What did Buxton Crescent Hotel look like BEFORE its make over?

Buxton Crescent Hotel finally opened its doors in 2020, after many delays and a hugely challenging construction project. But what did it look like before the work was carried out?

Behind Closed Doors, an urban exploration project –  captured this stunning collection of images when they visited Buxton back in 2015 and they kindly gave us permission to share these images with our readers.

Many of the beautiful original Georgian features can be seen inside the Grade I listed building which was built between 1780 and 1789.

Behind Closed Doors visits locations to photograph that are generally considered to be off limits to the public. Forgotten and abandoned places often hold stunning architecture, left to decay. The art of visiting forgotten places is called Urban Exploration, or Urbex for short.

A huge thanks to BCD for giving us permission to feature this collection. Their other projects are equally as fascinating so we’d urge you to pop over to their website where you can see the full extent of their other work and adventures which include abandoned hospitals, mansions, houses, theatres and industrial sites – as well as an interesting collection of images of Chernobyl and Pripyat.



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The Assembly Room.

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The Assembly Room.

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Columns and doors inside the Assembly Room.

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Tall windows in the Assembly Room.

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Ceiling detail in the Assembly Room.

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Arched Georgian windows and ornate decor in the Crescent, Buxton.

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This room was once used as a lounge area for guests at the St. Ann’s hotel. Many of the Georgian features can be clearly seen in the doorways and windows.

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The Crescent, Buxton.

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Staircase inside the Crescent, Buxton.

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Room with lots of arches.

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Entrance to what was originally the Natural Baths.

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The former spa reception.

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Attractive square glass dome in the former Natural Baths – later used as the Tourist Information Centre until it was moved to Pavilion Gardens in 2009.

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Mineral bathing pool at the former Natural Baths.

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Mineral bathing pool at the former Natural Baths.

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Original tiling in the corridor to the changing areas at the former Natural Baths.

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Corridor in the former Natural Mineral Baths.

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Changing area in the former Natural Mineral Baths.

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Original structure inside the the changing rooms at the former Natural Mineral Baths.

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One of the private plunge pools in the former Natural Mineral Baths.

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An unusual looking chair at the former Natural Mineral Baths.

Do YOU have any images or stories about The Crescent you would like to share with us? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch via our Facebook page or email us at [email protected]

For more information about the Crescent, go to buxtoncrescentexperience.com

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