Immerse your family in luxury at Buxton Crescent Hotel, where historical charm, rejuvenating spa treatments, and fine dining come together for an unforgettable luxury staycation in the Peak District.
If you’re seeking a family-friendly yet luxurious escape, look no further than Buxton Crescent Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Peak District, this Grade I listed building offers the ideal staycation for families craving both adventure and relaxation. With its rich history, state-of-the-art spa, and exquisite dining options, the hotel is a haven for parents and children alike.
A Staycation Steeped in History
Originally built in 1780 as part of the 5th Duke of Devonshire’s vision for a fashionable Georgian spa town, the Buxton Crescent Hotel is one of the UK’s most architecturally significant properties. Following a meticulous £78 million restoration in 2020, the hotel has re-emerged as a modern masterpiece of comfort, while retaining its historical grandeur.
The 81 elegant rooms, including eight luxurious suites, effortlessly blend contemporary amenities with period charm, offering the perfect retreat for families looking to unwind in style.
For families, there are multiple room types, including interconnecting rooms that provide convenience and space. The hotel’s dog-friendly options ensure that even four-legged family members can enjoy the experience. Each room comes with complimentary breakfast and access to the Crescent’s famed spa.
Relaxation at its Finest: The Buxton Crescent Spa
A stay at Buxton Crescent wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the luxurious Crescent Spa, a true jewel of the hotel.
Parents can escape for a few hours while the little ones enjoy time in the indoor pools, leaving you to fully immerse in the tranquillity.
The spa boasts three stunning pools: an indoor/outdoor rooftop pool with jacuzzis, a serene relaxation pool featuring a twinkling starlit ceiling, and the historic thermal pool, fed by Buxton’s famous mineral-rich waters.
For those in need of deeper relaxation, the spa’s signature Himalayan Salt Massage is not to be missed. This indulgent treatment helps soothe tired muscles and promotes ultimate relaxation using warm, hand-carved salt stones to balance your body’s energy and release tension. After this treatment, you’ll feel completely rejuvenated, ready to dive back into family activities.
For added luxury, the spa features a unique salt cave and mineral baths, allowing you to unwind in the restorative powers of nature. The setting, with its 1920s original tiles and a stained-glass canopy, only adds to the elegance of this experience. The spa even offers a café where you can indulge in light bites or fresh salads, making it easy to relax after a treatment or swim.
Dining at The Buxton Crescent
The hotel bar offers guest the perfect place to relax and unwind before dinner. With its choice of local craft ales, an extensive wine and cocktail menu, there will be a drink to suit all taste buds.
The Dining Room, the hotel’s main restaurant, is a highlight of any stay at Buxton Crescent. With its contemporary yet elegant atmosphere, the restaurant serves classic British cuisine with an international twist, designed to suit all palates, including little ones.
The wine list is a true highlight, featuring a carefully curated Coravin selection that allows guests to savour rare and exquisite wines by the glass. A standout was the Alsatian Gewürztraminer, offering floral, crisp, and sweet notes, which paired beautifully with the starters.
Scallops, served in their shells atop sweetcorn purée, made for a sensational beginning. Each bite was a glorious contrast: the buttery softness of the scallop melting into the sweetness of the purée, all offset by a hint of the sea that lingers just long enough. It was delicate yet bold, like a ballerina with attitude.
The Gravadlax, meanwhile, offered a generous portion of rich smoked salmon, balanced perfectly by a lemon cream cheese that was so silky, it could moonlight as a dessert. The brightness of the citrus balanced the richness of the fish, creating a plate that felt fresh and luxurious all at once. You could almost hear the diners around us wishing they’d ordered it.
The mains continued to impress, with the Sirloin Steak served precisely as requested – pink, tender, and practically humming with flavour. The vegetables were vibrant and crisp, the chips golden and addictive. It’s the sort of dish that doesn’t try to impress with tricks – it doesn’t need to. This is a steak you remember, and not just because it was cooked well but because it left you wishing you’d saved a bit for later.
The Duck breast was equally indulgent. Served medium-rare, it was impossibly succulent, its richness balanced by the bright zing of beetroot and the sweetness of orange-infused root vegetables. The creamed potatoes were, quite simply, heavenly. Smooth, indulgent, and moreish, they were the culinary equivalent of a warm cashmere blanket. It’s not often you find a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, but here, it was managed with aplomb.
Dessert brought even more delights, with a warm, fudgy Chocolate Brownie and a surprising selection of ice cream flavours. The Chocolate Brownie was the ultimate comfort – fudgy, decadent, and served warm, it practically begged to be devoured. Accompanying it was a vanilla ice cream but if you are opting for ice cream alone they do have some not so usual flavours. We tried two different flavours. The white chocolate was sweet but not cloying, and the almond ice cream was a revelation, nutty yet light.
The Dining Room isn’t just a place to eat – it’s a dining destination in itself. The warm ambiance of the room, combined with the excellent service and food that’s both comforting and delicious, creates an experience that feels special from start to finish.
Explore the Peak District
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Buxton Crescent is the perfect base for families who want to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area. Spend your days hiking through rolling hills, woodland trails, or visiting local historic landmarks, then return to the hotel for a well-earned rest. With the St. Ann’s Well just steps away, where thermal spring water has flowed for centuries, it’s easy to see why Buxton has long been considered a destination for rejuvenation and wellness.
A Luxurious Family Staycation
Buxton Crescent Hotel masterfully combines luxury and history with family-friendly amenities, offering the perfect escape for those looking to unwind and recharge in style. Whether you’re soaking in the spa’s mineral-rich waters, exploring the charming Peak District, or indulging in a delicious meal at The Dining Room, this is a staycation you and your family won’t soon forget.
For those seeking a luxurious yet welcoming retreat, Buxton Crescent Hotel offers the best of both worlds — an elegant escape in one of the UK’s most historic spa towns.
Buxton Crescent Hotel
The Crescent, Buxton SK17 6BH
+44 (0)1298 808 999
ensanahotels.com/en/hotels/buxton-crescent