Best things to do in Buxton
Where the heck is Buxton you ask?
Nestled in the heart of the peak district in England, Buxton isn’t as well known, but it has the benefit of small town charm while also having the best outdoor landscape in its backyard.
Spend a day at the spa
Buxton Crescent - I did their twilight taster package on a Saturday from 5 to 8 PM which cost 95 pounds. (More details below)
Devonshire spa - Doing some research, cost wise this spot is cheaper, however, the facilities don’t look as nice. However, there are a lot more service options and shorter timetables if you just wanted a quick break.
I did the twilight package at Buxton Crescent Spa. You get 3 hours access to the pools and sauna As well as relaxation room & gym. Felt like that price you should’ve been given some sort of food or a welcome drink. They had 6 saunas though which is awesome & I really enjoyed the aromatic room as well as the infrared sauna room. None of the pools were overly warm & I wish they had a salt bath. Saw some mud rooms & floating pool rooms but those were locked. Also wished I brought my book with me. The outdoor pool bit that was amazing and I bet it would be even more incredible on a nice day. I think you get more bang for your buck with the Crescent twilight spa package or indulgent afternoon spa since it comes with treatment or food. The 5-8 timeframe was perfect for me to ease my muscles after a day of hiking. Speaking of hiking…
Go hiking
There’s about 555 square miles of mountain range to hike in the peak district, and one of the most popular Mam Tor is only a 20 min drive or 1 hr train ride outside of Buxton. Can also get to Edale where I did the Kinder Scout via Jacobs ladder hike. Just be aware of weather in advance & have the right gear!
Stroll along the local shops
Some cute ones I found are Peekaboo clothing, Scriveners bookshop, and Cavendish arcade. You can also grab a coffee / cake from Dandelion as fuel to rummage the racks or a reward for after.
Try a Derbyshire Oatcake
This was something I spotted on the menu at my brunch. Someone explained it to me as a mix between a pancake & a tortilla wrap. Think crepes but more savory as they are made with oat & wheat. Let me know if you try one what you think!
Check out the picturesque Pavilion Gardens
This is a great FREE thing to do, with over 23 acres of gardens & landscape which you can visit all year round.
Visit neighboring town Bakewell
Just a 20 min drive (or 45 min bus ride) is the town Bakewell, home of the famous Bakewell pudding. This English dessert consists of a flaky pastry base with a layer of sieved jam and topped with a filling made of egg and almond paste. Not to be confused with a Bakewell tart, this pudding is sweeter and said to have been invented following a culinary accident in the mid-19th century at the White Horse Inn where a cook failed to follow instructions and spread the egg-and-almond paste on top of a pastry base instead of mixing it in.
As you can see, there’s quite a bit to do in Buxton! I think this would make the perfect weekend trip to get out of the city or to explore a new area of England. Plus, Northerner brits are super friendly people so you know you’re in good hands. 🤗
Need an extra boost to solo travel? Read my post about the benefits of solo travel HERE.
Sincerely,
Sarah
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