Buxton Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Buxton Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Buxton packs a surprising amount into a small area. The Pavilion Gardens (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) offer 23 acres of landscaped gardens with a play area and lake. They're free to enter and open daily from dawn until dusk.

The Buxton Crescent (4/5 on TripAdvisor) has been restored to its former glory after a massive renovation project. This Georgian building now houses a hotel and spa, but visitors can take guided tours to learn about its fascinating history.

Solomon's Temple (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) sits on a hill overlooking Buxton. This Victorian folly offers amazing views across the Peak District. It's a steep walk up but worth it for the panorama - and you'll appreciate that hot tub even more afterwards!

Poole's Cavern (SK17 9DH) opens 10am-5pm daily and takes you underground to see stunning limestone formations. Their guided tours last about 45 minutes and are suitable for all ages.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love the Peak District and Buxton makes a great base for four-legged holidays. The Pavilion Gardens welcome dogs throughout their grounds, though they must be kept on leads in certain areas.

The Railway Café (SK17 6AZ) is particularly good for dog owners, with water bowls provided and staff who make a fuss of canine visitors. They do excellent breakfasts too!

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - Buxton gets a fair bit of rain and the limestone paths can get muddy. Many cottages provide dog beds and bowls, but it's worth checking before you travel.

Goyt Valley (about 10 minutes' drive from Buxton) offers excellent walking routes where dogs can run off-lead in many areas. The circular walk around Errwood Reservoir takes about an hour and has stunning views.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Buxton

Buxton Opera House (SK17 6RD) stands as one of Britain's finest examples of Frank Matcham architecture. Built in 1903, this stunning theatre hosts everything from opera to comedy. The guided tours (Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30am) take you backstage and share tales of the performers who've graced its boards. Even if you don't catch a show, the building itself is worth seeing.

St Ann's Well (SK17 6BN) sits at the heart of Buxton's spa heritage. This free attraction lets visitors fill bottles with the famous Buxton water directly from the source. The well is housed in a charming stone structure built in 1940, replacing earlier Georgian and Victorian buildings. Local tradition says you should drink some water and make a wish - though I can't guarantee results!

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery (SK17 6DA) tells the story of the Peak District from prehistoric times to the present day. Their Wonders of the Peak exhibition includes fossils, Roman jewellery and Victorian souvenirs. It's free to enter and open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Visitors particularly praise the Boyd Dawkins Study, which recreates the workspace of a Victorian archaeologist.

What's the best time to visit Buxton?

July and August offer the warmest weather, but Buxton sits high up and can be cooler than other parts of England. The Buxton Festival runs for about two weeks in July, bringing world-class opera, music and literature events. February-March and October-November tend to be quieter with lower accommodation prices, but you'll still have that hot tub to enjoy whatever the weather!

Can I drink the famous Buxton water?

Yes! St Ann's Well in the town centre provides free Buxton water straight from the source. Bring your own bottles to fill up. The water emerges at a constant 28°C and contains minerals picked up during its 5,000-year journey through limestone.

How accessible is Buxton for people with mobility issues?

The town centre has some steep hills, but the main shopping areas and Pavilion Gardens are relatively flat. Many attractions including the Opera House and Buxton Museum have wheelchair access. Some cottages offer ground-floor bedrooms and wet rooms - worth checking when booking.

Is there public transport to get around?

Buxton has a train station with connections to Manchester (about an hour's journey). Local buses serve surrounding villages and attractions like Chatsworth House, though services can be limited on Sundays. For exploring the Peak District properly, a car gives you much more freedom.

What's the parking situation in Buxton?

Most cottages provide private parking. For town visits, the Spring Gardens Shopping Centre (SK17 6BZ) offers reasonably priced parking. The Pavilion Gardens car park gets busy during peak times. Pay-and-display street parking is available but time-limited.

Are there any annual events worth planning around?

Besides the July Buxton Festival, there's the Buxton Fringe (runs alongside the main festival), the Well Dressing in July (an ancient Derbyshire tradition) and the Buxton Military Tattoo in July. February sees the Buxton Spa Prize art competition exhibition, while Christmas brings markets and festive events.

1. Visit Buxton Official Tourism Site
2. Peak District National Park
3. Buxton International Festival
4. Poole's Cavern & Country Park