Buxton Crescent review: A 5-star spa stay in stylish Georgian grandeur

For centuries, Buxton was a hotbed for those seeking rest and relaxation, and the town’s natural springs — which were first unearthed by the Romans — were sought by many for their restorative, healing qualities.

Upon its construction in the 1780s, The Crescent was intended to be the town’s crowning centrepiece, an extraordinary landmark that would truly establish the area as a fashionable spa town capable of attracting the masses.

In 2020, after sitting in a state of disrepair for two decades, the iconic building finally reopened as an 81-room, 5* hotel following a £70m restoration project. The imposing, curved structure of the Grade I-listed landmark is rightfully lauded as one of the UK’s finest examples of triumphant Georgian architecture — it’s a behemoth of a structure, one that oozes grandeur, and seeing it restored to its former glories is an incredibly welcome sight.

Given all that history, then, there’s a lot of pressure on the spa offering. Pleasingly, it lives up to the reputation that precedes it. One of the highlights is the original Victorian thermal pool. Filled with heated, mineral-rich Buxton water, the space is cascaded by chic wall tiles that date back to 1924 (when the baths were last refurbished), cast-iron pillars, and a beautiful stained-glass canopy that blends drama and elegance.

Guests actually have a total of three pools to unwind in. There’s also the serene relaxation pool, which is dimly lit and boasts a starry ceiling overhead, and one of the hotel’s big party pieces, an indoor-to-outdoor heated rooftop pool from which you can gaze out over the greenery of Buxton below.

Elsewhere, there’s a variety of spacious saunas (biothermal, infrared and traditional Finnish), a steam room and an aroma steam room. For my visit, I was treated to my first-ever hot stone massage — as someone who indulges in a massage once in a blue moon, and who is a tad socially awkard in such situations in general, I can find it difficult to properly switch off and relax when one does come around; however, I was quickly made to feel genuinely at ease by a friendly technician, and the experience was a great way to escape and switch off.

Onto the accommodation. Our room, the top-end Crescent Suite, merges style, period charm and homely comfort with its fireplaces and the extravagance of a 4-poster king-sized bed. The sizeable ‘living room’, freestanding rolltop bathtub and bedroom all offer quaint views out across the park opposite, and the space definitely feels befitting of the hotel’s 5* label.

Food-wise, the 1789 Restaurant champions local produce and modern British cooking. Our meals, in particular the Lamb Cannon, which is seared perfectly and served pink, are excellent both in taste and presentation. The service is standout, hitting that winning balance of casual and friendly, but consistently attentive. Prices, as is the case with most hotel restaurants, are on the steep side, but there are no question marks over the quality.

Much of the time, these historic spa hotels are a bit out of the way, meaning that once you arrive, you’re there for the night. Here, though, the picturesque streets of Buxton are quite literally on your doorstep, and the town’s stellar array of bars and pubs can be reached in a matter of minutes by way of a leisurely stroll.

Craft beer fans can enjoy local brews in both the Buxton Brewery Tap House and RedWillow Brewery pub, and for something a tad stronger, Sock & Buskin does an excellent Negroni. There’s also the recently opened onnen, which is a wonderful bar serving a range of natural and ethically-sourced wines in a charming, light and airy space.

Outdoorsy types are spoilt for choice, with the hotel providing a gateaway to the Peak District’s lush rolling vistas, gorgeous walking trails and a diverse batch of cycling routes. Both Cavendish and High Peak golf courses are just around the corner, too, and the stunning Buxton Opera House is a must for anyone looking to add a little extra culture to their night away.

A one-night stay at Buxton Crescent starts at £185 for two sharing a double room, including breakfast and use of the spa and pools. Day Spa Passes start at £65pp.