Pavilion Gardens in Buxton

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Pavilion Gardens in Buxton
Courtesy of The Pavilion Gardens

The award-winning Pavilion Gardens in Buxton harks back to the great golden era of Victorian public parks, when such amenities were taken seriously. Its 23 acres of perfectly landscaped lawns, flowerbeds, streams, walkways, ornate bridges and pleasant boating lake were designed by Joseph Paxton – the renowned chief gardener at nearby Chatsworth House – providing the fashionable spa town with a picturesque green centre. Following a major restoration project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Grade II listed park remains one of Buxton’s top attractions today.

Outdoors, you’ll find plenty of play areas for kids and a miniature train that takes passengers on a tour of the pleasure gardens, passing the traditional bandstand where local brass bands play and the base of a 2,000-year-old Celtic temple. This much-loved space becomes the epicentre of Buxton in the summer.

Another key reason to visit The Gardens’, however, is for its buildings; a series of beautiful Victorian cast-iron and glass structures positioned along the park’s northern perimeter. The botanical Conservatory is a tropical jungle of rare plants and exotic fish, while the main Pavilion (modelled after London’s Crystal Palace) houses a cafe, tea room, ice cream parlour boasting over 20 flavours, shop selling Buxton-made produce, and art gallery showing work by local artists. Also check out the splendid Octagon – a former concert hall and one of the largest eight-sided buildings in Europe – which hosts regular events, fairs, plays, concerts, artisan markets and antique auctions throughout the year.

Before entering the Gardens, take in the remarkable Buxton Crescent and fill your bottle with the historic spa town’s mineral-rich water at St. Anne’s Well.

St. John’s RoadBuxtonSK17 6BE View map
Telephone: 0129823114 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 4:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Pavilion Gardens in Buxton

Music
MusicStockport
That Night In Manchester

Join the electrifying musical ‘That Night in Manchester’. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Manchester indie scene. Step into the Madchester time machine as you hear a father recount the highs and lows of his life to his only son during the Madchester era spanning his life through the 70’s 80’s & 90’s as you experience the music performed live on stage.

Where to go near Pavilion Gardens in Buxton

Discover Buxton Tours Ticket Office
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Tourist Attraction
Discover Buxton Tours Ticket Office

Take a journey through the fascinating history of Buxton, whether on foot or aboard the vintage tram. The team of knowledgeable guides are all local people with a real passion for the town. Discover Buxton Tours offer the best way to see and experience a town’s history.

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Simply Thai Restaurant

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RedWillow Buxton

Located in an elegantly remodelled Edwardian bank in the heart of the town, the Red Willow is one of our favourite watering holes in Buxton.

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Palace Hotel Buxton & Spa

Designed in the style of a French chateau, this impressive hotel has sat proudly on its hill overlooking Buxton for over 150 years.

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