You might think 'are there actually things to do in Buxton?' or 'is there anything else other than spas in Buxton?'
Most people think that Buxton is a small area with not a lot to do, but in actual fact, Buxton is bigger than you think with loads of hidden treasures planted all over!
If you are an outdoors person and love exploring or someone that loves visiting museums, art galleries or bespoke cafés, then you'll love Buxton.
Buxton is situated in the heart of the peak district with a hand full of lovely walks to choose from. One of the most popular walks for students is to Solomon's Temple where some of the locals in Buxton may know it as Grinlow Tower. Solomon's temple is a Victorian Fortified Hill Marker where you are able to see the whole of Buxton standing on the top. During winter when it snows, the walk to Solomon's Temple is so magical it's like you are walking in a winter wonderland with only the snow to see for miles! From the town centre it looks like the temple is as so far away, but it is only 2.5 miles away and if you put your mind to it the walk can be done in an hour. One thing I would advise you to not do however is visit Solomon's Temple in the rain (I learnt that the hard way :L) because it rained that much we kept slipping over and got covered in mud haha!
If you are someone that likes to keep active outdoors, Buxton has a Go Ape centre on the way to Solomon's Temple. This Go Ape is situated high up in the woods where they offer the Tree Top Adventure activity with high-speed zips, free-fall Tarzan swings and daring crossings which will ensure you have an action packed and active 3 hours of fun. Buxton also has a handful of gyms located all around which suit every need and build, whether it's for weight training or fitness classes, Buxton has a gym for you. If you are interested in keeping fit whilst in university here is a link to all of the gyms: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gyms+in+buxton
One perk of studying in Buxton is that everything is at your doorstep so no need to get a bus anywhere. Believe it or not, there are quite a few different shops ranging from high street to independent clothe shops but if you can't find anything you like, there's always online shopping :D. When it comes to the dreaded food shop, you may start to worry about whether or not you'll have enough money left over to go out and enjoy yourself! Thankfully, there are many different food shops ranging from budget friendly (like Lomas Foods or Aldi ) to premium food shops (like Waitrose and M&S Food), so depending on what your loan allows you to buy, you will be able to find something for you (And ASDA DELIVERS) All supermarkets are really close by with the majority on the high street (right next to halls) and a few up on market place so you'll never be short of food and on the odd occasion you do, you can always order a takeaway as Buxton has a few! (AND ASDA DELIVERS)
Buxton has a lovely museum and art gallery located on the slopes just before you get to the market place, where you can hear and learn all the fun and interesting facts about Buxton. There are 2 different exhibits: Wonders of the Peak and Boyd Dawkins Study.
If you are someone that is more interested in different cafés and enjoying a nice afternoon tea, Buxton is also the place to be. Buxton has so many different cafés all around the town centre so you'll be spoilt for choice! (I recommend No.6 The Square located opposite the opera house, delicious :P).
Interested in the social life of Buxton and want to find out more? Take a look at our previous post which explains what Buxton has to offer when it comes to socialising with your friends or taking family out when they come and visit you at university.
Hannah,
The Spa and Wellness Blog