Rainy Day Activities in Buxton: Indoor Adventures in the Peak District
- Jenny Hardcastle
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
While the Peak District is known for its sweeping views and rugged hikes, sometimes the British skies have other plans.
But in Buxton, even a rainy day can become a highlight of your trip!
This historic spa town offers plenty of indoor attractions — from luxurious spa sessions to underground caves and creative workshops.
☔ Here’s some top rainy day activities in Buxton:
🧖♀️ 1. Soak in the Luxury of The Crescent Spa
When it’s pouring outside, there's no better time to sink into warm, mineral-rich waters that have drawn visitors to Buxton for centuries.
Located in a restored Georgian masterpiece, The Crescent Spa offers a premium wellness experience.
Highlights include:
Natural thermal pools rich in healing minerals
Aromatic steam rooms and saunas
Salt cave for respiratory wellness
Elegant relaxation zones and treatment rooms
🛎 Insider Tip: Book the "Rainy Day Retreat" package — it includes extended spa time, a treatment, and afternoon tea.
🎟 Insider Tip: Check the calendar in advance — the Upper Circle often offers great views at bargain prices.
🎭 2. Enjoy a Matinee at Buxton Opera House
Buxton’s stunning Edwardian theatre is the perfect place to hide from the drizzle.
Expect:
Afternoon performances of drama, music, or comedy
Behind-the-scenes tours of the theatre
Dining packages in the Pavilion Arts Centre
A unique ambience with gilded décor and vintage charm
🎨 3. Get Creative at Buxton Pottery Painting
Paint your own keepsake at Buxton Pottery Painting, nestled inside the Cavendish Arcade.
The experience includes:
Choose from ceramics like mugs, plates, or animals
All paints and materials included
On-hand guidance, perfect for all ages
Collection or postal delivery of your finished piece
🌟 Bonus: There’s a semi-secret rooftop bar under development — the covered section already offers a cosy hideout on grey days!
🍂 Try this: Their Winter Spiced Gin is infused with foraged Peak District botanicals — perfect for gifting (or keeping!).
🍸 4. Sip Spirits at The Buxton Forest Distillery
Warm your soul with a gin or rum tasting session in a stylish indoor setting.
Activities on offer:
Tasting flights of small-batch gins and rums
“Create Your Own Gin” workshops (book ahead)
Cocktail-making classes using local ingredients
Insightful tours of the distilling process
🕯️ 5. Explore the Magical Poole’s Cavern
Yes, it's underground — and totally dry! Poole’s Cavern is one of Buxton’s most dramatic and unexpected rainy-day adventures.
What to expect:
Guided tours through ancient limestone caves
Rare “poached egg” stalagmite formations
Constant indoor temperature (~7°C)
Café and visitor centre for post-tour cake and coffee
☕ Tip: Don’t miss the on-site café — their homemade bakes are an underrated gem!
👀 Look up: The building’s original stained glass ceiling is a work of art in itself.
🛍️ 6. Browse Buxton’s Cavendish Arcade
Once the town's Victorian thermal baths, the Cavendish Arcade is now home to a treasure trove of indie shops and eateries under stained glass ceilings.
Don’t miss:
Charlotte’s Chocolates for handmade treats
Isla Fine Art for Peak District prints
The Perfect Pair for shoes with a twist
Antiques, vintage finds, and artisan gifts
☕ Fancy a cosy break in Buxton?
Book a midweek stay and enjoy 10% off local perks — from spa access to partner discounts!
🏠 Featured Stay: The Gathering House, Buxton
Just minute walk from the town centre
🛏️ Sleeps 12 | 🛁 3 Bathrooms | 🌳 Private Yard
🌧️ Don’t Let the Weather Win
Buxton is proof that rainy days don’t have to be wasted ones. Whether you’re recharging in thermal waters or getting crafty with ceramics, you’ll find plenty to do — all just steps from your stay.
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