Things to do in Buxton Derbyshire With Kids

Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Suzy McCullough

Buxton is a spa town located in Derbyshire, East Midlands. It is high up with the highest elevation of any market town in the UK. There’s plenty for families to see and do which are covered below.

Table of Contents

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Average time of visit – 1-2 hours. Indoors
Visit Buxton Museum and Art Gallery to discover the archaeology, geology, art and history of the Peak District. There’s always something new to see in our changing programme of exhibitions, events and workshops. Admission is free.

Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park

Average time of visit – Up to 2 hours. Indoors and outdoors
Take a journey beneath the earth with expert guides, explore the vast limestone caverns and see how crystal stalactites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Stroll through beautiful woodland trails to a panoramic Peak District hilltop viewpoint.

The wonder of the Peak Tram Tour

Average time of visit – 1 hour. Indoors or outdoors
Journey back in time to experience a bygone age aboard a Victorian tram and relax as your knowledgeable guide reveals the historical and architectural gems. Catch it from outside the Buxton Opera House. Other tours are available.

Solomon’s Temple

Outdoors
At the summit of Grin Low Hill, just a 20-minute brisk walk from Poole’s Cavern, is Buxton’s very own folly, Solomon’s Temple. Pause here for a well-deserved breather and enjoy some spectacular views across the High Peak. Looking beyond the impressive Dome of the former Devonshire Hospital (now the University of Derby) and the dignified sprawl of Buxton.

Go-Ape Buxton

Average time of visit – 1-2 hours. Outdoors
You’ll find one of our more challenging sites here in the heart of the Peak District. This leafy course is beautiful in all seasons – a lush green tunnel high up in the treetops. This is one of the highest Go Ape courses in the UK which features one of our biggest Tarzan Swings. With this claim to fame, we’ve added a whole host of zip wires meaning there’s an exhilarating extended course with its own tree-to-tree section to fly through.

Things to do Buxton — Photo courtesy Go Ape

Buxton Murder Mystery Treasure Trail

Outdoors
Why not explore Buxton on this self-guided Detective Mystery Treasure Trail? As you follow the Trail route, can you solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to eliminate the suspects to discover whodunit? The Trail starts right outside the grand old Buxton Opera House and then explores the historic and picturesque centre of town. The route leads you through both the lower and higher parts of town before returning via the Crescent grounds to the beautiful Pavilion Gardens.

The Pavillion Gardens

Outdoors
The Pavilion Gardens is a beautiful historic venue dating back to 1871 which superbly shows off the Victorian splendour of Buxton. Set within 23 acres of magnificent landscaped gardens and play areas the venue provides the perfect setting for fun and relaxing family days out.” Including play areas, a miniature train, an activity park and a boating lake.

Buxton Raceway

Outdoors
Buxton Raceway, formerly known as ‘High Edge’ started in the early seventies. The track is a 380m tarmac oval with steel plate fencing and a figure of eight circuits. Events include Monster trucks, banger racing and more.