Where to go and what to do on a spa break in Buxton

Things to do in Buxton

Famous for its mineral-rich spa waters, Buxton's thermal springs have attracted visitors for their healing properties since the Romans were here. The town has now grown into a picturesque destination characterised by impressive Georgian and Victorian architecture, as well as offering easy access to the beauty of the Peak District National Park. Here are just a few of the most popular things to do on a spa break in Buxton.

Explore historic sites

Head out on the Buxton Heritage Trail to explore the historic buildings and learn about the stories that made this unique spa town, complete with QR Codes providing interactive content. Alternatively, choose your own top sites, from Solomon's Temple at Grin Low, visit St Ann’s Well, the Grade I-listed, Georgian Buxton Crescent, and the famous Pump Room.

Visit historic gardens

In this refined part of the world, beautiful gardens are one of the great joys. The Pavilion Gardens are a perfect example - a Grade II-listed property showcasing Victorian splendour alongside 23 acres of gardens including a boating lake, miniature train, play areas, fountains and wildlife.

Discover Poole’s Cavern

For a truly unique experience, Poole’s Cavern is a natural wonder to behold. A carboniferous limestone cavern, it's a magnificent cave forged over millions of years, and said to have been explored by Mary, Queen of Scots. Beautifully lit, it's a chance to see the prehistoric shapes dating to the Neolithic and early Bronze ages.

Hike in the Peak District

With the Peak District National Park just moments from the town, a spa break in Buxton is the perfect opportunity to also make time to explore the great outdoors in this beautiful part of the UK. The Derbyshire & Peak District Walks app is a great way to do that, with 200 routes to choose from, guiding you along the way and giving you options depending on how far you want to go.

Experience the arts

A place of refinement, it's fitting that Buxton has a thriving arts scene, and has done across the centuries. Take the time to head to the theatre at the Pavilion Arts Centre, enjoy a performance at the Buxton Opera House, or head to The Gallery in The Gardens to see works by local artists.

Spas and spa hotels in and around

From a chance to experience the mineral benefits of natural spring waters to swimming on the rooftops of historic landmarks, spas in and around Buxton offer a chance to revel in wellness and luxury at the same time.

The Buxton Crescent Hotel, Buxton

The fusion of two historic properties, The Buxton Crescent Hotel sits on a famously elegant Georgian crescent in Buxton, the landmark destination brings 200 years of history into the present day. The five-star hotel offers Art Deco style and refinement, while the Ensana Buxton Crescent spa is a world of its own. An array of features include a chemical-free pool filled with mineral rich waters under an exquisite stained glass canopy, a bio-thermal sauna, CO2 mineral bath, an infra-red sauna, Finnish sauna, multiple steam rooms, a salt cave, an indoor relaxation pool that sits under a ceiling of stars, a rooftop pool, and a heated outdoor area with two integrated Jacuzzi zones.

Palace Hotel and Spa Buxton, Buxton

In a building that dates back to 1868, The Palace Hotel is a palatial building originally designed by the Duke of Devonshire’s architect. Today it's home to a hotel combining heritage style with contemporary wellness. Surrounded by five acres of private grounds, it offers style and comfort in abundance. The spa capitalises on the sense of relaxation created by the surrounding 23 acres, along with a sauna, steam room, sun beds and beauty rooms.

Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa, Staffordshire

An awe-inspiring location with beautiful views, this hotel is packed with rustic charm and that makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa is a family run inn surrounded by beautiful gardens and with views over the surrounding countryside. Rooms are cosy, and the award-winning restaurant is rustic chic. The Mill Wheel Spa continues the air of rustic warmth, offering guests a wide range of thermal facilities including the Farmers Sauna, the Peak District 'stone bath' steam room, the Mill Wheel Shower, the rasul, plunge pool and an outdoor vitality pool surrounded by the spa garden. There's also a popular Beach Hut, where you lie on a bed of warm sand to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

New Bath Hotel and Spa, Matlock

A four star boutique hotel in one of Derbyshire’s most beautiful stately homes, the New Bath Hotel and Spa has been refurbished to include 54 luxuriously appointed bedrooms surrounded by the outstanding beauty of the Peak District. The spa is a new addition to this 17th century building, replete with a sauna, steam room, an outdoor hot tub and a relaxation room, as well as an outdoor thermal spring swimming pool, open seasonally.

Mottram Hall, Cheshire

A Champneys hotel and spa, Mottram Hall enjoys the grandeur and prestige of an 18th-century, Georgian country house, complete with an ornamental lake, and surrounding grounds totalling 270 acres of Cheshire countryside. The spa is as stylish as you might expect from a world-leading wellness brand. The pivotal feature has to be the 20-metre swimming pool with an inbuilt hydro pool and surrounded by louder and private cabanas, as well as thermal facilities. Meanwhile, treatments use award-winning brands including Aromatherapy Associates, Elemis and, of course, their own Champneys product line.