Themed Trip

History & Culture

There are so many ways to soak up Buxton’s rich heritage and to learn the cultural ways of the hill folk.

Our story features ancient settlers, royal prisoners, outlaws and nobles. Get to know them through the following suggestions.

Atmospheric Accommodation

For hotel accommodation, you can’t get more historic than the Old Hall Hotel whose history pre-dates the Tudors. The Ensana Buxton Crescent offers a grand Georgian experience and those wanting a more Victorian feel should head to the Palace Hotel and gaze upon the high ceilings and grand conservatory.

For self-catering accommodation, stay in the heart of the old village of Buxton, in Higher Buxton, at Church Street Holiday Cottage or Bank Cottage, both holiday cottages hidden away on the old cobbled streets. Or find Joseph Apartment and Opera View apartments in the historic centre of the lower town.

If you’d like to stay out of town, self-catering apartment, Six Litton Mill, in Miller’s Dale has a history dating back to the early industrial revolution.

Guided Tours & Museums

Why not start with an introductory tour of the town with Discover Buxton; get your bearings and see the sights – iconic buildings and hidden gems.

You can also take yourself around the town with our Heritage Trail, available in the Buxton Town Guide, or using one of Discover Buxton‘s family treasure hunt trails.

Explore the Georgian history of the Crescent at the Buxton Crescent Experience – tickets are available from the Pump Room opposite – or thousands of years of history at Poole’s Cavern, our local show-cave. Back-stage tours of the Edwardian Buxton Opera House are also available periodically throughout the year.

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery is currently operating at Buxton Library and has a small exhibition available to view with local treasurers.

For those wanting to go further afield into the Peak District landscape, take yourself out or head out on a Tour with Carol or Discover Buxton.

Art & Books

For the art lover, spend some time exploring the diverse range of locally-produced artwork at the Gallery in the Gardens. Or spy a classic at the regular antique fairs at the Pavilion Gardens.

Explore worlds, near and far, old and new, hidden away in Scrivener’s second-hand book shop or the UK’s biggest discount bookstore, the High Peak Bookstore & Cafe.

Wine & Dine

Enjoy an evening meal in one of Buxton’s oldest buildings – the Elizabethan Old Hall Hotel Wine Bar – or newer restaurants in newer buildings – La Gaby Pizzeria in the Grove Hotel, Baileys Bar & Restaurant in The Quadrant, La Brasserie in the Old Court House or Santiago in the Old Charity Baths.

Theatre & Music

Make sure you spend a theatrical or musical evening under the stunning decoration of the Edwardian Buxton Opera House, the heart of the town, or relax into world cinema with Buxton Film’s Monday night screenings at Buxton Cinema.

Cosy Public House

Head up to Higher Buxton, the heart of the old village, to one of the many traditional pubs to keep you warm and out of the brisk evening air, such as The Old Sun Inn, The New Inn or micro pub, The Ale Stop.