The lovely spa town of Buxton lies just outside, but is surrounded by, the Peak District National Park and is the highest market town in England. It’s easy access to the National Park and its fine Georgian architecture provides for a perfect cottage holiday in the Peak District.

The Romans first occupied Buxton in 70AD and named the town Aquae Arnemetiae because of the warm springs found there; its history as an important spa town continued until the early 20th century. Today Buxton has an excellent collection of independent shops, a shopping arcade and there are markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays; ideal for stocking up on your cottage provisions.

In town you’ll find the Pavilion Gardens, which extends for 23 acres of ornamental gardens, walking trails, lakes, children’s play area and a miniature railway. Buxton Opera House hosts the Buxton Festival, a prestigious opera and arts festival, each July as well as many other events throughout the year.

Poole Cavern is a popular destination for visitors to Buxton. This two million year old limestone cave is thought to be named after a 15th century outlaw called Poole, who used it as a hideout. Visitors can see various chambers extending over 310 metres, although the system is thought to extend further than this.

From the car park beside the cavern you can follow the woodland path and explore Buxton Country Park. There is plenty of wildlife to see here, and some uncommon wild flowers can be seen on the summit of Grin Low, at 437 metres above sea level. This is an ideal place for a picnic on summer days, although there is a cafe in the cavern’s visitor centre. At the summit of Grin Hill, Solomon’s Temple, a folly built in 1896, marks the site of an ancient burial ground.

To enjoy a break in the Peak district see our cottages in Buxton.