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About Buxton


 

   
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

 
 

Last updated 18 February 2007

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