English (UK)
English (US)
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
简体中文
A mini guide to
Buxton & the Northern Peak: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Poole's Cavern and Grin Low
Poole's Cavern's own site covers the cave, Buxton Country Park and Solomon's Temple, so the cave visit and the walk up Grin Low can be combined.
The Pavilion Gardens
The Gardens' website lists a boating lake and a miniature train, and the River Wye runs through the park.
The Goyt Valley
Errwood Hall is a ruin in the Upper Goyt Valley, and the valley holds two reservoirs, Errwood and Fernilee, close to the Cheshire boundary.
Pick a spa treat
Buxton Crescent is now a hotel and spa, and the Palace Hotel advertises a spa; check each website before you book.
Buses to the rest of the Peak
Buxton is the starting point for the High Peak 61 and 62 and for the 442 to Ashbourne; use Traveline or Travel Derbyshire for current times.
Events
The Peak District event seasons
Dates come from the organisers: confirm on their sites before booking.
Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall
11 November to 20 December 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Haddon Hall's own website gives these dates for the Christmas artisan market; the hall is otherwise closed to normal visits between events, so check the Hall's pages.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Buxton & the Northern Peak?
Buxton & the Northern Peak is in Derbyshire, England. A Georgian spa town with an opera house, a show cave and the Goyt Valley on its doorstep. Nearby stops and stations include Buxton station, High Peak 61 and 62, High Peak 442.
How long do I need in Buxton & the Northern Peak?
1 to 2 days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Buxton Opera House, Buxton Crescent, Pavilion Gardens. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Buxton station (Northern); High Peak 61 and 62 (High Peak buses); High Peak 442 (High Peak buses); Whaley Bridge and the Goyt Valley (Northern). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 19 places to eat and drink in and around Buxton & the Northern Peak, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 6 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Buxton & the Northern Peak accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Buxton & the Northern Peak
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Chapel-en-le-Frith
Market town in High Peak, nicknamed the Capital of the Peak.
Poole's Cavern
Natural limestone cave on the edge of Buxton, a Site of Special Scientific Interest; the same site covers Buxton Country Park.
Solomon's Temple
Victorian tower on the summit of Grin Low above Buxton, also known as Grinlow Tower.
The Peak District
More areas to explore
Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale
Show caves, a Norman castle and the start of the Pennine Way below Kinder Scout
Open the mini guide →
Bakewell, Haddon & Monsal
A market town on the Wye with Haddon Hall, Chatsworth nearby and the Monsal Trail
Open the mini guide →
Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley
A gorge village with a cable car, and Arkwright's mills in a World Heritage valley
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Whaley Bridge: Dave.Dunford, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Chapel-en-le-Frith: Gerald England, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Poole's Cavern: Dave Pape, Public domain, source
- Solomon's Temple: Stevekraken, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale: Peter Barr, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Bakewell, Haddon & Monsal: Kmtextor, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley: Janine Forbes., CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dovedale, Ashbourne & the White Peak South: Paul Albertella from Manchester, UK, CC BY 2.0, source
- Hathersage, Longshaw & Eyam: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Peak District