.
More information: buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk/woodlands
T: 01298 26978
Entry / Cost: FREE
13. Devonshire Spa
Previous winners of Day Spa of the Year as well as Rural Wellness Retreat of the Year by Luxury Travel Guide, it’s easy to see why. Located inside the Devonshire Dome, this small spa beautifully kitted out has a sauna, steam rooms, hydro pool, foot spa and various treatments on offer with the therapists. The prices are superb and extremely reasonable for what is on offer too. The spa has a real sense of luxury inside and you can also book full day packages that include afternoon tea.
More information, prices and bookings: devonshire-spa.co.uk
T: 01298 338408
Opening times: Check their website for latest opening times.
Bookings: Booking in advance is highly recommended.
14. Walk the Buxton coal mining trail
Coal mining is not something commonly associated with Buxton but there are traces of a 300 year old cold industry if you know where to look and it’s fascinating once you get started too. Buxton Civic Association produce a handy walking guide that makes it easier to find and you’ll spot things in and amongst the landscape you might never have noticed before. This is one of many lovely walks in Buxton with great views of the town too. The walk self guided.
More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/walk-into-buxtons-coal-mining-past-yes-really
15. Enjoy a stroll through the pretty Pavilion Gardens
Dating back to 1871, nestled in 23 acres of gardens with water features, lakes and miniature railway, the Pavilion Gardens is ideal for a family stroll to feed the ducks. There are plenty of benches to take a rest and you could also enjoy lunch at the restaurant if you so wish. There’s a soft play area which is great for children. The gardens are pretty are lovely in summer when brass bands play on the bandstand. There are regular fairs and event taking place in the The Octagon Hall. Check our website for the full listings.
More information: parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/the-pavilion-gardens
T: 01298 23114
Entry / Cost: Free entry to the park and building including the Conservatory, charges may apply to other activities and children’s rides
Opening times: The gardens are open 24 hours per day. Opening times vary for different areas/things to do within the Pavilion Gardens complex.
16. Eat in the Park Music & Food Festival
Eat in the Park Music & Food Festival is a two day event, taking place for the first time in Buxton in August 2021 and it’s become firm favourite in the calendar every year! The event attracts thousands of festival goers and offers something for all the family. With more than twenty food and drink vendors and a line up of local music and award winning tribute bands, as well as children’s activities and children’s entertainment, there’s something for everyone here. For the 2024 line-up and what’s on, click here.
More information and ticket bookings: eatinthepark.uk
17. Watch Buxton Carnival
One of Derbyshire and Buxton’s largest annual events in July which attracts crowds of thousands every year. Watching the carnival and enjoying the live entertainment is a Buxton institution but joining in the parade, well you can always do that too if you fancy it.
More information: buxtonwelldressing.co.uk
Date: 7th – 13th July 2024
18. Bryn’s Open Mic night at The Old Sun Inn
This well established open mic night resides at The Old Sun Inn! A firm favourite over the years in Buxton’s live music scene, all genres are welcome to join in. This makes for a perfect mid-week outing and you can enjoy a few cask ales while your at it to give you the courage to get in front of the microphone.
Just turn up and perform, full P.A provided! A friendly open mic which welcomes all newcomers. Many people have made their first public performances here and it proves to be a fertile ground for young upcoming talent.
More information: facebook.com/groups
T: 07944 164873 (organiser Bryn Layton)
Entry / Cost: FREE
When: Usually Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, start time 9pm, finish time 12pm
19. Discover Buxton Walking Tours
See the richly decorated architecture of The Crescent and a dome bigger that St. Pauls Cathedral at the University of Derby. and discover more about Mary Queen of Scots and her visits to Buxton at the Old Hall Hotel. The superb walking tours on offer will take you to Buxton’s most iconic locations and buildings and the hugely knowledgeable tour guides are all local with a passion for the history of Buxton.
More information and online bookings: discoverbuxton.co.uk
T: 01298 79648 / 07530457755
20. Take a walk up Corbar Cross or to the top of Solomon’s Temple
Both these walks offer cracking views across Buxton and across the Peak District, both at around 1300ft elevation. The woodlands are both lovely and ideal spots for walking the dog or a picnic in summer in Buxton. Corbar Cross in Spring is famous for it’s glorious carpet of bluebells. A walk to Solomon’s Temple can always be mean a visit to Poole’s Cavern as the walk starts at the entrance to the cave – and you can also enjoy a snack or lunch in the cavern cafe before or after a walk up here.
Solomon’s Temple & Grin Low Woods cab be accessed via Green Lane and Poole’s Carvern, Corbar Woods can be accessed via Corbar Road.
More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/corbar-cross
21. Stock car racing at Buxton Raceway
A day out for all the family to enjoy – with the thrills and spills of stock car racing. There’s burgers and a licensed car here to keep you going during too.
More information and latest fixture dates: buxtonraceway.com
T: 01663 732526
Entry / Cost: Various ticket prices, check their website
22. Roller Skating with Roller Energy
Roller Energy are the leading mobile Roller Disco organisation in Derbyshire, founded in 2016 by a group of people with a shared love of roller skating & music! Sessions take place every fortnight at Buxton Community School it’s a great activity to enjoy with all the family. The roller disco’s are a high energy combination of roller skating, thumping beats and awesome lighting shows. Every session has a dedicated beginners area where you can safely learn the basics of roller skating from our experienced instructors. Once you have gained confidence you will be able to join the main section of the rink, where the fun really starts!
More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/roller-energy-buxton
T: 07731 848690
Entry / Cost: Session entry prices are currently £7 per person plus just £2 for skate hire if required (unless you are bringing your own skates). A family ticket for up to 2 adults and 3 children is £20 (saving up to £10 per session) plus £1.50 each for skate hire if required. Spectators are free of charge.
Opening times: Check our listing for the latest session dates
23. Antique and Collector’s Fair at Pavilion Gardens
The popular two day Antique fairs held in The Octagon Hall at Pavilion Gardens are a mecca for anyone who loves vintage and retro pieces. The event is always jam packed full of dealers selling everything from furniture, home accessories and ornaments, clothing, jewellery, handbags and random niknacks.
More information and latest dates: halcyonfairs.co.uk
T: 01298 23114
24. Spa day at Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel
Buxton Crescent Hotel offers luxury five star accommodation in bedrooms or suites with modern amenities and furniture in keeping with this stunning Grade I listed Georgian building.
The hotel offers a unique, luxury spa experience, combining traditional beauty therapies with wellness and holistic treatments. The stunning thermal pool has the unique feature of having Buxton mineral rich water flowing into the pool that is heated and left chemically untreated to allow our guests to relax and enjoy. Surrounded by original wall tiles dating back to 1924 when the Victorian baths were last refurbished and with an exquisite new stained glass canopy over the thermal pool.
Read our Buxton Crescent Day Spa review when we visited.
The wellness spa facilities include Bio-Thermal Sauna, CO2 Mineral Bath, Infra-Red Sauna, Aroma Steam Room, Finnish Sauna, Steam Room, Relaxation Pool – A beautiful serene pool with a midnight starry ceiling this gives the ultimate cosy atmosphere to be able to enjoy some tranquility, Ice Fountain and the stunning Salt Cave which is a room constructed from natural salt blocks.
More information and bookings: ensanahotels.com/buxton/en
T: 01298 808999
25. The Green Man Gallery
Contemporary fine art and creative hub, with a varied programme of exhibitions, workshops, art events and live music. Original paintings, ceramics, textiles and other locally made unique gifts are for sale in the gift shop. Located next door to Buxton Museum, you could visit both on the same day if you fancy a day of culture. Home to The Buxton Spa Prize annual art competition. Latest updates on the current exhibition and events programme can be found on their website and Facebook page.
More information: thegreenmangallery.com
T: 01298 937375
Entry / Cost: FREE entry to the main gallery (some special exhibitions, live music events, workshops and other special events will have admission free / ticket booking price)
Opening times:February 2022 opening times – Monday CLOSED, Tuesday 10.30am – 2.30pm, Wednesday 10.30am – 2.30pm, Thursday CLOSED, Friday 10.30am – 2.30pm, Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm, Sunday 10.30am – 2.30pm.
Explore Buxton keeps you up to date with what’s on and things to do in Buxton and is updated every day. Check out our weekly weekend round-up of the best events and things to do.
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