Things to do in Buxton
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Poole's Cavern
Poole's Cavern is a magnificent natural limestone cavern, about a mile from central Buxton. Guides take you deep underground to see an impressive formation of stalactites (the ones that hang down) - including one of England's longest - and distinctive 'poached egg' formation stalagmites.
From the cave car park, a 20-minute walk leads up through Grin Low Wood to Solomon's Temple, a small tower with fine views over the town and surrounding Peak District.
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Old Sun Inn
The pick of the town's watering holes, but which retains an Edwardian-era ambience. Low ceilings, antique light fittings, flagstone floors and a different crowd in every cranny of this warrenlike ale-house make it the place to head for a pint - not to mention the surprisingly sophisticated pub grub.
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Slopes
Opposite the Crescent, a small park called the Slopes rises steeply in a series of grassy terraces. From the top there are views over the centre and across to the grand old Palace Hotel and the former Devonshire Hospital, with its magnificent dome. It is now part of the University of Derby.
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Pavilion Gardens
Next to the Opera House is the Pavilion, an impressive palace of glass and cast iron built in 1871, which overlooks the impeccably manicured Pavilion Gardens. Skirting the gardens, the grand, pedestrian Broad Walk promenade is the perfect place for a gentle evening stroll.
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Buxton Festival
This renowned festival takes place in July and is one of the largest of its kind in the country. As well as opera, literary notables such as Louis de Bernières hold sway. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Opera House
Buxton's gorgeously restored Opera House enjoys a full programme of drama, dance, concerts and comedy as well as staging some renowned festivals and events. Tours of the auditorium and backstage areas are available at 11:00 most Saturday mornings.
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St Ann's Well
Just outside the Pump Room is St Ann's Well, a fountain from which Buxton's famous thermal waters still flow - and where a regular procession of tourists queue to fill plastic bottles and slake their thirst with the liquid's 'curative' power.
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Cavendish Arcade
Just east of the Crescent is Cavendish Arcade, formerly a thermal bathhouse (you can still see the chair used for lowering the infirm into the restorative waters) with several craft and book shops, and a striking coloured-glass ceiling.
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Natural Mineral Baths
On the other side of the Crescent, the tourist office is in the old Natural Mineral Baths, where you can still see the source of the mineral water, now Buxton's most famous export. A small display tells the full story.
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Four Four Time
An annual live-music festival staged in February each year, including a medley of jazz, blues, folk and world music acts. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Crescent
Another impressive Buxton construction, the graceful curved terrace of the Crescent - reminiscent of the Royal Crescent in Bath - is waiting its turn for regeneration. A luxury hotel complex is imminent.
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Columbine Restaurant
On the lane leading down beside the Town Hall, this understated restaurant is the top choice among Buxtonites in the know. The chef conjures up imaginative dishes using mainly local produce and there's a sinful list of fattening puddings. Bookings recommended.
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Hargreaves Coffee Shop
Easily the pick of the bunch of the Spring Gardens cafés, on the 1st floor of a renovated Edwardian showroom. It has good cakes served in a room lined with historic china and porcelain.
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Café Nathaniel
It's worth pitching up early to snare a seat at this relaxed but small café with scrubbed wooden tables and fresh seafood. It has an adjoining linen, lace and antique shop next door.
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International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
This very popular festival is held at the end of July/beginning of August. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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George
Just across the way, a convivial, bohemian crowd at the George sit on a hotchpotch of chairs and lean across big wooden tables to put the world to rights.
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Buxton Fringe
In July the more contemporary Buxton Fringe is gathering popularity. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Bakers Arms
Attracts connoisseurs with a fine nose for locally brewed ale; this venerable old gentleman of a pub is regularly in the Good Beer Guide.
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Pavilion Gardens Promenade Café
This bustling, touristy and spacious café has full-length leaded windows that offer fine views over the Buxton park.
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Parsley Cycle Hire
Parsley Cycle Hire, at the junction of the High Peak and Tissington Trails, is the nearest place to rent bicycles.
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Project X
Buxton hipsters head here, where lavender walls and stainless-steel tables mark this wine/cocktail bar of choice.
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Monsal Trail
Monsal Trail, beginning 3 miles east of the town, leads all the way to Bakewell.
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Spring Gardens Shopping Centre
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Poole's Cavern
Poole's Cavern is a magnificent natural limestone cavern, about a mile from central Buxton. Guides take you deep underground to see an impressive formation of stalactites (the ones that hang down) - including one of England's longest - and distinctive 'poached egg' formation stalagmites.
reviewed
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Parsley Hay Cycle Hire
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