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Buxton

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About Buxton

At 300 metres above sea level, Buxton is the UK’s highest market town, and has its own special, and especially unpredictable, micro-climate. But Buxton is better known for the water that bubbles under the ground here — this is where Buxton mineral water is bottled. Buxton is also the unofficial ‘capital’ of the Peak District, and is surrounded by spectacular countryside. Once the best places to stay in Buxton were all old fashioned spa hotels, but there's a broader choice. We have included a spa hotel on our list of the best places to stay in Buxton, but we’ve also discovered a teashop-with-rooms, and a hotel claiming to be the UK’s oldest!

The Romans discovered the thermal springs here, but Buxton’s spa town golden age was during the Georgian and Victorian eras, and the town’s beautiful architecture is a charming legacy of the wealth of this period. There are graceful crescents and columns, arching bridges and spires. People do still come here to ‘take the waters’ and you can certainly drink them if you’d like to. You can also enjoy bathing in them — we recommend you at least have a look at the traditional bathhouse buildings, especially the wonderfully opulent Devonshire Dome, the Buxton Thermal Baths, and behind the elegant curve of the Georgian Crescent.

Buxton is still an active market town, with market days on Tuesday and Saturday — these are still the buzziest days in Buxton aside from the annual Buxton Festival in July which describes itself as a "marriage between opera, music and books". A fringe festival — one of largest in the UK — runs alongside, and offers comedy, film and children's events.

With all this going on and the beautiful countryside to enjoy, the best places to stay in Buxton are busy throughout the year. Book your room early to avoid disappointment!

The Best Places to Stay in Buxton

For a Spa Break

  • Ensana Buxton Crescent is an elegant spa hotel, converted from a grand Georgian crescent of terrace townhouses. Ensana are known for their spa hotels, and Buxton Crescent has a huge spa, which includes CO2 infusion mineral baths, thermal pools and all sorts of treatments. There are 81 rooms and suites, decorated with contemporary style, in classic shapes and colours — expect boxy four-poster beds or huge bedheads, elegant wallpapers and plush fabrics. Some of the rooms would suit families. There are two restaurants, the Spa Cafe, with its healthy menu, and the Dining Rooms, which serve classic British cuisine.

For Central Buxton

  • No 6 The Square is a totally charming, and tiny, teashop with rooms in the centre of Buxton. A popular teahouse downstairs, with four traditional rooms upstairs. Expect antiques and ornate details, plush velvet and large sash windows.

For Romantics

  • The Old Hall Hotel is one of the hotels claiming to be the UK’s oldest. It’s stone and ivy-clad, in a fantastic location overlooking the Pavilion Gardens. The interiors aren’t original, but they are traditionally decorated, with weighty fabrics and antique furniture in the 35 rooms and suites, and in the popular restaurant and bar. If you’re here for a special occasion we recommend booking a four-poster suite.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Buxton’s closest airport is Manchester Airport. You can get to Buxton by train in about two hours — via central Manchester, — or by car in about half an hour. If you’re coming via London, the train journey is three hours, leaving from Euston.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Buxton is at its busiest during the peak summer months, but definitely bring your wet weather gear whenever you’re planning to visit! If you’re planning to do quite a bit of walking, try for May/June, or September/October, and if you like things lively come in the summer when the festival calendar heats up.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Buxton

  • No 6 The Square Buxton Spa 4 rooms from £95

    Foodies  -  First a popular tearoom and second a place to stay - ideal for food lovers wanting a quintessentially British experience
    Local exploring  -  There's plenty to explore on foot in this beautiful spa town and for days out the Peak District is easily accessible
    Great walks  -  Take a stroll through the picturesque Pavilion Gardens or spend a day exploring the Peak District
    Sights nearby  -  Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Lyme Park are all nearby
    RestaurantParking

    A charming and wonderfully British stay in the heart of the spa town of Buxton. Downstairs is a bustling traditional teahouse (worthy of a visit alone). Upstairs is home to four characterful rooms, packed with antiques and boasting large sash windows. A delightful spot to explore the region from. See More

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  • The Old Hall Hotel Buxton, Derbyshire 35 rooms from £129

    Local exploring  -  Well situtated to explore the historic town of Buxton and the beautiful Peak District.
    Great walks  -  Discover the delights of the Peak District on foot, the hotel provides packed lunches for longer hikes.
    Traditional
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    An ancient ivy-clad hotel, reputedly Britain's oldest, in the charming town of Buxton. Traditional rooms feature pretty chintz wall paper, heavy draped curtains, antique furniture and, some, four poster beds. A popular restaurant and bar complete this wonderfully British escape. See More

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  • Ensana Buxton Crescent Buxton 81 rooms from £145

    Spa breaks  -  Hotel is run by European spa specialist Ensana. A vast spa includes a CO2-infusion mineral bath, thermal pools, and much more
    Restaurant  -  The Dining Rooms serves British cuisine with an international flair while The Spa Café focuses on healthy cuisine
    Great walks  -  The Peak District has a vast network of scenic walking trails
    Swimming Pool  -  Two indoor swimming pools and one outdoor rooftop pool
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyParking

    Having undergone a complete renovation this grand Georgian crescent offers smart accommodation, fine dining, & a world-class spa. Rooms are simple & elegant with original features, typically enormous Georgian windows, and modern furniture. Run by a European spa hotel group, this is a spoiling stay. See More

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