The Devonshire Dome

This building was originally built as ‘The Great Stables’ in 1779 by John Carr of York for the 5th Duke of Devonshire. It provided facilities for up to 120 horses and accommodation for the servants and ostlers of those staying in the The Crescent.

In the 1850s, the Duke was persuaded by the Buxton Bath Charity to give over part of the building for a charity hospital for the ‘sick poor’ coming to Buxton for its water cure. Henry Currey, architect for the Devonshire estate, converted half of the building into a hospital.

In the late 1870s, the whole building was given for the hospital and the stables were located elsewhere. Architect Robert Rippon Duke, who was tasked with the conversion, added the dome in 1880. Measuring over 150 feet in diameter, it was then the largest unsupported dome of its type in the world: it still is the largest in Europe. Later additions include the clock tower, surgical wards, baths, kitchens and a spa. The Devonshire Hospital was renamed the Devonshire Royal Hospital in 1934 and it became part of the National Health Service in 1948.

The hospital closed in 2000: the last of the eight hydropathic hospitals in England to to do so. In 2005, it reopened as the home of the University of Derby’s Buxton campus and Centre for Contemporary Hospitality & Tourism and as the new base of Buxton & Leek College, providing a Further Education (FE) offer. Supporting the students’ experience, the Dome housed a hair and beauty salon, award-winning spa – The Devonshire Spa – a cafe and restaurant and hosted a number of events through the year, including weddings.

However, during 2020/2021, all UOD undergraduate degree courses moved back to Derby and the building closed to external events and catering in 2024. Although refreshments were offered at ‘Harpur’s Bistro’, a weekly restaurant run by the catering students. In 2025,  Buxton & Leek College split with the Buxton-based FE courses restructured under the banner of ‘University of Derby Buxton’. Find out more about studying in Buxton here. Harpur’s Bistro and The Salon, both run by students, are still open for bookings. 

Why not pop in and see this magnificent structure for yourself? The Grade II*-listed building is open to visitors on Saturdays and selected Sundays (10am-5pm), during term-time. Out of term-time it is open to visitors Wednesdays to Sundays (10am-5pm), when not in use for an event. If you’re unsure, call ahead so you are not disappointed.

The Devonshire Dome
1 Devonshire Road
Buxton
SK17 6RY

Telephone (reception/general enquiries): 01298 330620