What is the Blue Lagoon near Buxton?

The Blue Lagoon is the informal name for the water at Hoffman Quarry in Harpur Hill, near Buxton. It is a privately owned quarry, rather than a managed visitor attraction or swimming venue.

Can you visit or swim in the Blue Lagoon?

High Peak Borough Council’s guidance is that members of the public should not enter the site. Its warning describes unsafe water and hidden hazards. Follow the advice of the council and emergency services and choose a public attraction or walking route for a day out.

Official updates and warnings

In its 30 July 2026 police response, question 55, Derbyshire Constabulary described work with local councils on parking and antisocial behaviour around the quarry. Police said the lagoon had been dyed black to discourage visits and that vehicles causing obstructions had been removed.

In May 2026, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service again urged people to stay away, warning that the water is highly alkaline, cold and contains hidden hazards. Read the report of its warning.

Places to visit around Buxton

For a public day out, explore Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park, browse walks in and around Buxton, or use our Buxton things-to-do guide for free, indoor and family ideas.

2020 council report: original announcement

Report from 29 May 2020. Local agencies announced measures to deter visitors to Hoffman Quarry, also known as the Blue Lagoon, after a busy bank holiday. The statements below are from the council’s 2020 announcement.

High Peak Borough Council worked with police, the fire service and local councillors in 2020 after residents experienced parking problems, litter and antisocial behaviour linked to visits to the quarry.

Far from being a visitor attraction, the water is toxic and contains other hazards such as abandoned vehicles. The quarry is also on privately-owned land and members of the public should not access the site.

The steps announced in 2020 included:

  • Use of ‘no waiting’ cones on local streets to deter visitor parking and the presence of PCSOs to support local residents
  • Dyeing the water to make it less attractive
  • Renewing signage warning of the dangers of entering the water

Litter on the grassy bank of a flooded quarry.

Executive Councillor for the Environment and Community Safety, Jean Todd, said: “Last weekend a significant number of people visited the quarry and this caused a number of issues for local residents. This is unacceptable and, together with our partners, we’re working to put in place measures to try and avoid a repeat this weekend.

“We know that parking was a particular issue so PCSOs will be patrolling the area to support local residents and we’ll be putting out ‘no waiting’ cones to deter visitors. Measures to make the quarry itself less attractive, including dyeing the water, are also taking place. This has been done before and achieved good results.

“We do understand the frustrations caused by the inconsiderate behaviour of people visiting the area and, through the Partnership, we will continue to work together to keep this under review and to consider both short and longer-term options to address these issues.”

The council said new warning signs would be installed in early June 2020.

Sergeant Adam Harrison, the safer neighbourhood sergeant, said: “The current situation is understandably causing great concern to people in the Harpur Hill area and, while we are encouraging people not to enter the site, I would also ask that residents allow all the agencies to play their part and not to engage with people visiting the site.

“Please be assured that work is being done together with partner agencies to dissuade people attending the quarry and, where people are accessing the site, to minimise the disruption to residents.”

Group Manager Paul Hawker from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: “By swimming or even playing in or close to any water you are putting your life at risk.”

“Open water, such as Hoffman Quarry in Harpur Hill, remains cold no matter how hot the weather is. This means your body can quickly go into cold water shock causing your heart rate to quicken, you start to gasp for breath and you can quickly become confused and disoriented meaning the chances of drowning increase dramatically even for the strongest of swimmers.”

“In addition to the cold water, the water at Hoffman Quarry is similar in PH value to bleach with many additional hidden dangers below the water that can also cause someone to get trapped and unable to get out.”

“The quarry is not a place to swim and it is certainly not a tourist attraction that anyone should be visiting. Our message is quite clear, stay away and stay safe.”

Images supplied by High Peak Borough Council.