Baths, Books and Beer in Buxton

In Brief.

Buxton is a spa town that acts as a base for many visitors to the nearby Peak District. Attractions in the centre of town include a grand crescent, an opera house, the pleasant Pavilion Gardens and many and varied shops. Thus Buxton is a place for wandering about on a day trip, rather than providing a single highlight that must be seen.

Buxton Crescent

What's Here?

The highest profile tourist attractions are clustered together in a relatively flat part of hilly Buxton near the original spring. The late 18th Century Buxton Crescent hosts a hotel, appropriately with a spa, and the Buxton Crescent Experience to provide an introduction to the history of the town and in particular the spa.  The Experience is a quirky museum, with a variety of display rooms that include a balloon trip to Buxton wearing Virtual Reality goggles, short films and a consultation with a doctor on the ailments of the day. 

The late Victorian Opera House and Winter Gardens

The nearby Pavilion Gardens include a small Winter Garden next to a pleasant park with paths that meander around the River Wye, assorted flower beds and a play area.  The park would seem to be a good destination for a picnic, though at 1000 feet above sea level, Buxton is generally cooler than Manchester.

The Pavilion Gardens

The books and beer from the title reflect the fact that wandering around the town will reveal various interesting outlets. For example, Scriveners Books provides 5 floors of new and second hand books squeezed into themed areas. Furthermore, the Buxton Brewery tap room provides an opportunity for lunch where menu items are paired with beer recommendations from the town's first rate brewery. I had a tasty risotto.

If you like Buxton, you may well also like Harrogate (and vice versa).

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 30 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Price: Buxton Crescent Experience: $$

Parking: There are various carparks, including in Pavilion Gardens

Food and Drink: There are many cafes and restaurants in Buxton. I had an iced latte on a hot day in Gails, and lunch is described above.

Retail Therapy: There is also no shortage of shopping opportunities, with lots of independent shops, including a quirky shopping centre in the former baths.

Child Friendly: There is a pleasant play area in the Pavilion Gardens

Toilets: There is a public toilet in the Pavilion Gardens

Do it justice in: Buxton Crescent Experience: 1 hour

Inside-Outside: 50:50

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