Pavillion Gardens

As the website and the entrance signs say — Pavilion Gardens is a ‘great free family day out.’
This historic park is situated in the centre of Buxton and is constantly full of locals walking dogs or taking their children out to play as well as a variety of tourists, from families on a day out, cyclists taking a short break to photographers and artists wanting to capture a slice of nature.
There is a pay and display car park at one side of the gardens, however as it is centrally located you can easily walk to it from most hotels and the town centre. For tourists new to the area, there is a Tourist Information Centre which will provide you with lots of information about Buxton and the surrounding Peak District area.
Hundred of events are held within the gardens over the year, mainly located in the Octagon Hall. These included farmers markets and fetes etc. during my visit a few weekends ago there was an Art based festival taking place where clothing, photographs, jewellery, furniture and other art works were being displayed and some offered for sale.
For those searching for a little more fun suitable for the younger generations, there is a large park fully equipped with swings and slides as well as a miniature train which offers rides around one section of the park.
If you’re wanting to stop for a short refreshment break there are plenty of places to pick from, including outside and inside cafes serving both hot and cold food as well as ice creams.
On my next trip to Buxton I will definitely be heading back here as there was plenty of things I didn’t get to see.

We ate in the café and while the sofas are very comfortable, the food was on the expensive side and the soup starter was lumpy. Staff didn’t seem to want to be there.

The park and the buildings are very beautiful. They really turn back the time.
The botanical gardens are open now and are very nice but not very big.
There are several fairs are held in the Pavilion Gardens such as the Fine Food Fairs, Farmers’ Markets, Art & Craft Fairs, Antique Fairs, etc.
Also the tourism information center is there.

Amazing place. We spent most of our time wandernig around the arty section upstairs in the café — they have lovely pictures, pottery and articles for sale. The conservatory area was stunning — so many gorgeous plants. The day we went it was raining, so we didnt spend much time in the gardens, but they looked fantastic — ideal for an hours sanctuary if you are visiting Buxton.

Lots to do and see here, a great day out in the summer. Miniature railway, park, cafes, restaurant, crazy golf, farmers market on the 1^st thursday of every month with good stalls including foods, bird tables, garden products, jewellery etc. Always something different going on.

Pavillion Gardens is the hub of this pretty, little Derbyshire town. Although the indoor tropical gardens, formally the main attraction here, have been closed form renovation for some time now, the park still has many charms. The park has an old fashioned band stand (if you’re lucky, you may even catch the brass band in action), a little steam train that the kids can have a ride on, crazy golf and a large play area. Ice cream and snacks can be bought from the café in the main pavillion, and the main restaurant does lovely, home-​cooked style food.