Living in Buxton

Buxton has a strong sense of community, fostered by its historic market-town roots and active local events calendar. Regular markets, such as the Buxton Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, contribute to a friendly, social atmosphere. Annual festivals like the Buxton International Festival and Buxton Festival Fringe attract visitors and locals alike, creating opportunities for involvement and connection throughout the year.

The town offers a variety of community groups, arts collectives, and voluntary organisations, many centred around the Pavilion Gardens and the Crescent. Scenic parks, the Serpentine Walks, and green open spaces encourage outdoor activity, while leisure centres and sports clubs provide additional ways to meet neighbours and make friends. Buxton strikes a balance between heritage, modern comforts, and natural surroundings, making for fulfilling local life.

Buxton is generally perceived as a safe town with a low crime rate compared to larger urban centres. The nature of incidents tends to be minor, with the most common issues being related to vehicle crime and occasional anti-social behaviour, typical of a busy town centre. The proximity of green spaces contributes to a sense of calm and safety, particularly in residential neighbourhoods.

Local policing is visible and works closely with the community through neighbourhood watch schemes and public meetings. Safer neighbourhood initiatives are in place, with active forums throughout Buxton ensuring residents and businesses collaborate to maintain a secure environment. Recent regeneration work around the town centre has further improved street lighting and public safety, contributing to Buxton’s reputation as a reassuring place to live and visit.

Parking in Buxton is generally convenient, with numerous council-operated car parks throughout the town, as well as on-street parking in residential areas and the town centre. Some zones require permits for residents, but most attractions and shops offer nearby short-stay or long-stay options. During peak tourist periods and festivals, parking can become busy, requiring advanced planning or use of public transport.

Buxton’s road network benefits from the A6, A53, and A515, providing straightforward access to major nearby towns and cities. While traffic congestion is rarely problematic outside rush hours or special events, the hilly landscape can cause occasional issues in winter weather, and main routes to Stockport, Manchester, and Derby are well maintained year-round.

• Manchester – approx. 1 hour via A6 (25 miles)
• Sheffield – approx. 55 minutes via A623/A6 (28 miles)
• Stockport – approx. 40 minutes via A6 (19 miles)
• Macclesfield – approx. 30 minutes via A537 (12 miles)

Buxton offers a diverse range of food and drink options, from independent cafés to traditional pubs and contemporary restaurants. Known for its welcoming local pubs like The Old Hall Hotel and The Cheshire Cheese, the town also boasts modern bars and bistros such as The Tradesman’s Entrance and Simply Thai. Coffee shops line Spring Gardens and the Pavilion Gardens, making them popular social spots during the day.

The nightlife in Buxton tends towards relaxed and sociable, with a handful of late-night bars complementing the more traditional pub scene. The town also hosts a selection of takeaways, wine bars, and the Buxton Opera House, which stages plays, comedy, and musicals throughout the year. While clubbing options are limited, the strong cultural calendar and mix of venues mean evenings are lively but not overwhelming.

School quality: Buxton’s primary and secondary schools are popular with families, offering a range of educational options and a supportive school community. Ofsted ratings are generally favourable, and secondary students have access to sixth form studies locally.

Parks and green space: Open areas like the Pavilion Gardens, Ashwood Park, and proximity to the Peak District National Park provide ample opportunities for children and families to explore nature, play, and stay active.

Childcare: There are several well-rated nurseries and childcare providers in Buxton, serving both full-time working parents and those needing part-time care. Holiday clubs and playgroups are also common.

Safety: The town maintains a reputation for low crime rates and a focus on family wellbeing. Dedicated policing and neighbourhood watch schemes add to the sense of security.

Family activities: With regular family-friendly events, accessible parks, leisure centres, and nearby activities like Poole’s Cavern, Buxton is an attractive choice for families seeking a healthy balance of leisure, education, and safety.

Pet-friendly living in Buxton is enhanced by the town’s access to the Peak District National Park, which opens up miles of scenic trails, moorland, and woodland for dog walking and outdoor exploration. Pavilion Gardens and the Serpentine Walks in the town centre provide safe spaces for pets to exercise, while surrounding countryside offers more challenging hikes.

There are local veterinary surgeries, pet shops, and several cafés and pubs that welcome dogs, reflecting Buxton’s generally positive attitude toward pet owners. Housing in the area — particularly in semi-detached homes and cottages — often accommodates pets, and responsible animal ownership is widely supported by the community.

Transport in Buxton is efficient and makes the town accessible despite its elevated rural setting. The main Buxton railway station offers direct services to Manchester Piccadilly, placing the city centre within easy reach for commuters. Local and regional bus services connect Buxton to towns such as Chapel-en-le-Frith, Macclesfield, Bakewell, and Derby, while coaches link to Sheffield and peak district destinations.

Major road links include the A6, providing a key route to Stockport and Manchester to the north, and to Matlock and Derby southwards. The A53 and A515 offer further connections across the Peak District. The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport, around 45 minutes by car, offering global flights and making international travel convenient.

• Manchester: approx. 1 hour by train or car via A6 (25 miles)
• Sheffield: around 55 minutes by car via A623 and A6 (28 miles)
• Stockport: about 40 minutes by train or car via A6 (19 miles)
• Derby: approx. 1 hour by car via A6 (37 miles)

Buxton provides a good range of educational opportunities for families and young people. Primary education is served by several well-established schools, notably Buxton Infant School (Ofsted rated 'Outstanding', 2013), Buxton Junior School (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2019), and Burbage Primary School (rated 'Good', 2020). These schools are recognised locally for their friendly ethos and supportive staff.

For secondary education, Buxton Community School is the town’s main comprehensive, offering education from ages 11 to 18 and featuring a dedicated sixth form for post-16 study. St Thomas More Catholic School is a popular secondary with a reputation for academic and pastoral care, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019.

The University of Derby's Buxton campus is situated in the impressive Devonshire Dome, providing higher education and vocational courses in hospitality, tourism, health, and outdoor leadership. Local college provision is also available, with further education courses offered by the university campus and accessible colleges in surrounding towns. Buxton’s commitment to education supports young learners through to adult study and career development.