Local Area Information

When you book a stay at Number One The Laurels, you will be sent a link to our digital guidebook, Touch Stay. This will give you lots of information prior to your stay so you can not only find out what to expect to find at the apartment, but also includes a local area guide, including helpful information like where to find the nearest cash point and the best places to eat as well as suggestions for walks and places to visit. Our visitors find this really helpful in making the most of their holiday. But here's some information about Buxton to wet your appetite....

With it's magnificant architecture and stunning scenery, Buxton offers something for those that love either town or country. The thermal spring waters of Buxton have been enjoyed since Roman times when the town was known as Aquae Arnemetiae. The only other Spa town known in Roman Britain was Aquae Sulis, now modern Bath.

Part of the Old Hall Hotel, near the Crescent and Opera House, is thought to have been built in 1573 by Bess of Hardwick. At the time it was a fortified tower in which Mary Queen of Scots stayed from 1576 to 1578, at Queen Elizabeth I's request. During Mary's last time there in 1584 she inscribed on a window

'Buxton, whose warm waters have made thy name famous, perchance I shall visit thee no more - farewell'.

The Hall was rebuilt in 1670 by one of Bess of Hardwick's descendants, the first Duke of Devonshire, but did not become a hotel until 1727, at that time the only one in Buxton.

The town became more popular when the 5th Duke of Devonshire had the Crescent Hotel built during the 1780's, some say to tempt his wife to holiday nearer to home. Further up the hill magnificent octagonal stables were built where guests horses (and servants) could stay. In 1859 the 7th Duke was persuaded to convert much of that building into a hospital and in 1881 he added the Dome, reputated to be the largest unsupported dome in the UK, even today.

A decade before the Buxton Improvement Company, on land donated by the 7th Duke, had created the Pavilion Gardens. The main architect, Edward Milner, modelled the Pavilion on London's Crystal Palace. The building was extended at its West End in 1875 with the construction of the Octagon Concert Hall, able to seat 800 people. The Beatles performed here twice in 1963, but these days local craft fairs are the main attraction. In 1889 the Entertainment Stage theatre was built at the back of the Pavilion and has since become the Pavilion Arts Centre, now the home of Buxton Cinema.

In 1903, on the East end of the Pavilion, the Buxton Opera House was built. It was designed by Frank Matcham, who also designed the London Palladium, and seats 900. It is still a popular theatre to this day.

There are many other amazing buildings in Buxton and all are within a 10 minute stroll of Number One The Laurels.

Set in the rolling hills of Derbyshire, Buxton is the highest market town in England and is surrounded by wonderful scenery. On foot is is possible to reach Corbar Cross, Coombs Moss, the Goyt valley, Grin Low Country Park, Solomon's Temple, Poole's Cavern and the 'Ring of Trees', a 10 mile circular walk round Buxton. By car you could explore Chee Dale, Dove Dale, the Manifold Valley, the Roaches, Lud's Church, Three Shires Head, Shuttlingslow, Mam Tor, Monsal Head and may other local beauty spots which are all within 10 miles. Why not enjoy cycling on the Monsal, Tissington or High Peak trails, or go climbing or caving?

By car, the now famous Toddbrook reservoir at Whaley Bridge is only a 15 minute drive away. For Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Lyme Park it's about half an hour. With Manchester, Sheffield & Derby only an hour away, a stay in Buxton is an ideal base for a whole host of activities.