This February, we treated ourselves to a weekend away in Buxton – a perfect mix of fresh air, history, and cosy cafés. Here’s how it went…
Day 1: Mam Tor and Arrival
We set off early on Saturday and made a pit stop at Mam Tor for a short walk. We didn’t do the full ridge hike this time, but even just walking up to the hill and back was worth it – the views are beautiful and the air is crisp. A couple of caverns were on the route too, but we didn’t have time to explore them this trip (and honestly, they looked a bit pricey for a quick visit).
A heads-up if you’re going in winter: the hills can get icy and muddy. We saw quite a few slips – including ours! So wrap up warm, wear sturdy boots, and maybe save the dramatic falls for TikTok.
From there, we drove into Buxton and checked in at The Old Hall Hotel – apparently England’s oldest hotel, with origins dating back to 1573. The history alone is fascinating: Mary Queen of Scots stayed here while taking the town’s thermal waters. The rooms are full of character, and it’s a really lovely mix of traditional charm and comfort.
Parking was a bit tricky that day because of a performance at the Buxton Opera House, but the hotel offers 24-hour parking for £6 – reasonable, and something to keep in mind if you’re visiting during an event.
Dinner at La Brasserie De La Cour
For Valentine’s Day, we’d booked La Brasserie De La Cour, a little French restaurant in the town. The food did not disappoint. We started with traditional French onion soup, had tender beef bourguignon with creamy mash for our mains, and finished with a crème brûlée that might just be the best we’ve ever had. Prices were surprisingly fair for the quality, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Definitely a spot we’ll return to.
Evening in Buxton
After dinner, we explored some of Buxton’s bars. There’s a nice mix of classic pubs and cocktail spots within walking distance. We stumbled upon a live set from The Good Mixer Band, playing a mix of indie classics and current favourites. It was a relaxed, fun way to spend the evening – we ended up staying for a few songs longer than planned. AKA the full set!
Day 2: Breakfast and Town Wandering
Sunday started with breakfast at The Old Hall Hotel. Included in our stay, the buffet was one of the best we’ve had in a while: thick-cut bacon, hearty sausages, fresh eggs, and plenty of continental options like pastries, fruit and cereals. Fuelled up, we spent the rest of the morning wandering Buxton’s streets – popping into charity shops, small bakeries and cafés. There’s a lot more to discover than you might think for a small town.
Final Thoughts
Buxton was exactly the sort of weekend escape we needed – a bit of fresh air, a touch of history, and plenty of good food and drink. It’s perfect for a short break, whether it’s with a partner, friends, or even on your own for a low‑stress getaway.
Millie Jay Unfiltered 