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IIt’s a wonderful sunny morning buxton, derbyshireYet when I approached St. Ann’s Well to fill my water bottle, there was no one around.
I have been visiting this town regularly since my childhood, especially in summer, when the wells are full of peak District Decorated with petals – a practice dating back to pagan times.
The Romans were attracted by Buxton’s natural thermal springs – like the one here Bath In topsy-turvy -And they’re not alone.
The area around Bath is home to 193,400 people, but in 2023, it received 5.4 million tourists, resulting in congested roads, informal parking and air pollution from coaches. And so in July, councilor Lobbyed the government to implement a visitor tax in an effort to combat overtourism,
buxtonOn the other hand, it shares many of Bath’s attractions, yet it has a population of 20,048, and only 1.5 million visitors last year. Its beautiful, Georgian architecture and therapeutic natural springs make it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway, especially for those who want to avoid the crowds.
a roman Holiday
When the Romans discovered a hot spring at St Ann’s Well around 50 BC, they founded Buxton, and named it Aquae Arnematia, after the goddess Arnematia.
Matthew Howarth, Program Manager Buxton Crescent Heritage Trustsays: “Bath and Buxton both have their origins as Roman spa towns built around natural thermal springs. Each has baths and temples associated with water deities. These towns were seen as destinations for wellness and recovery, and Roman remains at both confirm the importance of the water’s curative properties.”
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At Buxton, these include the roads leading to the town, pottery on display in the library and the underground ruins of a bathhouse.
In the late 18th century, Buxton Crescent, an arch of hotels and houses, was built over the Roman remains, inspired by a similar crescent in Bath. Natural mineral baths and Grade II-listed pump Room Several temples were also built at the site in the 19th century, which are now a visitor centre.
Today, St. Ann’s Well includes Buxton Crescent Spa HotelWhile visitors can learn more about the site’s history Buxton Crescent Experience,
‘Pride and Prejudice’ in Peaks
The similarities between spa towns don’t end there. jane austenWho had a very complicated relationship with Bath, loved him peak District,
In pride and PrejudiceThe character Caroline Bingley says, “There is no better county in England than Derbyshire”, while the novel’s protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, visits Chatsworth HouseA 30-minute drive east of Buxton.
It featured as his girlfriend’s home in the 2005 film adaptation of the novel, starring Keira Knightley. During this time, Lime ParkA 30-minute drive to the north, it stood in for Mr Darcy’s estate in the 1995 BBC series – it was here that actor Colin Firth emerged from the lake in a famous scene.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth, fans can participate in Buxton Georgian Festival (Which takes place from 23rd to 28th September this year). The program includes a Georgian market, a talk by historian Mark Dawson and an evening with Terrible Histories author Terry Deary.
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Other highlights include tours centered on diarist Anne Lister, led by costumed interpreters, calligraphy workshops, a terrace and a Regency Ball.
“The ball features live music from the period,” says organizer Matt. “The moves are called out, so people know how to dance to the music. Costume is preferred – you can hire period dresses from specialty shops such as Fardigale,
a cultural hotspot
However, a visit to Buxton need not be limited to autumn. world famous Opera House It is at the heart of the city’s thriving arts scene, which flourishes throughout the year.
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Every summer, opera singers, artists and writers come Buxton International Festival (BIF) and Buxton Fringe Festival For a series of extraordinary cultural events. Verdi’s performance la traviatacalling you Ruggiero’s liberation and Viardot’s the last magician Already confirmed for next year’s BIF,
elsewhere, Pavilion Art Center It is home to a 360-seat cinema. octagon hall Holds regular tea dances, exhibitions and fairs, and there’s always something going on gallery in the gardens – I have had many accidental meetings with local artists there.
When it’s time to eat, stock up on Buxton pudding at the Pump Room or Derbyshire oatcakes at Buxton Market (which, at 1,032 feet above sea level, is the highest market in England).
For something more sophisticated, try 1789 Restaurant At the Buxton Crescent Hotel – I’ll never forget its dark chocolate and hazelnut torte – or the Old Hall, the oldest hotel in England, where Mary, Queen of Scots, once stayed.
With its vibrant cultural scene, restorative Roman baths and impressive Georgian connections, it’s remarkable that Buxton feels so intimate. Maybe it’s time to close Bath and turn it into this charming, crowd-free city.
where to stay
Double rooms at the Buxton Crescent Hotel cost £185 per night, including breakfast and use of its mineral-rich pool.
Alternatively, double rooms at the more affordable Old Hall Hotel start from £99 per night including breakfast.
how to do it
direct northern Trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton take one hour.
direct Avanti West Coast Trains from London Euston to Macclesfield take two hours; From there it is a 25-minute drive to Buxton. local firm top cars Offers reasonable rates.
Sarah traveled as a guest of Avanti West Coast and Buxton Crescent Hotels.