Devonshire Spa

While there’s no gym at Devonshire Spa, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your trainers - or should we say your walking boots?

Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Buxton is blessed with an abundance of picturesque trails waiting to be hiked, cycle tracks waiting to be ridden and rocks waiting to be climbed.

Why not walk through Buxton Country Park to Solomon’s Temple? This Grade II-listed, 20ft-high Victorian folly is a distinctive feature on the skyline above Buxton and stands at 437m above sea level. It’s a steep climb to the top, but suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.

And if you’re a keen golfer, you’ll be impressed by the variety and the quality of the golf courses in the region. Buxton has two golf courses which both welcome visitors.

You’ve felt serene at the spa, now it’s time to feel satiated and in Buxton, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to foodie treats. With locally made ales, cheeses, breads, cake and chocolates all on offer, you’ll find more than just a glass of the famous, mineral-rich water here.

Buxton is rightly regarded as something of a utopia for those who love their food, because there really is something for everyone. Head to a quaint tea house or coffee shop, but don’t leave town without trying a Buxton pudding. It’s similar to the famous Bakewell tart (but made with breadcrumbs) and it dates back to the 1700s. You can try it at theBuxton Pudding Emporium in The Square, along with other local recipes, like moorland and ginger puddings. 

And, although a light lunch might be included as part of your spa package, that doesn’t mean you can’t round off your pampering day with a spot of fine dining right on the Devonshire Spa’s doorstep.

The Devonshire Spa is located in the awe-inspiring Devonshire Dome which is part of the university. Its in-house restaurant is staffed by students from Buxton & Leek College working under the watchful eye of experienced head chefs. Your meal might take a little longer to arrive than usual, but in exchange you get a unique fine dining experience at generously discounted prices.

For something a little more extravagant, the town has several fine dining restaurants just waiting to be discovered. In addition, various hotels and restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences that will leave you feeling thoroughly spoiled.

Tempted to turn your spa day into a spa stay? Sadly, there’s no accommodation on offer at Devonshire Spa. But with its central Buxton location, you’re perfectly placed to book into any of the town’s fabulous hotels or guesthouses, and you’re also within an hour’s drive of big cities such as Manchester, Sheffield, Derby and Stoke.

The Devonshire Spa is in Buxton, a spa town in Derbyshire in the Peak District Famous for being England's highest market town at some 1,000 feet above sea level, visitors have flocked here for millenia to sample the rejuvenating, mineral-rich thermal waters and gaze at its spectacular Georgian architecture,

You’ll find Buxton within an hour’s drive of Manchester, Sheffield, Derby and Stoke and surrounded by mile upon mile of beautiful National Park.

Yes. At the spa you’ll find wheelchair ramps and accessible toilet facilities, but there are steps to the hydrotherapy pool, and no hoist to access the water.

No, you’re free to just float around the spa suite cocooned in your snuggly robe, flip-flops and swimwear. 

The award-winning day spa is fantastically well-equipped, with a suite of first-class thermal facilities. Alongside the treatment rooms you’ll find plenty to relax and unwind you. There’s an aroma room, spa pool, reflexology foot baths, an essence-filled sauna, traditional steam room, ice fountain, monsoon shower and a relaxation lounge to chill out in afterwards.

Robes and towels are provided, and there are hair dryers, straighteners and luxurious toiletries on offer in the changing rooms. But you’ll need to bring your swimwear and flip flops for the thermal experiences and hydrotherapy pool, plus a £I coin for your locker. 

For massage, wrap and scrub treatments, you’ll need to wear either your underwear or dry swimwear - otherwise they’ll provide you with a fetching pair of disposable undies. 

Check the time on your booking, but generally morning and full-day spa packages have an arrival time of 10am, while afternoon spa breaks at the Devonshire Spa start at 1pm.

The spa is closed on Mondays, but open from 10am to 6pm on every other day of the week.

The Devonshire Spa is for adults-only, with a minimum age of 16. Got a treatment-loving teen? Guests aged 16 and 17 can enjoy a facial or a manicure when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Devonshire Spa is a day-spa facility, so there’s no room for pampered pooches, no matter how much they want their nails done!

No, but there is a golf course just a two-minute drive away. The 18-hole Cavendish Golf Club frequently makes it into the Top 100 lists in popular golfing magazines, because it’s thought to be one of the best layouts in the world under 6000 yards.