DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE

AND THE

PEAK DISTRICT

BUXTON PAVILION GARDENS

THE FEATURE

Visitors arriving in Buxton for the first time from the bleak moorlands cannot be blamed for pinching themselves in some disbelief as they emerge into a town with fine parks and grand old buildings.  At well over 1,000 feet above sea level Buxton is the highest town in England for its size. Close by is the highest village in England at Flash; the highest railway station at Dove Holes; the second highest public house, the Cat and Fiddle.

The Pavilion Gardens is a Grade II listed park covering 23 acres of landscaped gardens in the centre of Buxton. Edward Milner designed and laid out the park, on land given to the town in the 1870s. A few years later the grounds were extended to include a boating lake, a skating rink and tennis courts.  

High Peak Borough Council have restored and redeveloped the Pavilion Gardens, with the help of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A new bandstand has been constructed, bridges have been refurbished, ornamental urns, seats and new planting have all taken place in the style of the original design.

The Bandstand is used almost every Sunday in the summer, with brass bands playing during the afternoon. Deckchairs can normally be hired when the weather is fine, enabling visitors to sit and relax and enjoy the music.  There are two play areas in the park for children in the gardens. A mini-adventure park for older children with football and basket ball facilities.  For younger children a  more traditional play area is provided.

The park is suitable for all ages, whether its a gentle relaxing stroll you want, or family entertainment. During the summer months and at certain other times, the ever popular miniature train operates in the park, a great favourite with the children  and the not so young! For those who want something a little more challenging there is the heritage golf course by the top lake.   

There are a good range of refreshments available, at the Fountain Restaurant, Gardens Coffee Lounge and Promenade Cafe. The Pavilion Gardens, host a wide selection of fairs and events and even hold Civil Weddings and Wedding Receptions on the premises.

The Conservatory, housing native and tropical plants, leads the way from the Pavilion Gardens to the Opera House.

Designed by Frank Matcham in grand Edwardian style, itwas completed in 1905, but just over twenty years later it was converted into a cinema. Following a period when it had fallen into disuse, it was lovingly restored in 1979, and re-opened as an opera house. In the same year the Buxton International Festival of Music and Arts was born, which has developed into one of this country’s largest opera-based festivals.

From this point you can start your exploration of Buxton with its many fine buildings, attractive shops, restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes. A visit to the Buxton Page on this website will provide you with a heritage trail, a countryside walk and information about this fascinating old town.

  Buxton Pavilion Gardens Events - 2008

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PAVILION GARDEN EVENTS

A wide range of events will be held at the Pavilion Gardens during 2007, from Farmers' Markets to Tea Dances and Craft Shows to Plant and Garden Design Fairs. For further details click the link below.

Pavilion Garden Events

PLACES OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE AREA

Poole’s Cavern: (Tel. 01298 26978) guided tours are provided of the limestone cavern, famous for its stalactites and stalagmites.

Ancient remains show the Romans worshipped here. Large car park, toilets, shop and drinks facilities available. Click here for more details.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery: (Tel. 01298 24658) award winning ‘Wonders of the Peak’ gallery. Programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. Well stocked shop. Open all year Tuesday to Saturday and Bank Holidays.  On Sundays, the museum is open from Easter to the end of September.

Buxton Opera House: (Tel. 0845 12 72190)  designed by Frank Matcham in grand Edwardian style, was completed in 1905.  Following a period when it had fallen into disuse, it was lovingly restored in 1979, and re-opened as an opera house. In the same year the Buxton International Festival of Music and Arts was born, which has developed into one of this country’s largest opera-based festivals

REFRESHMENTS

Fountain Restaurant (Tel. 01298 23114) is fully licensed and can seat up to 200 people in a room that overlooks the promenade and gardens. During lunchtime al a carte menu is served to suit all tastes and budgets.

Gardens Coffee Lounge (Tel. 01298 23114) open every weekend of the year and on weekdays during the summer, half term-holidays and busy event days. Situated above the restaurant, it provides an elevated view of the gardens.

Promenade Cafe (Tel. 01298 23114) a spacious modern cafe, open on a daily basis, serving a wide range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes and salads. There are 130 seats and customers in wheelchairs or with prams will find it accessible and convenient

THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE

From Buxton Country Park the walk soon climbs up to the moors and as Stanley Moor is approached there are good views over Axe Edge and from the best vantage points at the top of the climb Kinder Scout can be seen in the distance. Grin Low and Solomon's Temple are visited on this interesting walk.

Buxton Walk

All details on this page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made without notification.