The Buxton Opera House is a beautifully restored Edwardian opera house that regularly stages music, theatre and ballet shows. The theatre is designed by the talented Frank Matcham and features two Neo-Baroque domes on its facade. It has been a favourite venue for provincial theatre-goers for over 100 years.
What a great little venue. I came to see Marc Almond in October 22 and from the initial greeting from the team right through to Marc's performance, it was good old fashioned service and quality. The venue is as much as a star as the performers. I was in awe gazing around the theatre and felt transported back in time, when things were simpler and nicer. Well worth a night out to see anything if not just to enjoy the venue and setting.
Shaun ?Sparkles? — Google review
I love everything about this venue except how tight the seating is, no legroom whatsoever. Great scenic location, free parking, friendly staff. Iconic historic building.
Ray Burge — Google review
Amazing theatre and fantastic performance - of Pirates of Penzance. My 12 yr old son's first musical theatre, brilliantly staged and performed. Great value seats with full view in the Upper Stalls, from which we could see the orchestra too. Drinks are also reasonably priced. Long may this brilliant venue thrive!
Andy Findlow — Google review
Edwardian opera house in centre of Buxton, designed by Frank Matcham. He designed the venue to precise measurements so that the edge of the stage could still allow all levels of the audience to view the performer. However during a refurbishment the stage was extended, which means if the artist is at the edge of the stage half the audience can no longer see them.
D T — Google review
Enjoyed the ballet it was beautiful.
However no social distancing, very crowded, people around me not wearing masks!!! No signs or staff to encourage this. So won't be going again for a while as didn't feel safe!!
avril akrigg — Google review
Excellent intimate place for a show, all seats are not too far away from the stage. The decor is stunning.
Drink prices were quite reasonable for a venue like this. Only downside as me being 6 foot tall, the seats are very small. Apart from that-recommended.
Shane Allen — Google review
We went to see Around the world in 80 days. It was a great show sadly the theatre was only half full. The theatre itself is beautiful
Janet Ransome — Google review
Attended with my partner to see a favourite group after missing events during the pandemic. First time to the venue as wheelchair user ♿️ Excellent experience from start to finish, thanks to everyone at Buxton Opera House. Tickets arrived in the post prior to the event. It's great to have as a momento! Wheelchair access to the side of the main entrance and adapted facilities are available. The staff were extremely helpful hosts. Beautiful, historic building with great atmosphere. A must do experience if you get the opportunity
Karen — Google review
A beautiful venue and the staff are always polite and friendly.
Went to see Toyah and Roberts Sunday Lunch. Was so entertaining!! Had a great night!
Justin Partington — Google review
Been before and would come again friendly staff, clean and lots of really nice decor inside. Usual over priced drinks but that's pretty much the same at all venues. Couldn't really make out what the singer was saying for most of the show but that could be down to the sound engineer. We watched the circus of horrors and it was amazing 👏
Mark Ramsdale — Google review
Such a beautiful theatre and the staff there were all so helpful and friendly. The set for the Panto was amazing as was the Panto itself, Aladdin. Would definitely recommend.
Celine Coop — Google review
I love everything about this venue except how tight the seating is, no legroom whatsoever. Great scenic location, free parking, friendly staff. Iconic historic building.
Ray Burge — Google review
Buxton Opera House is a lovely building inside and out. The theatre is quite dated but with exquisite wall and ceiling décor! Although the seats were quite hard, narrower than other theatre seats and also tight in leg space for people who are taller than 5ft 3inches. We watched Steve Steinman's Vampires Rock 2023 with Lorraine Crosby as the Vampire Queen on Saturday, 28th January, 7.30pm (it ended at 10.20pm with extra sing-along and stand up dancing). The show was great fun with audience interaction from Steve/the Baron. The theatre is quite compact so the audience, especially where we were in the stalls, had a great view. Free parking is available after 6pm at the nearby Pavilion Garden car park (about 3 mins walk). The park (with water fountain, bridge, boating lake) is a quick walk away from the Opera House as are many restaurants. Recommend to book in advance for any shows/movies shown. I booked the show tickets (£36.50 pp) online, with extra protection in case of cancellation for £2.19 per person, through the Buxton Opera House website. I chose to collect the tickets at the box office, which I did a day before the show date. The lovely lady at the box office was so friendly and helpful. A must visit at least if you are in or around the Buxton area!
Kim-Th?y Huynh — Google review
A wonderful old Victorian theatre, beautifully maintained with a wide variety of performances. Large pavement area outside great for gathering pre performance and also to escape for fresh air during the interval! I visited twice this week to enjoy the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.
Jenny Thompson — Google review
Enjoyed the matinee performance Gilbert and Sullivan's Yeoman of the guard. Good fun. Staff very friendly. No queue for drinks or ice-cream in the interval. A nostalgic experience. Young leads strong.
James Baron — Google review
Brilliant night at Buxton opera house! Sir Ranaulf Fiennes! Wow! Every seat taken! Brilliant helpful staff to show you to your seat and the venue is breathtaking. Stunning building! Highly recommend!
Lesley Smith — Google review
1st visit to the opera house. It took me back abit. The old fashion velvet seats. Very comfortable. Staff very welcoming. Nothing too much trouble. Very informative. The bar has a small area so pre-book you're Interval drinks makes it so much easier and quicker.
Dawn Fairbanks — Google review
Absolutely stunning building, great ushers very knolagable indeed.
I had pre ordered our tickets, so there was no waiting.
We were Sitting at the very top of the building, and we were shown straight to our seats.
Just a really good experience all around.
We saw the Circus of Horrors, I can also very highly recommend seeing them
Rosemary Gilman — Google review
A beautiful traditional theatre. Have been a number of times. For seating purposes even if you’re at the very back you can still see clearly due to the fact it is not a large theatre
The sound quality is good and the seats are actually surprisingly “large” and reasonably comfortable.
Jennifer Biggs — Google review
New Years Eve gala event was amazing. Great fun and excellent value for money. Due to the large number of people who attended it meant that the bars were not very accessible and our reserved drinks were not available. However overall fantastic evening in a beautiful building.
Stephanie Moustache — Google review
Ballet Giselle - superb little opera house. Our first visit but we have already booked Swan Lake in Jan.
The best seats probably vary with what type of show it is but for ballet I always like stalls near the stage. The photos show a seated eye level view from rows A B C D & F.
Brian Dougal — Google review
Beautiful old theatre, complete with its original fixtures and fittings.
Great location adjacent to the Pavilion Gardens, with great eateries close by.
Nick Jones — Google review
The Buxton Opera house is truly a beautiful building and has been restored to a high standard.
The staff were really friendly and very accommodating throughout.
We sat in row B and even though some have reviewed that the seats have no leg room, we found it sufficient.
The queues for the toilets, bar and ice cream were quite busy but as our performance wasn't a sell out they were bearable. I think on more busy performances, this could be problematic.
Disabled parking is very limited, but due to its location I don't believe this can be improved.
Overall, we will definitely be returning to this venue.
Poole's Cavern is a limestone cave located in Buxton Country Park, which offers visitors the chance to explore subterranean chambers and see crystal stalactites and other strange formations. The attraction is two million years old, and was inhabited by people in the Bronze Age and Roman Period.
Large car park.
You have to pay. £3 for 4 hours ..
This car park is also the entrance area to Go Ape.
Once parked there are several walks that you can do.
One of then is straight through the forest and takes you up a hill to Solomons Temple.
A nice monument to see with excellent landscape views.
The paths are rocky in places.
Not the best for buggies, but fine for children and dogs.
Dogs are allowed off lead in this area and by the temple, and most are..
A gift shop by the car park and a cafe plus toilets.
Outside eating area and some tables in the shade.
Picnic benches.
The hot chocolate is recommended!!
Great place for families to visit.
james ward — Google review
Lovely experience. Tour guide was friendly and helpful. The experience overall was very good, the I formation part of the tour is interesting and the use of humour kept it interesting. The path through the cavern is mostly flat with some steps some of which were a little steep but manageable. There are 2 low areas to pass through at just under 6ft.
sarah benson — Google review
Had an amazing time going into the caves with such a knowledgeable guide.
There was a lovely surprise at the end, and that alone was well worth the the cost of a ticket!
It does get chilly down there, so was glad I had read the information provided on the website and had wrapped up warm.
We had booked for 9.30am, and our group was very small, we could see that the group was much larger when we left.
Overall, a very memorable experience.
Ambia Waheed — Google review
Poole's Cavern is an absolute gem! This natural wonder is a must-visit if you're in the Buxton area. The guided tour takes you deep into the heart of the earth, where you'll witness stunning limestone formations that have been millions of years in the making. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the cave's history, making the tour informative and engaging. The well-maintained pathways and excellent lighting ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. The gift shop offers unique souvenirs, and the surrounding woodland is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fascinating adventure, Poole's Cavern won't disappoint. It's an underground marvel that deserves every bit of praise it receives!
jukejmen uk — Google review
A fantastic day out. With the walks around the woods and only a short distance to get to Solomons temple too with great picnic spots we could enjoy waiting for our entrance time. Whem it was our time the staff at Poole's Cavern directed us clearly to where to go and we got to enjoy the visitor center whole waiting for our guide. The tour was incredible. The staff were approachable and knowledgeable. They made the tour interesting for our children as well as all the adults that had come along too. Still packed with facts but delivered in a way our 7 and 10yr old had a great time learning too.
The cafe staff were brilliant too. Prompt and efficient and we had lovely coffee and hot chocolate after our tour.
Margaret Corson — Google review
Lesson the day. Don't touch things.
What an amazing experience.
That was my first time visiting a place like that and didn't know where or what I was heading...
In the first instant, I thought...I don't like this, cold and wet. But what a magical experience I loved. Each place takes you to another embodiment and everything seems to be alive.
My best take from that magical experience is don't touch things to respect and protect the nature of life
Yes, I do recommend Poole's Cavern.
Mrs. Mariane Costa — Google review
Most spectacular cave I've been in, and I've been in a few. Stalactites and stalagmites all over the place, such a fantastic history. Guide was lovely and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend booking early as groups are fairly small and it's gets booked up quickly. Well worth it. Can walk around the country park too, different level paths- can be hard walking as all uphill , nice statues to come across though
Gill P — Google review
Great cavern to visit. Tour guide was great and gave plenty of information on how the cavern was formed and also the history of becoming a tourist site. Some beautiful formations including stalactites and stalagmites. In busy periods I would recommend booking in advance.
Andrew Harpin — Google review
We visited the cavern and it was really wonderful to learn about it on the website and by our tour guide who was very friendly, humorous and knowledgeable [Elliot]. As a Historian I did archaeology at undergrad and it felt like I was going back to my field trips which was great. I wanted to take notes 😂. The gift shop is nice and the lighting in the cavern is very useful. Elliot also said they put in a lot of work for the cavern to be more accessible to those who use a wheelchair which was good to hear that they are working on this. I hope to see them break through the current end point within the next 40 years [or whenever it is].
E JS — Google review
Unfortunately it couldn't have been a worse day weather wise to visit here however that did not affect the cave tour which was wonderful. The tour guide was very knowledgeable regarding the cave, it's rock formations and history and very easy going regarding questions and the taking of photos. After the tour we had food and drinks in the cafe which was basic cafe hot or cold meals but perfectly adequate and reasonably priced. Apart from the cave tour and some woodland walks there is little else here especially on a wet day however we were able to do the short woodland walk to the tower at the top of the hill before the rain set in again. Certainly worth a visit especially when you have the grandchildren with you.
Alan Amesbury — Google review
Visiting Poole's Cavern in Buxton was a fantastic experience! The cavern itself is stunning, with impressive formations and knowledgeable guides. However, I must mention that the express ticket prices are on the higher side. While the overall visit was enjoyable, the cost might be a deterrent for some. Consider the value you place on cave exploration before deciding on the ticket option.
Abhisek Patra — Google review
Very interesting place. The guide was very knowledgeable. The settings are amazing. In Buxton your surrounded by beautiful British countryside. It's a great place to take the kids and also well behaved Dogs.
C Fong — Google review
Very interesting place to visit. Luke our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the cave system and made for a very enjoyable tour. There is a gift shop and also a cafe, serving drinks, cake and light meals.
Kate Morgan — Google review
Great, very informative tour guide. You definitely should book tickets online... we didn't and had to come back later to gain entry.
Very well presented and illuminated. Great for children and adults.
Adam Robinson — Google review
Car parking with pay and display. Take care to comply with one way entry as there are tire busting retractable spikes if you try and enter via the exit. Entrance to the cave is through the cafe and shop. The cave is paved throughout with only a few steps. An easy walk and interesting 45 minute guided tour!
A I — Google review
Was stopping here while travelling solo, booked the early tour so there wouldn't be many people and to my surprise the was me and 1 other bloke so had our own private tour which couldnt have been better tbh the tour guide was great and very knowledgeable lots of great facts and good history aswell. I have been to many caves but they are not as well lit and easy to walk through like this one, the temperature drops as you go into it so make sure to wear something warm. Nice little café at the visitor centre so you can get hot food and drink before or after the tour, lots of parking and a good little walk up the trail they have which is worth it if you have the time. Overall 5* for me and my experience will definitely be coming back again with my friends! 👍
Alex Hall — Google review
Enjoyed our visit, very interesting guide. It can be quite damp and chilly, so dress appropriately. I noticed some folk having to leave the tour as their children were getting cold and distracted. It's a little challenging under foot in parts, and head height is quite low. But all said and done a fascinating experience.
David Risley — Google review
Great mini day out with kids. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. We didn't do much research before going, but I have to say it was definitely better than expected. Using different light techniques was a wow factor for all. Afterwards we had a meal in a cafe inside. Good choice of options, very clean and cosy after being a bit chilly inside the caves. It was one of the best gluten-free breakfast feasts we had, thank you! Overall highly recommended. We didn't realise Go Ape is right next to it, so I am pretty certain we will be back soon.
Ania Shotton — Google review
Stunning cavern set in the wonderful Peak District. Really great priced and with good paved flooring its an easy choice for those with restricted mobility though do keep in mind so.e areas have low headroom and there are some steps and slopes inside the cavern. Due to the nature of the attraction the floors will be wet. It is wheelchair accessible but only 20%. This is reflected by the free entrance fee. Carers also go free with suitable ID. A must visit. Wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable tour guides AND you can also take your well behaved doggy along too. (They have a wall of four legged visitors pics in the cafe)
andy welford — Google review
I visited Pooles Cavern a few weeks ago whilst camping nearby. It is a nice place and a really cool history.
It is slightly out of the way and I think only one bus services the area nearby.
We booked tickets in advance. I am not sure if you can get tickets on the day. Although you possibly could with a space available.
The tour is suitable for all ages. I wouldn't say it is wheelchair accessible though as their are stairs throughout the Cave system.
You vet guided along the Cave by a tour guide, giving you various information on the history and use of the Cave over the years and some geological information too.
The tour is about 1 hour long. It is well lit, very safe, and not at all claustrophobic.
I recommend it if you are into history and geology.
Callum Beaumont — Google review
Nice place to visit and see the history of over rocks over 1000 years. Nice formations inside. Guides are knowledgeable. Lot of parking available. Few other attractions nearby, so we can park here and visit other and have a good day.
gopichand duggirala — Google review
Excellent tour with an informative guide. Hand rails and a laid flags floor and well illuminated steps made this feel safer underfoot than some cave tours can feel. Dogs were allowed which was welcome.
Top tip: wear a hat as your head will get wet from lots of dripping watero
Nick Morgan — Google review
Great experience! Being just us, we were able to understand the whole story from the guide and enjoy the walk and all the fascinating details of the place! And our guide was an awesome person as well! 🔝
Alexandra Caliman — Google review
A decent option to visit if in the area but wouldn't drive too far out of my way to see it. Typical limestone formations although some interesting and unique features. Guide was very knowledgeable, almost too knowledgeable as the tour stretched an hour over a short distance. Dress for cold and wet weather, and prepare for somewhat uneven floor. We bought tickets on the door for the next tour, although they tried to convince us none were available until we showed them we could buy them online.
The Pavilion Gardens are a stunning botanical conservatory in Buxton. It is often home to events, fairs, live bands and an arts centre. The gardens offer a fantastic free day out for the whole family and also feature two parks and a miniature train.
Large park with a pond filled with Canada Geese and a greenhouse. Shane it was raining heavily when we are there. Definitely worth a visit in the summer. Very nice park. The greenhouse is nice to walk through as well. Had a large coffee shop inside.
Nicola Whitham — Google review
Had a great day at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton. Took our 2 and half year old grandson so he could ride his push-a-long bike.
Lovely, safe, wide promenade for him to ride around. We enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, walking by the river and the really great children's play area.
Also had cake & coffees in the Pavilion cafe.
There was lots of lovely locally produced goodies in the adjacent shops.
We will definitely visit again.
Dawn Howes — Google review
Lovely breakfast in a tastefully fitted out cafe/coffee shop.
There's a great choice of different teas/coffees and even craft beers in cans from Buxton Brewery!
The cakes look fantastic by the way! It's definitely worth a visit here, we loved the oat cake pancake on our breakfast, we were both full afterwards! 😋
Regards
Nigel & Claire
Nigel — Google review
The change in this area has been amazing out with the old in with new ! The eating area with its modern look which still matches its park & old tradition brings modern eating where you can sit outside alfresco & enjoy the views or the tables in side ! Gourmet food is here & people love it they come here in the thousands all over the world ! I give 3 stars as yet more will be spent to bring it to a five star ! Staff are cool & you can even enjoy a cheeky gin or beer !
Massimino Malacrino — Google review
The Pavilion Gardens and the whole of Buxton park is an awesome space. Gorgeous stream containing ducks and geese. The park and is beautifully maintained. A miniature railway train runs round part of the lake (twice) at a very reasonable price. Autumn colours were amazing and the streams and rivers were flowing and flowing over the weirs and waterfalls. Beautiful sights and sounds. Lovely big children’s playground. Sound footpaths throughout to park area. Very accessible for all levels of mobility. Highly recommend
Cath Fielding — Google review
Really nice, quite small but it has a cafe in it. Just a short walk to the main street and the crescent of houses.
Patch 911 — Google review
Lovely place to walk, play in the park, relax or have something to eat and drink. The little train is a great bonus for children. You can also buy ceramics, paintings, prints and much more produced by local artists.
Maria Forde — Google review
What a fantastic park. Its a shame other local councils don't look after their own parks as well as this one. The play areas are well equipped for children of all ages with loads of surrounding grass to have picnics on. The little diesel train is worth a visit too. The cafe could do with using some better coffee beans even if it raised the price as the current blend is below average at best. (The coffee shop at the rear of the baths building is light years ahead). There are plenty of pathways to keep numerous visits interesting on each occasion. There is a nice little tropical house to visit too. All in all the park is well worth a visit.
Thomas Hayward — Google review
Beautiful Park, plenty of place to sit and enjoy the views. A lovely historic building with a conservatory holding a variety of plants. There are tea rooms inside. Plenty of space for children to run around and enjoy the play park away from the main buildings.
Barbara Gray — Google review
Went for the market event and was disappointed with this visit very much smaller than previous years and not alot of produce which was a let down as have gotten lovely pies, pickles etc from here before from local traders. Beautiful gardens and building, enjoyed a walk through the tranquil conservatory
Lianne Griffiths — Google review
Lovely old building overlooking the gardens. Had a bacon, brie and cranberry melt. Was tiny portion. Lovely to sit out with nice view of the park.
Martin Stirrup — Google review
An absolute gem to walk around. Very tranquil and beautiful maintained gardens to look at.
J louise — Google review
On 30th September me and my fella got married, it was meant to be on the Bandstand, it was moved into the Conservatory due to the weather being poor, but it was just as wonderful and as magical as I could have hoped for.
Thank you to all the staff that helped make our day special, especially Leah!
Emma G. — Google review
Absolutely beautiful gardens. Features galore. Always something happening; art displays, band music etc.
If you go to Buxton don't miss this feast for the senses.
Free entry. Wheelchair friendly. Plenty of seating around the grounds.
We visited both at the weekend and during the week at various times of day.
Lynda Thomas — Google review
Very relaxing, quiet open space, plenty of seating to sit and watch the world go by. Close to amenities. Definitely worth a visit
Jonathan Greenwood — Google review
Not been for years but still a nice place. Nice cafe inside, good coffee, toilets and it was warm on a cold day in February. Art show and pleasant tropical garden inside with lovely gardens outside. Buxton town on the doorstep and all well worth a visit.
Solomons Temple is a viewing tower built on the site of a Neolithic burial mound in 1896. It replaced an earlier structure, taking its name from Solomon Mycock, who rented the land in the early 1800s. The walk up to the summit is easy and can be combined with a visit to Pooles Cavern. 440 metres above sea level, Solomons Temple provides stunning views of the Peak District.
A must see if you’re in Buxton! We didn’t plan to visit, but we were sat at a pub in town and could see the tower in the distance. We parked in the centre of Buxton and the round walk was just under 3 miles. You walk through town, through a housing estate and then up the hill to the tower.
We took a picnic and ate at the top, stunning views over Buxton. The tower allows you to see even further across the Peaks.
Imogen Thomas — Google review
great little walk, you could spend ages walking round the whole country park if you wanted or just a quick 20 minute walk to see the temple and great views. plenty of dogs about and even have the opportunity to go see some caves however we didn’t because it’s a guided tour. good amount of parking, however don’t know if it’s usually free as there was a sign to say there was a trust box to pay for parking however we couldn’t find it and nothing was open. There’s a small coffee stand at the car park too, however I don’t remember seeing many seats. There are toilets in the car park too, however they’re very creepy and more than likely haunted😂 no proper toilet seats in the ladies either! overall a good walk and accommodates for a short easy walk or a long.
Megan — Google review
Quite unique and interesting object, and place itself to visit. You can explore the tower in couple of minute's since its small tower, but it's worth to see it especially when you climb on the top of the tower to see some scenic view's. It's quite tricky to find a official public footpath route to the tower since there is not much parking places for the car. I only able to find the correct foopath from the - "temple fields" place, cross a football field and climb on top of the hill to find the tower....
Mantvydas ?. — Google review
Impressive little tower set atop the hills overlooking some great views. Lovely walk
Robert Greenaway — Google review
Walked up from Poole’s Cavern car park, just over half a mile up to the temple from there. First up a flight of steps up to the upper level of Grin Low wood, then continuing up on paths to the temple itself. You can go up the temple, it isn’t locked & there is a spiral staircase within it. Decent views from the top of the Buxton area.
Toxteth O' Grady — Google review
Car park at Poole Cavern is from £2-£3 depending on the length of time your wanting to stay.
There are multiple paths marked out that meet up at Solomons Temple. We took the yellow one whilst was a mixture of stairs and slope, which I don't recommend for wheelchair/prams. You then reach a sty into the field where the temple is. If your OK with heights you can climb up the stairs and enjoy the view, if it's a clear day. Unfortunately I'm scared of heights so getting up is OK but the steps down ... no so good.
Along The path are wooden carvings to look at. You can see some of the GoApe course whilst walking though the wood area.
I do recommend nipping into Poole Cavern for their cafe. The food and drinks are yummy and the staff are very welcoming.
Carrie Warren — Google review
Nice hike up to solomons temple . Reasonably steep paths to get there but worth it for the views .
it's only me — Google review
A wonderful place to wander around. There are some spectacular views from the top of the temple!! It’s great to learn some history too!! Also plenty of dogs enjoying themselves too!!
Elisa Winstanley — Google review
Lovely walk up, not too far from the car park. We decided to go on a round walk around, going right after the Solomons temple and across the fields. Lovely views!
Symone Urbanek-Pope — Google review
Lovely walk from Buxton with our toddler and what a beautiful view from the top! Load of walkers of all ages and skills.
Eduardo Conde — Google review
Defo worth the walk up the hill!
It can be hard work at times and not easily accessible for those who need walking aids, although a member of our group did manage with a walking stick.
Beautiful views from the top of the tower and my kids had lots of fun running around the field up and down the hills and hollows. Lovely setting for a picnic.
Note, you will need to cross a stile if you walk up from the car park.
Chloe Frost — Google review
Really lovely walk and only 30mins to the top through a lovely woodland walk, can do longer walks if you like. Parking was cheap enough. They have a cafe at the carpark with toilets which is great
Claire L — Google review
Park at Poole’s Cavern. It takes only around 20 minutes to arrive the tower. You can see an impressive view when the weather is fine.