Located in a striking Grade I listed building, we review Buxton Cresent Spa Hotel in the Peak District

If you’ve been following us for a while, then you’ll know that we have a big soft spot for heritage buildings that have been lovingly restored into gorgeous hotels. From shophouses and former military barracks in Singapore to architecture that housed famous political and cultural events in Paris, there’s just something special about staying within walls that have witnessed unique parts of history. And recently, the team at Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel invited us to come and stay and to learn more about the Grade I listed building’s fascinating history, while enjoying the healing powers of the onsite spa and enjoying Peak District National Park, too.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We review Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel

The history

Originally built between 1780-1789 for William Cavendish, AKA the 5th Duke of Devonshire, Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel finds its home in an absolutely stunning Georgian Crescent. The building was designed by the architect John Carr and was conceived to be the crowning glory in the Duke’s plan to establish Buxton as a spa town. The area had long been renowned for its natural thermal mineral water, and the idea was to replicate the buzzing Georgian spas that were fashionable in the south of the country around the same time.

Originally, the crescent was made up of a selection of private lodgings and hotels, but following a massive renovation to restore the property, the hotel was opened to the public in 2020 in its new, singular form. Rooms inside the property have been thoughtfully restored and decorated in keeping with the traditional colours and textures of the time. This attention to detail is best seen in the gorgeous event spaces such as the Assembly Room, where towering Corinthian columns frame an intricately designed ceiling that recalls the original in both patterns and hues.

Arrival experience

On a Wednesday morning in Autumn, I headed to Euston Station in London to take the Avanti West Coast train to Macclesfield. In my Standard Premium cabin, I enjoyed watching the changing countryside pass me by and in around two hours, I’d reached my destination. From there, a short 20-minute taxi ride through rolling hills with every shade of green set the scene for this truly unique stay that sits on the border of Peak District National Park.

You can’t help but be struck by the beauty of Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel. Though I knew full well that the hotel was housed in a Georgian-style crescent building, actually witnessing the building as I stepped out of the taxi took my breath away. Like whenever I buy a piece of vintage clothing, when I get to experience a heritage building, I love to think about all that went on there: the parties, the fashion, the scandal, the sadness.

Stepping inside for check-in, I was very excited about the upcoming few days and seeing the full scope of the property.

Sweet suite times

Home to 80 guestrooms, I was lucky enough to stay in one of the gorgeous Crescent Suites. Made up of four different rooms, my suite had stunning views of the other side of the building, thanks to its beautiful curvature and St Ann’s Well, the spot where the town’s natural mineral water can be collected. Heavy curtains, high ceilings resplendent with chandeliers, and huge windows add to the grandeur of the suite.

The bedroom included a four-poster bed that was ridiculously comfortable and actually quite hard to get out of because I slept so well. A large TV, a small fridge with complimentary water bottles (Buxton, of course), and a kettle with a selection of teas and coffees were on offer, alongside a range of biscuits.

A freestanding bath with Penhaligon’s products in Blenheim Bouquet fragrance was the cure-all for aching limbs. Painted in Wedgewood blue and with fittings to suit the heritage-style of the room, this was a really lovely addition to the space. So too was the under-floor heating in the thoughtfully designed bathroom, which included both a hand-held and a rain shower.

That spa life

One of the huge perks about staying at Buxton Crescent, apart from the gorgeous design, is that you’ve got a spa on your doorstep. Slip into your robe and sandals in your room and head down for a day of complete relaxation.

There’s a stunning indoor/outdoor rooftop pool that’s perfect for swimming laps before heading outside for a float. Downstairs, the indoor healing thermal pool is filled with the mineral-rich water that the area is famous for. Settle in under the stained glass canopy with a good book and let the healing waters do their thing. There’s even a designated relaxation pool with a starry ceiling that is the ideal antidote for life’s day-to-day.

If you’re more of a sauna person, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. Step inside the Finnish sauna and get sweating or head to the Bio-Thermal sauna for something a little lighter. There’s an Infrared sauna, an aroma steam room, a steam room, and two relaxation rooms, including a heated one where I spent hours reading my book one afternoon.

If you’re a treatment fiend like me, then get excited. I enjoyed a sensational Swedish Full Body Massage thanks to my therapist, Hannah, and her healing hands. I loved that she worked on my problem areas and then gave me a list of things to do in the spa to help them, plus some guidance on what to do at home. It’s that kind of attention to detail that really makes this place special.

I also treated myself to a Comfort Zone Sublime Skin Active Lift facial. The products used are designed to reduce lines and to increase skin elasticity, and I must say that I was really impressed with the results. Even a week afterwards, my skin feels much softer and looks fresher too.

If I were to go back, I’d like to try the Underwater Jet Massage, where a therapist massages you with high-pressure jets while you’re in one of the baths. It sounds amazing!

There’s a really decent-sized gym, complete with a selection of weights and cardio machines, and a studio for stretching and yoga.

Eat and drink

Darwin’s Bar is the spot for a pre-dinner or evening drink. It’s decked out to feel something like a Gentleman’s Club with little nods to Phineas Fogg throughout. One other detail in here that I found really delightful is that the property has partnered with Pan Macmillan Publishers. So if you have a look through the book collection lining the walls, you may find one with a sticker that says you can take it home – a sweet memento of your time at the hotel.

Dinner is served at 1789, where Chef James Redmond prioritises local produce, and you’re in for a treat. I can confirm that I had the fish of the day two nights in a row because it was that good. My recommendation is to go for a local cheese platter to finish your meal, though I hear the Sticky Toffee Pudding is also top-notch.

Breakfast is also served in the restaurant. There’s a selection of continental items along with a small range of charcuterie and the option to order something from the kitchen. I went for the avocado toast with poached eggs, which was nice but felt a little unloved, especially after the impressive dinner spread. 

Experiences

The hotel connects you to loads of local providers who can help make your stay in Buxton even more memorable.

I decided to go on an e-bike adventure with PeakEPedals, a company that takes you touring across the Peak District. We had a great few hours taking in the scenery, chatting with the cows, and learning more about the area. We even stopped off at a super cute cheese shop and stocked up on local dairy products.

Buxton Opera House is both architecturally divine and the ideal place for some entertainment. Offering a rotating selection of whimsical shows, be sure to book ahead to secure your spot. The building is the UK’s very best example of Frank Matcham’s theatre design, the same architect behind London icons such as the Hippodrome, Hackney Empire, and the Coliseum.

The hotel is also a wonderful place for celebrating special occasions, like engagements, births, and anniversaries, with a range of packages to suit.

Learn more about Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel or Book through Booking.com

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