The spa town of Buxton has a growing selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, including small independent shops at Cavendish Arcade.
It is home to the Buxton opera house and the annual literary festival in July. Buxton's beautiful Opera House was designed and built by Frank Matcham, one of Britain's finest architects in 1903. Recently restored to its former glory after a major refurbishment programme, the theatre is well worth a visit. Expect a spectacular auditorium complete with cherubim, exquisite ceiling paintings and gold leaf decoration. A varied programme of events includes musical concerts, drama, children's shows, dance, pantomime, comedy and opera. Prices vary according to performance.
Also worth a visit are the Pavilion Gardens with 23 acres of Victorian landscaped garden.
Buxton water, bottled at source is renowned for its purity. Fill up your own bottles at source from St Anne's Well opposite Buxton's magnificent Crescent.
If you are looking for somewhere to visit on a rainy day try the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. It has recently come in for high praise from novelist and TV presenter Stuart Maconie in his novel Adventures on the High Teas. Go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/buxtonmuseum for details of attractions and opening times.
The Bookstore Trading Post (01298 71017) at Brierlow Bar (3 miles south east of Buxton on A515) is a massive bookstore selling books, cd's, cards and gifts at great prices. There is a large car park and refreshments. Open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
This attractive Peak District village nestling on the River Wye is only a few miles drive away. It offers two pubs, a restaurant and a deli. One of the main attractions of Ashford-in-the-water is the Sheep Wash Bridge which is both picturesque and ancient. It was originally a medieval packhorse bridge and it is only until recently, that sheep were washed here prior to shearing.
Worth a trip as there is so much to do. Take a cable car ride to the Heights of Abraham over the Derwent Valley, visit Arkwright's Masson Mills and see a working textile museum, with shopping in the retail village adjacent or take the ferry link across the River Derwent to Lover's Walk. For younger visitors don't miss Gullivers Theme Park.
The 1665-6 outbreak of bubonic plague in Eyam, when the villagers quarantined themselves is vividly portrayed. Local industries, geology and archeology are also described. Eyam Hall is a seventeenth century family manor house with courtyard cafe and craft workshops in the village.
To find out more, see: The Plague Village of Eyam
