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Set in a hollow, just over a thousand feet up in the
Derbyshire hills, Buxton is situated in the Peak
District, amidst some of England's most beautiful
scenery. The town's rich history features Roman
settlers, royal prisoners, outlaws and noble
benefactors.
Buxton is the
source of the River Wye, one of the region's great rivers.
This flows downstream to join the Derwent through a series
of impressive limestone gorges. Nearby is the beautiful Goyt
Valley, where one of the sources of the River Mersey rises.
This is an area of rolling hills and sweeping vistas.
Buxton's traditional popularity is based upon its famous spa
mineral water, which flows at a constant 27.5°C and was once
reputed to have healing powers. The Romans first established
baths here and the town has been a popular resort ever since
Mediaeval times.
Over the centuries the town has benefited from some
magnificent architecture, much of it due to the patronage of
the Dukes of Devonshire. There is a splendid Crescent,
ornamental gardens, an Opera House and the largest
unsupported dome in the country. The Opera House is host to
the annual Buxton Festival, and a number of venues around
the town contribute to the largest festival fringe in
England.
This combination of historic spa town, fine buildings,
cultural events and Buxton's location, within easy reach of
Manchester, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and Nottingham,
make it an attractive destination for all types of visitors.
To
find out more about the town visit
www.visitbuxton.co.uk |