Essential Visitor Information

Transport to and from Buxton

Find trains, buses, airport connections and local taxi contacts in our travel to Buxton guide. The town centre map is on our planning page.

Accessing NHS Healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) is the main healthcare provider in the UK.

In England, GP consultations and A&E services are generally free. Charges can apply to prescriptions, dental care and hospital treatment, including treatment after admission, depending on eligibility. Urgent treatment that cannot safely wait will be provided even if charges apply. See NHS guidance for visitors to England for details.

The UK government advises visitors to take out travel or health insurance that covers their healthcare needs.

Visitors with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should bring it; it may cover medically necessary care during a visit. The NHS visitor guidance explains eligibility and other healthcare arrangements.

GP surgeries in Buxton

For GP surgery locations and contact details, use the NHS Find a GP service and enter a local postcode.

An older Explore Buxton directory of GP surgeries is out of date. Stewart Medical Centre announced a merger with Elmwood Medical Centre in 2025; check the NHS service or the practice’s contact page for current details.

Pharmacies in Buxton

For pharmacy locations and opening times, use the NHS Find a pharmacy service and enter Buxton or a local postcode. Opening hours may change, especially on bank holidays.

A former Explore Buxton PDF listed pharmacy opening times for Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024; those times are historical.

Changing Places, Disabled Access Public Toilet

The Pavilion Gardens, High Peak Borough Council and Parkwood Leisure worked in partnership to install a Changing Places toilet in the entrance of the Octagon Hall, opposite the ice cream parlour to cater to the needs of disabled individuals.

More than a quarter of a million people in the UK with disabilities cannot use standard accessible toilets, as they do not accommodate all disability needs. Changing Places toilets are designed to meet these requirements.

The facility includes a movable hoist, a changing table, and an adjustable sink and toilet. Access is by RADAR key; if you do not have one, ask at the Ice Cream Parlour or Retail Arcade desk. Keys can also be purchased at Buxton Visitor Centre in the Pump Room.

Parking in Buxton

For car parks, charges, accessible spaces and payment options, use our parking in Buxton guide.

Emergency services

Buxton Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre, London Road, SK17 9NJ, is open daily from 8am to 8pm. You can walk in from 8am to 4pm; from 4pm to 8pm, appointments are booked via NHS 111. The centre may stop accepting new patients early if it reaches capacity; use NHS 111 for advice. If you have an appointment booked through NHS 111, attend at the scheduled time. For a life-threatening emergency call 999. Accident and Emergency departments are available at Macclesfield District General Hospital and Stepping Hill Hospital.

Emergency Contacts

Call 999 (Ambulance, Fire & Police) – in an emergency.
You should only dial 999 in the case of a serious emergency.

Non-Emergency Contacts

Police non-emergency: 101
Call 101 for general enquiries or to report an incident that does not require immediate attention.

NHS 111 Service: 111
Use the NHS 111 service if you need urgent medical help/advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

Dental Care

If you think you need urgent dental treatment:

  • Call the dentist you are registered with.
  • Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you cannot contact a dentist. For a child under five, call 111.

For private dental care, contact Lightwood Dental Care on Hartington Road, Buxton, on 01298 27077 to discuss availability and charges.

Taxis in Buxton

Find local taxi companies and booking numbers in the taxis section of our travel guide.

Weather in Buxton

Read our Buxton weather guide for the seasons and links to forecasts and travel updates.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in many of Buxton’s cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants. Buxton Library also provides free Wi-Fi and public computers with internet access.

Buxton Visitor Centre

For the Pump Room’s visitor information, gift shop, facilities and contact details, see our Buxton Visitor Centre guide.

Exploring the Peak District and Derbyshire

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire is the area’s official tourist board and their website and social media channels provide information on everything from the very best things to do and not to miss, attractions, local events, best activities for all the family, places to stay, food and drink and an overview of towns and villages in the region.