Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

If you think of Buxton, what springs to mind? Rain? Water? Hills? What about dazzling Bridgerton-esque grandeur? Roman wonder cures? Or even Everton FC? Whether you’re a history buff or just a casual fun seeker, the <a href="https://buxtoncrescentexperience.com/buxton-crescent-experience/">Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience</a> must-see if you’re visiting the ‘Bath of the north’.&nbsp;



The experience takes you through a staggering 10,000 years of history with different exhibitions to keep all ages hooked. And the best bit? It&#8217;s housed in the recently reopened, Grade I listed <a href="https://www.ensanahotels.com/buxton/en">Ensana Crescent Hotel</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Opera-House.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2215" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Opera-House.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Opera-House-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Opera-House-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Opera-House-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Opera-House-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Buxton Opera House</figcaption></figure>



Arriving in Buxton is always a feast for the eyes. At over 1,000 feet above sea level, it’s the highest market town in England with dramatic hills in all directions. Along with the vista, the town is peppered with architectural gems. From the Frank Matcham designed <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/">Opera House</a> to the <a href="https://www.ensanahotels.com/old-hall-hotel/en">Old Hall Hotel</a> (where Mary Queen of Scots spent her summers), Buxton oozes stories from the past. And approaching the Crescent Hotel is no exception.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Old-Hall-Hotel.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2216" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Old-Hall-Hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Old-Hall-Hotel-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Old-Hall-Hotel-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Old-Hall-Hotel-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-Old-Hall-Hotel-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Buxton Old Hall Hotel</figcaption></figure>



This marvel of Georgian architectural design was commissioned by the fifth Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish. He used his copper mine profits to transform Buxton into a pleasure town that would rival Bath. Why? Because of the town’s natural thermal waters of course! A prized natural resource for Georgian and the Victorian nobility who loved to ‘take the waters’. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130825.857.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2228" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130825.857.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130825.857-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130825.857-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130825.857-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130825.857-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Ensana Crescent Hotel</figcaption></figure>



The exhibition is in a dedicated section of the Grade I listed building so it’s a treat in itself to step over the threshold. I took the <a href="https://buxtoncrescentexperience.com/buxton-crescent-experience/">90-minute premium tour</a> which gives you more of a deep dive. But if you want to wander at your own leisure, there’s also general admission. (This might be best if your gang can get restless.) 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibion2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2221" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibion2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibion2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibion2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibion2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibion2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



My lovely guide Joanne was an absolute fount of knowledge. Even though I used to work in Buxton, I learnt loads from her which made me look at the town through new eyes. If you’re a first-time visitor, this insider guide will help you to connect with Buxton&#8217;s story on a deeper level. Perfect for little historians in the making. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2220" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



We kicked off with a whirlwind history of the town, starting with the arrival of Romans. They named Buxton ‘Aquae Arnemetiae’, or Goddess of the Grove, when they discovered the natural thermal springs. Getting straight into the detail, Joanne talked me through the incredible finds on display. There are Roman coins right the way through to the left shoe of possible Georgian aristocracy (found under the floorboards during the hotel’s restoration).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Shoe-Buxton-exhibition.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2218" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Shoe-Buxton-exhibition.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Shoe-Buxton-exhibition-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Shoe-Buxton-exhibition-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Shoe-Buxton-exhibition-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Shoe-Buxton-exhibition-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Each room has different elements of delight. From a ceiling lined with Wedgwood to interactive games, there’s loads of fun to keep little ones with shorter attention spans engaged. And if like me you enjoy getting geeky with the details having a guide on hand is brilliant. (I’ve been repeating Joanne’s facts to my gang all this week. Sorry everyone.)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/VR-hot-air-balloon-Buxton-exhibition.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2223" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/VR-hot-air-balloon-Buxton-exhibition.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/VR-hot-air-balloon-Buxton-exhibition-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/VR-hot-air-balloon-Buxton-exhibition-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/VR-hot-air-balloon-Buxton-exhibition-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/VR-hot-air-balloon-Buxton-exhibition-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



A few stand-out sections that kids will love. The VR hot air balloon ride over Georgian Buxton and the underground exploration to meet the grizzly pharmacist. I loved discovering the famous visitors to Buxton throughout the years. And definitely spent way too long reading about the autographs in the hotel’s Distinguished Visitors book (which was found in a skip in the 70s!).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2225" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2224" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/Buxton-exhibition6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



We ended the tour at the gorgeous <a href="https://buxtoncrescentexperience.com/pump-room/#about">Pump Room</a> (now the Visitor Information Centre) which is an architectural gem in itself. If you’re on the premium tour, you get to fill and take away a bottle of Buxton’s glorious water, straight from the well.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130559.889.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2227" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130559.889.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130559.889-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130559.889-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130559.889-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/11/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-2022-11-07T130559.889-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>The Pump Room</figcaption></figure>



At the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, you really get to soak up the importance of the town in the story of Georgian Britain. And to see the Crescent back to its former glory after standing derelict since the 90s is quite moving. After your tour, I highly recommend nipping next door to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CavendishArcadeBuxton/">Cavendish Arcad</a>e for a mooch round some lovely indies or a spot of promenading through the Pavilion Gardens – true Georgian style.&nbsp;

Wade in the water! Muddy visits the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience

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