Best Days Out and Activities in Buxton

Check out our ultimate guide to the top 26 best days out and Activities 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…

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 the spectacular crystal stalactites and stalagmites in the chambers. With LED lighting, the caverns look spectacular along the effectively illuminated walk ways, so don’t forget your camera.  The Cafe @ the Cavern serves a varied, tasty menu. The main cavern chamber has step-free access; the rest of the tour has steps. See the operator’s accessibility information. Advance booking is recommended, especially at busy times; 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.

Wheelchair access extends 100 metres into the cavern. There are 28 steps on the rest of the cave path. Poole’s Cavern visitor information.

More information and online bookings: poolescavern.co.uk

Ride a boat on the Boating Lake in the Pavilion Gardens

Having reopened the boating lake in 2019, 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, moorhens 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. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult, life jackets must be worn and animals are not allowed in the boats.

More information: Pavilion Gardens boating lake

See a show at Buxton Opera House

Frank Matcham designed the 902-seat Buxton Opera House, which opened in 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

Treetop adventures at Go Ape Buxton

Go Ape Buxton’s Treetop Challenge has high ropes and zip wires near Poole’s Cavern in Buxton Country Park. Participants must be at least 10 years old and 1.4 metres tall; the maximum weight is 130kg. One participating adult aged 18 or over can supervise up to two children aged 10–15. See Go Ape’s participation requirements for full details.

More information: goape.co.uk/locations/buxton/

Explore the Buxton Crescent Visitor Experience

Buxton Crescent Visitor Experience has nine rooms to explore inside the iconic Grade I listed 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, including 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

Ride a bike along the Monsal Trail

The Monsal trail follows a former railway line that closed in 1968. Most of the trail opened in 1981, with four tunnels reopened in 2011 to create a continuous traffic-free route between Blackwell Mill and 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, near the Bakewell end of the trail, is a place to stop for a light lunch or a cuppa. Bike hire is also available at Hassop Station.

More information: peakblackwellcyclehire.com

Blackwell Mill access and parking directions · Hassop Station cycle hire

Afternoon Tea at Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel

The five-star hotel offers afternoon tea in its Grade I listed building, and some spa packages include it. Check the hotel’s current dining and booking details. Read our Afternoon Tea review here when we visited!

More information: Buxton Crescent afternoon tea

See a film at Pavilion Arts Centre

Catch a film at Pavilion Arts Centre. Buxton Opera House publishes its current film programme online; check individual listings for screening times and accessibility details. In October 2026 the venue reported that the lift was out of service; contact the box office about alternative seating and check the latest information before visiting.

More information and latest showtimes: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/whats-on/category/cinema/

Bookings: Ticket bookings can be made in advance online or tickets may be purchased from the Box Office by phone or in person, subject to availability.

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 runs exhibitions in the Art Café, upstairs in the Pavilion Gardens café. The exhibition space is reached by a spiral staircase and has no disabled access. Well worth a visit and you can team this up with a visit to explore the Pavilion Gardens too.

The gallery generally follows Pavilion Gardens opening hours, with holiday exceptions; check its website before visiting.

More information: galleryinthegardens.co.uk

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…

More information: Pavilion Gardens miniature train

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/comedy/

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. Buxton Civic Association sells a copy of the route at the Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre and shares information about its woodlands online.

More information: buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk/woodland-walks

Visit the Devonshire Dome

The historic Devonshire Dome is home to University of Derby Buxton. Its student-run Harpurs Bistro opens during term time from Tuesday to Thursday, with reservations essential. See current bistro information.

Walk the Buxton coal mining trail

Explore traces of Buxton’s historic coal industry on a self-guided walk around Burbage and Axe Edge. Buxton Civic Association produced a walking guide; contact the association or Poole’s Cavern to check its current availability. Some paths are steep or overgrown and old mine shafts are present, so use a current map and stay on public paths.

More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/walk-into-buxtons-coal-mining-past-yes-really

Follow Thomas’s Trail in Buxton Country Park

Explore the Animals of Buxton, past and present, on this family nature trail in Grin Low Woods. Pick up a trail booklet at Poole’s Cavern visitor centre; it is included with a cavern tour ticket, or £2 per booklet without a tour.

More about Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park

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 and wildlife watching. The council asks visitors not to feed the birds. 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: Pavilion Gardens

Eat in the Park Music & Food Festival

Eat in the Park is a music and food festival at Pavilion Gardens. It took a break in 2026; the organisers’ listing says it is coming back in 2027, with dates to be announced.

E: info@eatinthepark.uk

More information and ticket bookings: eatinthepark.uk

Watch Buxton Carnival

Part of Buxton Well Dressing Festival the carnival takes place in July. 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

2027: Carnival and Parade of Queens on 10th July, provisionally. See the organiser’s dates.

Bryn’s Open Mic Night

Bryn’s Open Mic Night is a long-running Buxton open mic welcoming performers across genres.

A friendly open mic which welcomes newcomers. Contact the organiser about performing and available equipment. 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

Discover Buxton Walking Tours

Discover Buxton’s local guides offer walking tours on a range of themes. Depending on the tour, you can learn about landmarks such as the Crescent, the Devonshire Dome and the Old Hall Hotel, where Mary Queen of Scots stayed. Check the tour descriptions and availability before booking.

T: 01298 79648 / 07530457755

More information and online bookings: discoverbuxton.co.uk

See walking tours and meeting arrangements.

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, from viewpoints roughly 1,400ft above sea level.  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 and Grin Low Woods can be accessed via Green Lane and Poole’s Cavern; Corbar Woods can be accessed via Corbar Road.

Keep dogs on leads in both woodlands and clean mud from boots and paws before leaving Corbar Woods, in line with Buxton Civic Association’s woodland guidance.

More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/corbar-cross

Map: Solomon’s Temple.

Stock car racing at Buxton Raceway

A day out for all the family to enjoy – with the thrills and spills of stock car racing. The circuit has a licensed bar and food is available from on-site caterers.

More information and latest fixture dates: buxtonraceway.com

Roller Skating with Roller Energy

Roller Energy runs roller discos at Buxton Community School. The organiser says sessions include a beginners’ area and skate hire is available. Check Roller Energy’s timetable for dates and times.

More information: explorebuxton.co.uk/roller-energy-buxton

Antique and Collector’s Fair at Pavilion Gardens

The popular two day Antique fairs held in The Octagon Hall at Pavilion Gardens is 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 nik-nacks.

More information and latest dates: halcyonfairs.co.uk

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 spa’s thermal pool is filled with heated Buxton mineral water that the hotel says is chemically untreated. It sits beneath a stained-glass canopy and is surrounded by wall tiles dating from 1924.

See our Buxton Crescent spa guide for more information.

Other facilities include a relaxation pool, a salt cave, saunas, steam rooms and an ice fountain.

More information and bookings: champneys.com/hotels/buxton-crescent.html

Thermal spa facilities and treatments are for guests aged 16 and over; see the hotel’s FAQs for its children’s policy.

T: 01298 808999

Visit Buxton Museum & Art Gallery

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery has reopened in a temporary home next to Buxton Library on Kents Bank Road. Discover displays of local history, art and archaeology, and visit the gift shop. Admission is free.

Opening times: Tuesday–Friday, 10am–5pm; Saturday, 10am–2pm.

More about Buxton Museum & Art Gallery

List your business or event on Explore Buxton

For current listing options and prices, get in touch with Explore Buxton.