Buxton area guide

Are you looking for a house for sale in Buxton at the moment and thinking that this town may be perfect for your family’s next move? Well, here is our complete area guide to help you make the right choice.

Buxton is described as “the gateway to the Peak District National Park”. A municipal borough until 1974, Buxton was then merged with other localities lying primarily to the north, including Glossop, to form the local government district and borough of High Peak within the county of Derbyshire. Despite being in the East Midlands, economically Buxton is within the sphere of influence of Greater Manchester. This town has something to offer for all of the family from festivals and shopping to great food and drink outlets.

Living in Buxton 

If you are looking for houses for sale in Buxton at the moment now may be a good time. This town is regarded as a great town to raise a family, or settle down and grow old in. This area offers a variety of different houses, apartments, and other properties with an average price range of £100,000 for small terraces and cottages up to £1m. 

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Local amenities

The Springs Shopping Centre together with The Cavendish Arcade are full of unique and specialist independent businesses mixed with major national retailers and the town also hosts a weekly market which is packed with amazing hand-crafted products.

Shopping

The Springs Shopping Center together with The Cavendish Arcade are full of unique and specialist independent businesses mixed with major national retailers including Next, JD, and New Look. The town also hosts a weekly market that is packed with amazing hand-crafted products. For groceries, you can visit the lively Buxton food and drink market which takes place on the third Saturday of every month or perhaps the farmers market which takes place on the first Thursday of every month. At the farmers market, you can find free-range eggs, a selection of cheeses, locally sourced meats, breads, pastries, and cakes. Of course, Buxton also has other grocery stores on the main street for your everyday shop including Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco to name a few. 

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Food & Drink

Food

For a spot of breakfast or tea, you have a great selection to choose from. H&D Exotic tea offers exciting snacks like pancakes for the kids and delicious treats for the adults. It also includes a cosy gift shop with cards and mini gifts. Other breakfast/ brunch spots include Eat at No.5 which is rated 5 stars on trip advisor and The Herb Garden Vegetarian Bistro, perfect for veggies of course. For a fabulous lunch, you can pop into St Moritz or The Chakra Lounge, both offering a great atmosphere with great food.

For dinner, you can pick from Buxton’s great range of restaurants to suit any foodie’s desires. Lee Wood Hotel and Restaurant and The Railway are great places to bring the whole family for a Sunday roast.  If you are looking for something a little more romantic you can visit the Taj Mahal or La Capri’s. If you want something a little more simple you can check out the amazing pizzas at Pizza Express or the outstanding Sushi at Sushi Kaji where you can dine-in or take out.

Drink

If you love cocktails or are seeking a perfect spot to meet with friends for a night out you can visit the Monk Cocktail Bar. This bar is unique, offering modern cocktails with an old fashioned twist, it’s all about the detail and craft at this cocktail bar. Their menu includes some unique items such as “what a pear” which is a mix of Midleton Whiskey Blend, banana, vanilla, and citrus. If wine is more your thing then you can head to Rumors Wine Bar or 53 Degrees. For a more casual drink, you can go to one of the local pubs in the area for a pint, we would recommend Red Wilson for its great selection.

Spa & Wellness 

For a day filled with relaxation, you can visit the Devonshire spa. This is an award-winning spa located at Devonshire Royal Campus, the building itself is spectacular but the treatments are even better. Whether you need some stress relief or pampering Devonshire has it all. Treatments include facials, massage treatments, body treatments such as scrubs, and other beauty treatments for women. They also occasionally run special offers throughout the year. If you are looking for some treatments but don’t want a full spa day you can visit some other local salons such as Spabox or The Beauty Roms which is located within the Place Hotel. 

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Fitness 

You won’t fall short when searching for a gym in this town as there are plenty, and at great prices too. Some of the top-rated include New Body, Buxton Swimming and Fitness center for those who like a dip after their workout, and Crossfit. If you are looking for an extra bit of motivation you can even start a fitness program at the David Lloyd club where you can attend fitness classes. 

Healthcare & dental 

In terms of healthcare, the town has its own hospital Buxton hospital as well as Cavendish hospital. There are also many health care facilities within close proximity such as in Derbyshire. There is also a large selection of dentists in the area such as Buxton dental practice and Lightwood dental care, which are the best rated in the town. 

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Leisure & pleasure

Outdoor activities

For outdoor enthusiasts and families, you will not be lost for things to do here. This town offers a great selection; you can walk, explore and cycle in the Country Park and Woodland, the Pavilion Gardens, or you could head to the popular Peak District for a real getaway from busy day to day life. For something a little different there are plenty of other activities. For example, Poole’s Cave which is a large limestone cave classified as one of the greatest attractions in the UK. Queen Mary of Scots was said to be one of the first people to visit it and since then it has been a hot spot for tourists and locals. The cave is great for a couple or family day out, lit by beautiful LED lighting systems. For the thrill-seekers you can take a visit to Peak District for some rock climbing, abseiling or bouldering. Popular climbing spots at Peak District include Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge. If climbing isn’t for you, you may opt for a cosy camping trip instead at one of Buxton’s popular camping sites. If your kids have a need for speed you can take a trip to Swains Center which is for driving lessons predominantly but they also offer activities such as go-karting. For something peaceful, you can take a mini boat ride in the Pavilion Gardens, suitable for children and adults.  For the smaller kids, a ride on the miniature train at Pavilion Gardens is great fun. 

Indoor activities 

On rainy days you can enjoy some indoor activities in the area. You can take a trip to the Opera House, located just in the square. Here you can enjoy classic movies and live shows to suit the entire family including comedy shows and live musicals. The museum and art gallery are also interesting spots. Here you can see a fantastic collection of over 360 million years of artifacts and art to view. If art is your thing you may also enjoy a visit to The Green Man Gallery. This gallery is pretty unique, hosting events, live music, and workshops for all. Here you can also view some contemporary fine art pieces. For something a bit different you can head to Pig and Pepper for a cosy bakery masterclass with friends and family. 

History & Architecture 

If history and architecture is your thing you will have a selection of unique and interesting things to see here. You can visit Saint Ann’s well for a start. The water that flows through the well is said to have health-giving properties dating back to the ancient Romans theory that water that flows through limestone hills provides health benefits. In terms of architecture, we would recommend the Crescent which also offers a heritage experience now a hotel and spa, Saint Marys the Virgin Church, or Solomon’s temple.

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Festivals & events 

The Eat-in The Park festival is a two-day long food and music festival that typically takes place in August of each year. The festival has something for everyone with over twenty food and drink vendors. The lineup includes local artists and tribute bands. It is a family-friendly event that includes entertainment for the kids too. One of the largest events which takes place annually is the Buxton carnival which takes place every July. Here you can watch the carnival and enjoy live entertainment. Also taking place every July is the annual BIF which stands for Buxton International Festival. This festival is regarded as one of the UK’s leading arts events. Here you can see some of the most promising rising stars in the arts world as well as leading UK artists. Other festivals and annual events include the annual Buxton Antiques Fair which takes place mid-May and the Flowerpot Trail. The Flowerpot Trail is definitely a family favorite in the area, featuring silly and wonderful flower pot creations.

Schools

This town is the perfect place for families with outstanding schools all on your doorstep. Buxton’s infant school is rated as one of the best schools in the area. This is followed by Burbage Primary school, the community school, the junior school, and Fairfield Endowed CofE C junior school.

Travel links

Buxton is well connected and offers a mainline train service from Stockport and Manchester, a National Express coach service from London and even a direct bus twice an hour to Manchester Airport. There is also a very comprehensive local bus service allowing access to nearby villages and local hamlets.

Looking to move to this area?

If you are thinking of buying a home here you can pop into our local Wright Marshall agents located at 8 the Quadrant.