14 Best Things To Do In Buxton, UK

things to do in buxton
Celeste
Celeste  
Updated
| 4 min read

Buxton is a town in England belonging to Derbyshire County. You will find it about 26 miles (42 km) from Manchester. A drive will take you approximately an hour, though that’s subject to traffic conditions. Some of the top sights in the spa town include The Pavilion Gardens, Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park, and Buxton Museum & Art Gallery. Other destinations include Go Ape Buxton, Solomon’s Temple, and St Anne’s Well. If you’re planning a trip to Buxton, you will need to plan an itinerary. Read on if you want to find out more information about the best things to do in Buxton, UK.

1. Take cool photos of the Dukes Drive Viaduct

Viaduct over Dukes Drive - geograph.org.uk - 3355485
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bill Boaden used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Dukes Drive Viaduct is one of the historical landmarks in town that you wouldn’t want to miss. With a length of 176 yards (528 feet), this viaduct was built to link the town to the High Peak Junction Railway. This epic spot has been constructed using gritstones and remains to serve its purpose until now.

As you drive through this railway viaduct, you can stop for a while and take some photos You can also catch a nice sunset view from this spot, so you can drop by during the afternoon and gaze upon the skies as the day ends.

Dukes Drive Viaduct

Address: Dukes Dr, Buxton SK17 9NJ, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

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2. Traverse the town's cultural gems through the Buxton Heritage Trail

View from The Slopes, Buxton - geograph.org.uk - 3124446
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ruth Sharville used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you want to explore the town’s heritage spots, a trip along the Buxton Heritage Trail will satisfy your curiosity. This trail leads tourists to everything the area has to offer. Along this trail, you’ll see the elegant accommodation called The Crescent. Reopened in 2020, this elegant spot was established in the early 1780s for visitors to find a place to stay while in town.

By walking along the trail, you can also drop by the Museum and Art Gallery, which stores exhibitions and artworks portraying local history. Buxton Opera House is another point of interest along the trail and serves as the primary theater for the locals. And as you tour around, plenty of dining options are available if you want to fuel up.

Buxton Heritage Trail

Address: Town Hall, Buxton SK17 6EL, United Kingdom

Website: Buxton Heritage Trail

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

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3. Behold the grandeur of Devonshire Dome

Devonshire Dome 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dave Pape used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Built in 1779, the Devonshire Dome is an epic structure built with a diameter of 145 feet (44.20 meters). This dome with 44 pillars is a dramatic art of its own, making it a viable space often used as a venue for weddings and conferences. In 2001, the University of Derby purchased and refurbished it before making it available to the public in 2005.

Tourists can see the majestic finish of this unsupported dome if there are no private events ongoing inside. Right next to the dome is the Devonshire Spa, a must-visit if you need to relax and take some time off. The on-site restaurant is also a great dining spot, being flocked by students from the university as well.

Devonshire Dome

Address: 1 Devonshire Road, Buxton SK17 6RY, United Kingdom

Website: Devonshire Dome

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free entry

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4. Propel yourself to the top at Buxton Raceway

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Buxton Raceway on Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Situated 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) from the town center, Buxton Raceway is an interesting attraction for those who love adventures. Known initially as High Edge, this racetrack started accommodating locals and tourists who are into racing as early as 1974.

Until now, this oval track resembling a figure of an eight continues to be an avenue for avid entertainment. You can book in for a race so that a meeting will be arranged for you and other racers. But if you’re much like a spectator, you can also drop by during races and watch its drifting events for some action.

Buxton Raceway

Address: Dale Head Road, Buxton SK17 0RR, United Kingdom

Website: Buxton Raceway

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free entry for spectators; 30 GBP (36.98 USD) for daily licenses

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5. Explore the limestone cave of Poole's Cavern

Poole's Cavern
Source: Photo by Flickr user Dumphasizer used under CC BY-SA 2.0

As mentioned earlier in our introduction, Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park is one of the top tourist sites in Buxton, England. It is a longstanding natural limestone cave along Green Lane in the county of Derbyshire. Put on your explorer cap and stroll through the woodland trails all the way until you reach the viewing platform. Look out for the crystal stalactites lining the chambers as you tread along!

Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park

Address: Green Ln, Buxton SK17 9DH, United Kingdom

Website: Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park

Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 7 - 36 USD

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6. Explore Peak District on an Electric Bike (from USD 83.0)

Here’s your chance to ride an electric mountain bike uphill if you haven’t had the experience thus far. With an electric bike, you will be able to conquer the upslopes with ease, and downhills with fun! You may request for beginner, more experienced, or even lesser-known trails off the beaten path. This Airbnb experience will be hosted by Alex and he will provide snacks and drinks on your activity day. Up to two people can join the experience and it will take you about four and a half hours to complete the course.

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Electric Mountain Biking Peak District

Duration: 4 hours

82 reviews

7. View the exhibits at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery - June 2020
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Douglal used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Do have a particular interest in the history, geology, and archaeology of Peak District and Derbyshire County? If yes, a trip to Buxton Museum and Art Gallery should not be missed. The attraction has recently won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2020, so you know this is one place you should add to your itinerary while in Buxton. Do remember to place a reservation before you go, if not, you will be turned away.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Address: Terrace Rd, Buxton SK17 6DA, United Kingdom

Website: Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm (closed from Sat - Mon)

Price: Free

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8. Bond with the donkeys and alpacas at Archie's Farm

Brown donkey
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tiia Monto used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Take a healing trip to Archie’s Farm to meet Archie and his fellow farm friends. Archie is the friendly brown donkey at Staden Grange, and you will meet other lovely animals like rabbits, goats, and pigs. You will find this miniature farm on the outskirts of Buxton, about a six-minute drive from Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park. Archie’s Farm has a daily schedule for visitors to interact with the farm animals. If you’re keen, hop over to their website to check out the details.

Archie's Farm

Address: Staden Grange, Staden Ln, Buxton SK17 9RZ, United Kingdom

Website: Archie’s Farm

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

Price: 4 - 16 USD

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9. Spend an afternoon at Pavilion Gardens

The Pavilion Gardens
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bernt Rostad used under CC BY 2.0

Pavilion Gardens is a restored botanical garden with a conservatory, concert hall, and tea rooms. When the weather is nice, sail a boat or pedalo on the garden’s boating lake. You can do so on weekends between 10:30 am to 4 pm after purchasing tickets at the lakeside kiosk. The Boating Lake in Pavilion Gardens is only about a five-minute drive away from Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park.

Pavilion Gardens

Address: St John’s Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE, United Kingdom

Website: Pavilion Gardens

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 5pm

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10. Have fun at Go Ape Buxton

PICT4160
Source: Photo by Flickr user John Exley used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Assuming that you love lush greenery and the great outdoors, we recommend that you explore the forest via a treetop rope course. Travel on the wobbly bridges and take on the Tarzan swings while you’re at Go Ape Buxton. Don’t forget to put on comfortable sports attire, sturdy footwear, and bring a pair of gloves if you want to protect those hands from potential blisters.

Go Ape Buxton

Address: Go Ape Buxton, Buxton Country Park Pooles Cavern, Green Ln, Buxton SK17 9DH, United Kingdom

Website: Go Ape Buxton

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 3pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

Price: 32 - 43 USD

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11. Catch a show at Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House
Source: Photo by Flickr user It's No Game used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Buxton Opera House has 902 seats and it is home to the annual Buxton Festival. It was also the host venue for the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, pantomime at Christmas, and several musical events. You will find it located on Water Street in The Pavilion Gardens. Before catching a show, you might want to admire and take some photos of the Frank Matcham theatre design. You will also find the Pavilion Arts Centre within the Buxton Opera House. Head over to their website to see what’s showing in this magical building before you visit.

Buxton Opera House

Address: Water St, Buxton SK17 6XN, United Kingdom

Website: Buxton Opera House

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm or 8pm; Sun: 4pm - 8pm

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12. Browse through the displays at Gallery in the Gardens

Rose painting
Source: Pixabay

Since you’ll find yourself within The Pavilion Gardens, you might want to pay The Gallery in the Gardens a visit. It’s an art gallery featuring paintings, ceramics, and other crafts by local artists. Support the local artists’ high-quality masterpieces by making a purchase or two if you can. If you require assistance, don’t hesitate to approach the staff who are artists themselves and will be in a perfect position to answer your questions regarding the artwork.

Gallery in the Gardens

Address: 6 St John’s Rd, Buxton SK17 6XN, United Kingdom

Website: Gallery in the Gardens

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily) (closed on Christmas Day)

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13. Have the best view of Buxton at Solomon's Temple

Solomon's Temple, Buxton
Source: Photo by Flickr user Frankie Roberto used under CC BY 2.0

Solomon’s Temple, also widely known as Grinlow Tower, was designed in 1896 by architects W. R. Bryden and G. E. Garlick. It’s a historical landmark in Buxton that was later restored in 1988. The two-story tower measures about 20 feet high (6.1 m) and it has a flight of staircases to bring you to the top. There, you will enjoy the best 360-degree views, the surrounding countryside, and parts of the Peak District. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park.

Solomon's Temple

Address: Poole’s Cavern visitor centre, Buxton SK17 9DH, United Kingdom

Website: Solomon’s Temple

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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14. End your day with a relaxing spa experience at Devonshire Spa

Beauty & Spa in Oberlech
Source: Photo by Flickr user GoldenerBerg used under CC BY-ND 2.0

When the sightseeing is over and your adventures have ended, reward yourself with a relaxing spa experience at Devonshire Spa. The spa is located within the University of Derby, Buxton Campus along Devonshire Road. The award-winning spa has a variety of luxury spa treatments that your body will thank you for. Whether you choose to take a scrub, facial, or massage, Devonshire Spa has options for you. After your treatment, feel free to stay a little longer to use the spa facilities, like the hydrotherapy pool, reflexology foot baths, essence-filled sauna, and more.

Devonshire Spa

Address: Devonshire Royal Campus, Devonshire Rd, Buxton SK17 6RY, United Kingdom

Website: Devonshire Spa

Opening hours: Tue & Thu - Sat: 9am - 7pm; Wed: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

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A wonderful time in Buxton

We hope you now have a couple of ideas on the best things to do while visiting Buxton. For the active, we suggest you take on the experience of riding an electric mountain bike or traverse the wobbly bridges at Go Ape Buxton. Those who are drawn to history and nature can step into the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, explore the limestone cave of Poole’s Cavern, or catch the best views at Solomon’s Temple. Have a wonderful time in Buxton!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Celeste, a writer and traveler, embraces the transient nature of life. She believes that life is a fleeting mist that lingers briefly and then dissipates. Celeste also encourages savoring every...Read more

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