Themed Trip

Buxton on a Budget

Travelling on a shoe-string? Or not wanting to break the bank on your holiday? This page lists all the free things to do in Buxton and the more budget places to go.

Heritage & Culture

For those looking for history and culture, the Buxton Museum & Art Gallery offers free pop-up exhibitions and workshops (find their temporary exhibition at Buxton Library) and one could easily spend an afternoon exploring the many floors of Scrivener’s second-hand book shop. The Gallery in the Gardens, with exhibitions of local art, is free to look around. Grab a bargain at Buxton Markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays or at one of the weekend bazaars or fairs at the Pavilion Gardens – many are free to enter.

Follow our Heritage Trail and get to know more about the history of Buxton or try one of Discover Buxton‘s treasure hunt trails – just £10 for the whole family.

Iconic Architecture

Be amazed by the magnificent Devonshire Dome, free to visit when open to the public (currently Fridays to Sundays).

Soak up the atmosphere of the old hot baths (now the Cavendish Arcade) and the Pump Room, both free to enter, but be warned, you may be tempted by the wonderful, independent boutique shops and wares on offer!

The Great Outdoors

For those wanting to be outside, why not have a wander through the Pavilion Gardens or surrounding woodlands. Follow the sculpture trail up to Solomon’s Temple for great views over the town or, for a longer walk, follow the Ring of Trees walk. And the biggest playground of all, the Peak District National Park, is right at your tiptoes – see some popular walks here, many reachable by bus.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, there is no nicer spot than reclining on the grass at The Park watching Buxton Cricket Club play a game of cricket or watching the ducks in the Pavilion Gardens.

Are you not entertained?

There is live music on most nights of the year with free entry at pubs such as Baileys Bar & Restaurant and the Old Sun Inn. See our live music page for the latest monthly listing. Buxton Cinema has regular screenings, with ticket prices from just £5, and pub quizzes and karaoke are regular alternative evening activities.

On Sunday afternoons, April to September, local brass bands play for your pleasure on the Pavilion Gardens bandstand: see our calendar for dates.

If you’re here during the summer festivals, head for the live music on the Pavilion Gardens promenade or Fringe Sunday preview performances and other street theatre, or follow the Buxton Flowerpot Trail, printed maps are just £1 or a free electronic download is available.

All You Need is a Bed

Hotel bed prices typically vary with demand, but, as the biggest hotel in town, the Palace Hotel is a good place to start, as is Compton Guest House. For other budget accommodation, the town is surrounded by caravan parks and campsites and there are a few nearby youth hostels.

Energise

Eating out doesn’t have to break the bank. Standard pub grub can be found at the Wye Bridge House (Wetherspoons), the King’s Head (Marston’s) and the Old Clubhouse (Greene King) and there are many takeaways in the town.

Good meals at low prices are served by The Manc Chef at Thomas Fields. If you’re self-catering, there’s plenty of food and drink shops to choose from.

And don’t forget your free Buxton Water! Visit St Ann’s Well to fill up your water bottles.