Starting off at the western end of Spring Gardens, and just outside the NatWest Bank and next to the Victorian terrace shelter, there is a large curved building, which was once the Royal Hotel. Built during the period of 1849 -52 , the site was originally very different premises known as The Angel. Now it’s time to walking up the hill towards the marketplace on Terrace Road, where you can see Buxton’s longest surviving family businesses, that of the Potters.
This Street highlights some fantastic Victorian architecture, evoking images of the past when wealthy industrialists and merchants from far away made Buxton their home of choice. The Slopes is the park opposite and is a great place to stand back and reflect the view and to study the windows and glorious architecture. Now it’s time to pass St Anne’s Church RC on the left and head on up to the famous Buxton’s museum and art galleries which is well worth a look inside if you have the time as it always has some interesting and great exhibitions, highlighting life through the ages in the fantastic time tunnel experience. The ground floor shop is also an alternative for shopping in the town, and is a great source of local information stocking books, postcards, souvenirs, but also mineral specimens and toys and books suitable for children.
Now we reach the historic market place, one of the oldest shopping areas of the town with buildings here dating back to the eighteenth century. The Market Cross can be found here and dates back from the fifteenth century. It has been moved from its original position where it once stood in front of the town hall. The well next to it is one of the wells which plays a part in the annual well dressing but which is now disused as a supply of water.
The market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, every week come rain or shine and the farmers market takes place on certain days, bringing in a lot extra customers. The market traders sharing their wares with the multitude of shops which surrounds the marketplace and the atmosphere is really welcoming, especially at Christmas time. Carry on up the High Street to the recently refurbished Sun Inn and the Cheshire Cheese to have a look at the wonderful intricate architecture.
On the corner of Bath Road behind the White Swan pub is Buxton’s oldest and smallest surviving churches, St Anne’s. It is thought to have been built during the early part of the 17th century and now it is time to go back to Spring Gardens, Pavilion Gardens highlights at lot of recent refurbishment carried out during the past few years and across the great lake, the new boathouse and play area for children is testament to this.
Cross in front of the Old Hall hotel and leave the gardens behind you, going past the tourist information office on your left and ST Anne’s Well is well on your right, where Turner’s Memorial comes into sight and finally back to the NatWest bank once again.