Why this Georgian spa town is the perfect base for exploring the UK's Peak District

Perched on the edge of the Peak District’s uplands, Buxton wears its heritage on its sleeve. Its Georgian crescents and Victorian halls recall an era when visitors came to ‘take the waters’ from mineral springs that still flow today. It’s an old market town, and the centre remains full of independent shops and cafes. Take a day to explore on foot; little details reveal themselves as you go, whether it’s the splash of a pond in the Botanical Conservatory or the curve of a terrace in the glow of golden hour. The surrounding corner of Derbyshire has more architectural highlights, including grand stately homes just a 30-minute drive away. But Buxton’s biggest calling card is perhaps its location at the doorstep of the Peak District National Park. With limestone hills, wooded gorges and open moors all within easy reach, this is an ideal base for exploring one of the UK’s finest expanses of countryside.

How should I spend a day about town?

Days in Buxton take shape with ease. You could start with a walk through the tree-lined Pavilion Gardens; nose around small galleries and antique bookshops, such as Scrivener’s; then welcome in the evening in a toasty pub — The Old Sun Inn, set in a former coaching inn dating to the 17th-century, is a safe bet. Don’t miss a backstage tour of Buxton Opera House. A jewel of Edwardian baroque theatre design, the building — which still hosts talks, music shows and more — reflects master architect Frank Matcham’s signature lavish style. Its ornate facade opens to an auditorium of velvet seats, gilded plasterwork and stained glass, with a statement chandelier lighting Renaissance-style ceiling murals.

What if I want to explore further?

A short drive brings you to Bakewell village, set by the River Wye and home to pretty stone cottages. The Original Bakewell Pudding Shop serves almond and jam confections first made in the 19th century (not to be confused with cherry-topped Bakewell tarts, though those are on offer, too). It’s a good place to stop for lunch; dig in to British fare made from local produce, such as steak and ale pie or filled Derbyshire oatcakes. Nearby Chatsworth House rises from seemingly infinite parkland. Inside, grand staircases lead to rooms hung with Old Masters and lined with antiques; outside, landscaped gardens and fountains spill towards the River Derwent. For Tudor architecture, there’s also family-owned Haddon Hall country house, which is over 900 years old.

What’s on offer for nature-lovers?

Directly beneath the town is Poole’s Cavern, a limestone cave open to visitors with stalactites believed to date back two million years. Or explore Blue John Cavern in nearby Castleton; it shelters an extremely rare, violet-streaked mineral that can only be found in the area. Above ground, the Peak District unravels in every direction. Follow woodland trails through Padley Gorge or take the high paths of White Edge and Froggatt Edge for sweeping views of moorland, dusted with pink-purple heather from mid-July to mid-September. The Jubilee Rock loop is equally scenic but without the climb. For cyclists, the Monsal Trail runs along a former railway, through tunnels and across viaducts with views of the Wye Valley.

Where should I stay?

Set in the town centre, Buxton Crescent Hotel is a Georgian landmark that was once home to a bathing spa and assembly rooms. Its crescent-shaped arcade has been faithfully restored, retaining hints of period elegance, and overlooks the Pavilion Gardens, meaning many rooms enjoy green views. For something more intimate, The Maynard is a boutique option just outside the centre, right by some of the Peak District’s most-loved walking and cycling trails.