Buxton & The Peak District



Surrounded by the Peak District, Buxton is a stunning market and spa town nested between Manchester and Sheffield. The town is perhaps most famous for its geothermal spring water, which is bottled and sold internationally. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy visiting Buxton because of its proximity to a variety of landscapes and geological features. Our holiday cottages here in the centre of Buxton are well suited for an adventurous getaway. Despite the rugged surroundings, Fern Farm holiday cottages are spacious and generously appointed and being easily accessible offer direct access to hiking trails, streams, woodlands, and other natural attractions. Whilst the Peak District National Park is the biggest draw in the area, Buxton itself is home to lots of activities and attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages. Its centre has several notable real ale pubs as well as cafés, restaurants, shops, and spas, making Buxton as suitable for a relaxing retreat as it is for an outdoor adventure holiday. 

Outdoor Activities



The Peak District National Park surrounds Buxton, lending the town its title as ‘The Gateway to the Peak District National Park’. The park stretches over 202 square miles and has excellent trails for trekking, walking, cycling, and horse riding. Many trails run alongside former railway lines and cut right through the heart of The Peaks. The park is also very popular with climbers.

Nature



Poole’s Cavern is a two-million-year-old limestone cave on the edge of town, within easy reach of Buxton holiday cottages. Located beneath a beautiful country park, the cave is open to visitors daily and offers tours every 20 minutes. The cavern is illuminated with LED lights, which reveal just how enormous the space is; thankfully there is a sturdy walkway that allows visitors to take in the scenery from a safe vantage point!

Culture



The Buxton Opera House is the best theatre venue in town and hosts performances nearly every day. It is located very close to the centre of Buxton and can accommodate over 900 guests. Plays, musicals, dance reviews, concerts, and comedy shows regularly swing through Buxton, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment on their holiday.

Museums



The Buxton Museum and Art Gallery combines archaeological, geological, historical, and art exhibits. Together these exhibits weave the story of Buxton and its surrounding area. Whether interested in science, art, or history, the museum is sure to appeal. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, and Sundays from Easter to September the 30th.

Leisure



Spas are another main attraction in Buxton and there are several in town. The most notable spas in Buxton are at The Palace Hotel and The Dome, which are both easily reached from Buxton holiday homes. A lot of visitors come to Buxton for the spas alone, whilst others enjoy spa treatments following a day spent trekking through The Peak District.



Buxton Weather

Buxton is 300 metres above sea level, making it the highest market town in the country. Its elevation means that temperatures in Buxton can be relatively cool. The best time to visit is in the summertime when high temperatures can be over 20°C and rain is not as frequent. When the sun is shining Buxton is simply stunning. Chilly weather prevails over much of autumn and spring, but conditions are still well suited to hiking and exploring The Peaks. Winters can get quite cold and temperatures regularly dip below freezing. The winter landscapes are breathtaking.

Getting to and around Buxton

​Manchester is the closest major city to Buxton at a mere 40 kilometres away, and a frequent rail service from Manchester to Buxton is available. The journey to holiday cottages in Buxton takes about an hour. Alternatively, Buxton is less than an hour’s drive by car or taxi from both Central Manchester and Manchester Airport.

Being a tourist attraction you will find a very reliable bus system also available.