Families & Outdoors
Whether you want to make memories, reconnect with nature or challenge your body, we’ve got you covered!
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Buxton is surrounded by a network of public footpaths and trails waiting to be walked, cycle tracks waiting to be ridden, rock formations waiting to be climbed and wildlife waiting to be discovered.
We also have lots of fun, indoor and outdoor family activities right here in town.
Also see our Sports page for other active opportunities, our Travelling with a Young Family page or our Active & Adventure and Experience Nature themed trips. Bringing the pooch? See our Travelling with a Dog page.
In Buxton
Pavilion Gardens
23 acres of restored pleasure gardens and events throughout the year.
Poole’s Cavern
The first “Wonder of the Peak”. This great limestone cavern is one of the finest show caves in England.
Go Ape Buxton
Hours of tree top fun. A great way to get outdoors.
Buxton Country Park & Woodland Walks
Details of woodland walks in Buxton.
Other Parks & Gardens in Buxton
Other parks and gardens in Buxton.
Buxton Swimming & Fitness Centre
Go for a swim, join an exercise class or hit the gym.
Solomon’s Temple
Buxton’s very own folly atop Grin Low. Find out how to access it.
Buxton Heritage Trail
A heritage trail around the architectural gems of the town.
In the Peak District
Derbyshire & Peak District Walks App
With over 200 walks, this app helps you find and enjoy the best walks near Buxton and beyond!
Popular Peak District Walks
Details of a few of the many great walks in the Peak District.
Peak District National Park
Buxton is surrounded on three sides by the Peak District National Park.
Dovedale Nature Reserve
A gentle walk along the picturesque River Dove crossed by the famous stepping stones.
Derbyshire Dales Nature Reserve
Five superb limestone valleys at the centre of the Peak District National Park.
Wye Valley Nature Reserves
Five nature reserves in the Wye Valley with ash woodland and limestone grassland.
Cycling
Buxton is a perfect base to explore the Peak District by bicycle.
Walking
Buxton is surrounded on three sides by the beautiful scenery of the Peak District National Park.
Rock Climbing & Abseiling
The Peak District boasts some 10,000 of the best rock climbs in the UK, all for good reason!
Caving & Potholing
The Peak District is home to natural potholes and caves for explorers of all ages and abilities.
Children’s Activities in Buxton
Younger Children
- Busy Little Monsters – role play village and soft play, 5 Eagle Parade, SK17 6EQ
- Happy Hearts Play Cafe- 2 South Avenue, SK17 6JZ
- Little Rascals – soft play centre, Unit 3-4 Tongue Lane Industrial Estate, Dew Pond Lane, SK17 7LF
- Pavilion Gardens – miniature train, soft play, fish pond, playground
Older Children
- Brick Corner on the Road – LEGO activities
- Buxton Pottery Painting – Cavendish Arcade, SK17 6BQ
- Discover Buxton – explore the town with their self-guided family treasure hunt trails
- Go Ape Buxton – tree top high-ropes course with zip-wires, Tarzan swings and obstacles, Grin Low Woods, Poole’s Cavern car park, Green Lane, SK17 9DH
- Paint-a-Pot – Lasting Impressions, 41 High Street, SK17 6HA
- Pavilion Gardens – playground, boating lake
Regular/Holiday Events
- Buxton Civic Association – creative and nature-based activities in the local woodlands, term-time and during school holidays
- Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust – monthly creative play for U5s and craft activities and trails during the school holidays
- Buxton Opera House – making workshops and theatre/tech schools during the school holidays via Platform 3
- Pavilion Gardens – inflatables in the Octagon, fair rides/games on the promenade and garden trails during school holidays
- Singing Giraffes – Wednesday morning music classes, The Vault, 2-4 High Street, SK17 6EU
Other Venues with Activities
- Buxton Library / Buxton Museum – Kents Bank Rd, SK17 9HW
- Serpentine Community Garden – Serpentine Walks, off Burlington Rd, SK17 9AR
From November 2025, this website is owned and managed by Buxton Civic Association Ltd - Charity No. 258163.
Buxton Civic Association celebrates the natural and human heritage of Buxton including its outstanding buildings and wildlife. We conserve and enhance this heritage and advocate its importance in making Buxton a special place to live or to visit.
