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!
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Buxton (Buxton Spa)
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.
Derbyshire
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.
Buxton
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.
