An Elegant Georgian spa Town in the High Peak.
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The Romans were attracted to the Peak District by the minerals, particularly lead, however at Buxton they also found thermal springs.
Thermal springs became fashionable in the Georgian period and the Duke of Devonshire constructed the impressive buildings that lie at the heart of Buxton. The Crescent is similar to, but smaller than the one at Bath. The money came from the lucrative copper mines at Ecton. The pump room, standing opposite the crescent is a Victorian building and is starting to show it’s age. There are many more fine Victorian buildings in the same quarter of the town.
Up the hill, with the Crescent behind you, you will reach the market place (Tuesdays and Saturdays we believe). The 15th century cross was moved to it’s current location just after the Second World War.
The Opera House is part of the Pavilion Gardens buildings and hosts a wide variety of famous artists, not just opera! Parking is easy as there is a two storey car park close by. Each year Buxton hosts an annual festival, centred on the Opera House, which the organisers bill as a ‘feast of opera, music and literature’. Full details are available from their web site.
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There are a wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants for today’s visitor - Buxton is a great centre for the tourist. There is quick access to the wild moorlands of the North Peak District whilst if you leave buxton on the A515 you can reach Ashbourne and Dovedale in well under an hour.
Geographically, Buxton is regarded as the source of the River Wye, which flows southwards through a dramatic Gorge known as Cheedale, through Ashford in the Water, Past Haddon Hall and Chatsworth and into the Derwent. To the west of Buxton, the geology is of gritstone, giving rise to the high, bleak moorland of Axe Edge and the Cat and Fiddle, one of the Highest inns in the UK. Into the grit, the Goyt Valley has been cut and is one of the sources of the River Mersey. There is great mountain biking, walking and climbing in the region for those who prefer that to the culture - Buxton a town that has something for everyone!
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