Of all the National Parks in the country, the Peak District is one of the lesser-known ones. The epic landscape and rolling hills are an open invitation to a cyclist and, as a keen one myself, the idea of an afternoon of cycling in the countryside followed by a stay at the five-star Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel seemed an excellent idea.
Buxton Crescent Hotel is a luxurious Peak District destination
Opened in 1789 by the Fifth Duke of Devonshire to establish Buxton as a fashionable spa town, the Crescent has had many uses over the years including a hospital, library, council offices and an hotel, closing in 1993 and reopening seventeen years later, after an £80 million renovation, as the Buxton Crescent Hotel.
It is now one of the most luxurious destinations in the Peak District, featuring 81 bedrooms and suites,. including dog-friendly and accessible rooms. It has an award-winning spa and a modern British restaurant, rebranded last year as ‘1789’.
Rooms with a touch of tradition and luxury
Each bedroom at Buxton Crescent is steeped in 200 years of history, offering a blend of Georgian architectural beauty and modern-day comfort, with beautiful large windows to enjoy the stunning views of the Peak District hills. Rooms have been restored to preserve their traditional features while incorporating modern amenities with stylish and elegant décor. Bright and spacious, they include traditional features like fireplaces, chandeliers and roll top baths in which to soak and sip champagne, as well as four poster beds for the perfect night’s sleep. Guests will find comforts like bathrobe and slippers and king-sized beds for the most relaxing stay and most importantly, the rooms I saw all had a homely feel.
Rooms range from the entry level Attic rooms to Luxury Suites. Guests at Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel can indulge and unwind in the luxurious wellness spa using thermal waters. Laid out over three floors and full of natural light, ornate original features, stained glass, and art deco tiles. There are 22 treatment rooms offering an array of unique wellness and health experiences, along with sauna, steam, and multiple pools, including an indoor-to-outdoor rooftop pool and an original Victorian thermal pool naturally heated to 27.5C, which is drained, cleaned and refilled daily with Buxton mineral water.
An e-bike option adds value
If a little adventure tempts you, a partnership with PeakEPedals allows guests to choose from 60 guided or self-guided half day and full-day e-bike tours departing from various locations throughout the Peak District. Alternatively, you can book your own e-bike cycle ride with PeakEPedals.
As a first timer riding an e-bike the prospect was an intriguing one as it always struck me as a bit of a cop-out: cycling the easy way for novices. In reality, my introduction to the experience was a good one. If I had to describe the sensation of riding an e-bike it would be like riding an ordinary bike with a tail wind behind you or with a feeling of someone giving you a huge push. The effort was minimal, with the views over the rolling countryside giving maximum pleasure as we traversed the ‘Hills, Valleys and Villages’ route with a friendly and knowledgeable guide who led our tour through some of the most underrated scenery in the north of England.
Picturesque Peak District perfection
The 21-mile route took in the picturesque village of Hartington, with its famous cheese shop selling the ubiquitous Hartington Stilton and Dovedale Blue, before returning to the starting point at Hurdlow via the ‘High Peak Trail’ where the former Cromford and High Peak Railway line used to be. As someone who was sceptical of e-bikes I became a convert; without the effort involved of cycling up hills on a conventional bike I saw the Peak District via a whole new experience.
When the Romans discovered a hot spring at St Ann’s Well around 50BC they founded Buxton. The actual spring is just across the road from the Buxton Crescent hotel. A steady stream of locals arrive with empty bottles to fill them up from the spring throughout the day, knowing the water offers benefits for skin health and certain musculoskeletal conditions.
After a day out in the open air enjoying the scenery on one of the e-bikes I can certainly agree that having a relaxing time in the thermal waters does wonders for any aches and pains you might have.
Not only is the Buxton Crescent Hotel now in peak condition after the extensive renovation, so too was I after my first foray into e-biking and taking the waters at Buxton. Just remember to take your bottle!
Note: the author was hosted by the Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel for this review.
Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel rooms start from £185 including bed and breakfast. All rates include spa access for the duration of the stay. For general hotel bookings please contact:Email: buxtonreservations@ensanahotels.com Tel: +44 1298 808 999
