Buxton

Buxton is one of the highest towns in the country, sitting over 1,000 ft above sea level in the Peak District National Park. The surrounding hills shelter the town, where people have been 'taking the water’ for over 2,000 years. There are eight thermal spas, belching water at a constant 28°C.

In the late 18th century the 5th Duke of Devonshire set about creating a spa town to rival Bath, he built a grand Doric style crescent facing St. Ann’s Well and built a riding school and stables, featuring the largest unsupported dome in the world, which were later converted into the Devonshire Royal Hospital.

These days the Pavilion complex features a mineral water swimming pool, public gardens and an Opera House, where the Buxton Opera Festival kicks off in early July, followed by the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, that runs from the end of July until mid-August.