Things To Do
Interest Breaks
Set in a wonderful land of hill, dales and forests, Buxton is the elegant spa town of the English Peak District. The Old Hall Hotel, said to be the oldest hotel in England is steeped in history. Built on the site of a natural warm spring, the location of the original Roman Baths. The Romans named it 'Aqua Arnemtiae' possibly after the goddess of the spring, worshipped by the Celtic tribes a thousand years or more before the Romans braved the northern hills to find Buxton. In more recent times Mary Queen of Scots had apartments here, and since her stay many famous and interesting people have slept away the nights in the hotel's ancient rooms. They say that each room could write a book with a few ghost stories thrown in.
Although Buxton is in one of Britain's most beautiful and unspoilt areas, it is in fact in the central part of England which makes it an excellent centre for tourism with very easy access to most major centres. You will be spoilt for choice with nearby places of interest. A few suggestions are .................
Bakewell. Where the tarts come from. Castleton. Blue John and Speedwell Caverns. Sherwood Forest. Haunt of Robin Hood. Hathersage. Where Little John is buried. Heights of Abraham. Cablecar ride. National Tramway Museum, Crich. Working vintage trams. The Chetsnut Centre. Nature Trail. Owls and Otters. Tideswell. Home of the Cathedral of the Peak. Eyam. Site of the Bubonic Plague. Chesterfield. Site of the most crooked church tower. Manchester. Museum of Science & Industry and Granada TV Studios Tour. Plus stately homes and castles. The Potteries. Where Wedgewood, Royal Doulton and Spode come from.
Two night dinner bed and breakfast rate from £135.00 per person (subject to availability)
Theatre Breaks
Just across a leafy square from the Hotel is one of the most exquisite theatres in Britain. The Buxton Opera House. One of Frank Matcham's original Edwardian Theatres. Luckily it was recognised for its significance to the theatre world and completely refurbished to its former elegance in the early eighties. Without doubt one of this country's most beautiful theatres. The Buxton Opera House is home to the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival and the top Opera and Ballet touring companies of Britain.
So, if you appreciate Opera, Ballet, Theatre, or Orchestral Concert, you are only across the square from a glorious evening, made complete with one of our special Theatre Breaks, which includes pre or post performance dinners in the restaurant or a light meal in the wine or theatre bar, or you can enjoy your starter and main course pre-theatre and then discuss the performance over sweets and coffee afterwards.
Why not contact us to find out the current theatre programme and let us book the theatre break for you, including discounted ticket of your choice, dinner bed and breakfast. Many of our regular theatregoing guests say they cannot think of a more delightful way to spend an evening.
Two night dinner bed and breakfast rate from £135.00 per person (subject to availability)
10% discount on most Theatre productions
Stately Homes Breaks
There is no better location for visiting the Stately Homes of England. In fact it really is Stately Home country. The Old Hall Hotel was actually built by the husband of the notorious 'Bess of Hardwick' who built both Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth. In fact, Chatsworth is just across a couple of hills. (We measure distances in hills around here!).
We list a few of the wondrous treasure houses with some castles thrown in. All of which are within easy driving distance.
- Chatsworth
- Haddon Hall
- Belvoir Castle
- Lyme Park
- Capesthorne Hall
- Bramhall Hall
- Adlington Hall
- Gawsworth Hall
- Tatton Park
- Calke Abbey
- Arley Hall
- Hardwick Hall
- Moreton Old Hall
- Sudbury Hall
- Peveril Castle
- Tutbury Castle
- Beeston Castle
- Bolsover Castle
Two night dinner bed and breakfast rate from £145.00 per person including Chatsworth Ticket
Walking Breaks
This is God's own country for fresh air people! Hills, hills and even more hills as far as the eye can see. Forests, moors, dales, sleepy remote stone-built villages, welcoming cosy pubs. It's all here in Britain's wild and lovely Peak District.
Get up early to a hearty hotel breakfast and within minutes you are in the hills. Remember! The Old Hall Hotel is over a thousand feet above sea level so you are off to a good start. And don't forget to ask Chef for one of his renowned survival kit packed lunches, keep you alive for a week!
We list a few suggestions of places to visit ......
Kinder Scout, Dove Dale, Millers Dale, Lathkill Dale, Carsington Water, Hartington Trail, Tissington Trail, Rushop Edge, Manifold Valley, Monsal Head, The Roaches, Goyt Valley, Macclesfield Forest, Derwent Water .
The Towns & Villages of interest ......
Ashbourne, Hartington, Castleton, Longnor, Youlgrave, Butterton, Bakewell, Hathersage, Eyam, Alstonfield, Baslow.
Two night dinner bed and breakfast rate from £145.00 per person inclusive of a walking map of your choice and a packed lunch.
In addition to the normal break this charge is inclusive of One Packed Lunch and Walking Map.
Therapies, treatments and more
Annette Boden - Hypno-psychotherapist
Annette has worked here at the Old Hall with the University of Manchester for a relaxation and stress masterclass after each day of their conference
Visit website
Inspired by Life by Susi Henshall
Mobile Reiki Master and Holistic Therapist
Send an email
01298 213351
The Devonshire Spa
Visit Website
01332 594408 (located in Buxton)
Days Out
For days out in Buxton visit www.visitbuxton.co.uk and for days out in the Peak District visit www.visitpeakdistrictandderbyshire.co.uk
Here are a few ideas......
Alton Towers A theme park full of rides and adventures for kids of all sizes and adrenaline addicted adults... It's an absolute must-do day out!
Blaze Farm Blaze Farm in Wildboarclough is an award winning farm set on the edge of the Peak District. Famous for our Hilly Billy Ice Cream
Speedwell and Peak Cavern.
Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife and Falconry.
Cycle Hire and Delivery Service Mountain bikes and childrens bikes.
Tittesworth water : water sports,out door pursuits, Team building.
Gulliver's theme park over 60 rides and attractions.
Pedal Peak District, Get away on safe, traffic free trails.
Lady Booth Pony Trekking,Farm rides, X-country course, family lessons and ,many more.
Tissington Hall, Home of the FitzHerbert Family of over 500 years.
Walking Festivals, in the Peak district and Derbyshire.
www.visitpeakdistrict.com/walkingfestivals
Well Dressing and Glourious Gardens.
