Folded into the rolling green hills of the Peak District is Buxton, a spa town renowned for its mineral springs. You might have drank from it if you’ve ever purchased Buxton water? It’s a small place with a big hidden gem. Here are 4 things that will make your day out in Buxton brilliant.
Like exploring the outdoors? Why not check out these 3 great walks in North Yorkshire. Or ever fancied staying in a Shepherd’s Hut?
1. Adventure inside Poole’s Cavern
Journey into the earth thanks to these natural, limestone caverns. The gigantic chambers have formed over millions of years so you are literally walking through ancient history.
Around 310 metres is accessible to the public, but they have found another cave! How cool is that. They’re hoping to open it up in a few years time but first they need to examine it to reveal even more wonder. You can only enter Poole’s Cavern on a scheduled tour but they’re worth it. I left with incredible facts from its social history to scientific findings. This is by far the number one thing to do in Buxton.
POOLE CAVERN KEY FACTS
- Adults £11, Children £5
- Tours last 1 hour
- Underground is a constant 7 degrees so wrap up warm
- Summer Opening: March – October, 9:30am – 5pm
- Winter Opening: November – February, 10am – 4pm
- No dogs allowed in the cavern
- Email or ring in advance to reserve a place
- You can digitally discover the cave here
2. Find Solomon’s Temple
Don’t miss a stroll around Buxton Country Park. It’s a treasure trove of woodlands, wildlife and flora. Pick up a map from the Cavern and choose your route. The yellow trail has fossil sculptures, find animal carvings in the green trail or tackle the longer blue route.
The one thing you need to find is Solomon’s Temple, which sits on the top of Grin Low Hill. The tower, built in 1896 by a local farmer, actually sits on an ancient burial ground. An archeological dig found Bronze Age skeletons scattered around.
The small stone roundhouse gifts you with a 360 degree view of Buxton. On a good day you can see for 15 miles. We could just spot Mam Tor all the way over in Castleton. Just spectacular. And it’s only a 20 minutes walk!
3. Refill at the Vintage Tea Room
After a few hours exploring caves and wandering around the woodlands, you’re definitely due a tea break. It’s the British way right? Head down into town and you’ll spot a colourful shop front called Everythings Rosy. Find a nice selection of cream teas, coffees, cakes and light lunches.
But what makes this place really special? It doubles as an antiques and vintage homeware and accessories shop. A little Aladdins cave of goodies from chairs to cushions and teacups to tables. Browse upstairs and downstairs and you might just leave with a delicate trinket or new piece of furniture!
Interested in city exploring? Here’s the best way to spend one day in Manchester!
4. Explore The Pavilion Gardens
Take a stroll through The Pavilion Gardens, a 23 acre landscape that dates all the way back to 1871. Explore calming lakes, pristine gardens and fun playgrounds. We saw families, dog walkers and bird feeders taking advantage of the fresh air. There was even a boating lake and miniature train. This is the perfect place for all the family to relax and socialise.
A day out in Buxton is the perfect way to explore just a tiny part of the Peak District.
(AD) Book an overnight stay!
If you’re a fan of the outdoors and take a fancy to historic towns in lushious surroundings, then make sure you plan a trip here soon.
Have you ever visited Buxton before? Are there other towns you enjoy in the Peak District? Let me know below.