Looking for the best things to do in Buxton this summer? You're in the right place. From walks that start at the edge of the Peak District to alpaca trekking, treetop adventures and a packed calendar of summer festivals, here's everything worth doing in and around Buxton between now and September, plus the confirmed 2026 dates to plan around.
Everything below is within easy reach of Muse Escapes, so you can spend less time driving and more time out in the hills
Summer is when the Peak District is at its best: long light evenings, purple heather on the moors and trails that suit everyone from toddlers to serious hikers. These three are our favourites for the season.
You can walk to this one straight from Foxlow Grange. A gentle climb takes you through woodland before opening onto Grin Low, where the Victorian folly of Solomon's Temple crowns one of Buxton's most iconic viewpoints. Climb the tower and you'll see across the whole town and out to the surrounding hills. It's around a mile from the door, suitable for most ages, and a perfect early-evening stroll after a lazy day.
A Peak District classic and a firm family favourite. Known as the "Shivering Mountain," Mam Tor rewards a short, steep climb with some of the finest panoramic views in the National Park: the Hope Valley on one side, the Edale valley on the other. The paved path to the summit makes it manageable with children, and the ridge walk beyond is worth every step if little legs allow.
If you're walking with children, Padley Gorge is hard to beat. This magical, mossy woodland is threaded with a tumbling stream, stepping stones and boulders made for scrambling, with plenty of shady spots to spread out a picnic. It stays cool on the hottest days and feels like something out of a storybook.
A quick tip: pack sturdy footwear, plenty of water and a picnic for all three. Car parks fill fast on summer weekends, so set off early, or simply start from our doorstep and skip the car altogether.
When you want a proper day out, Buxton and the surrounding countryside deliver in every direction.
For something your children will still be talking about months later, spend a morning alpaca trekking. You'll walk your own alpaca through the Derbyshire countryside, learning about these gentle, curious animals as you go. It's calm, hands-on and endlessly photogenic: the kind of slow, screen-free experience that makes a summer holiday memorable for the whole family.
Right on Buxton's doorstep at Grin Low, Go Ape is treetop adventure at its best: zip wires, rope bridges and high-level crossings through the forest canopy, with options for younger children too. Book your stay direct with Muse Escapes and you'll get 10% off, making a family adventure even better value.
A short walk from Go Ape, Poole's Cavern is an award-winning natural show cave with two million years of history in its stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours run throughout the day, and there are dog-friendly and accessible options, a brilliant cool-down on a hot afternoon or a rainy-day backup.
In the heart of Buxton, the 23 acres of Pavilion Gardens are perfect for a slower day: riverside walks, a boating lake, a play area and a full programme of family events, markets and live music through the summer. It's also a hub during the town's biggest festivals, so there's nearly always something on.
Buxton punches well above its weight for a town its size, and summer is festival season. Here's what's happening in 2026. We refresh these dates every spring, so you can always plan ahead.
Beyond the headliners, look out for artisan and food markets, well dressings in the surrounding villages, and the High Peak Artists' Art in the Octagon exhibition at Pavilion Gardens.
Every walk, adventure and festival in this guide is within easy reach of Muse Escapes. Our award-winning, five-star apartments sit on the edge of the Peak District at Foxlow Grange, with woodland walks and Buxton's best viewpoints quite literally on the doorstep, so you can leave the car behind and step straight into the hills.
We're a family-run business, and we love welcoming guests back year after year. When you book directly with us, you'll always get benefits you won't find anywhere else:
If you're planning a summer escape, now's the time. Book four nights for the price of three (Sunday to Thursday), or use code VIP10 for an exclusive 10% off, with dogs staying free.
What are the best things to do in Buxton with kids? Alpaca trekking, Go Ape Buxton, Poole's Cavern and Pavilion Gardens are all family favourites, and the gentle walk up to Solomon's Temple suits most ages. Padley Gorge, with its stream and stepping stones, is a guaranteed hit with younger children.
Is there alpaca trekking near Buxton? Yes. You can go alpaca trekking in the Derbyshire countryside close to Buxton, walking your own alpaca on a guided route. It's a calm, hands-on experience that's especially popular with families.
What's the best walk from Buxton? For a short walk straight from town, the climb to Solomon's Temple on Grin Low is hard to beat for the view. For a bigger day out, Mam Tor's ridge and the woodland of Padley Gorge are both Peak District classics.
What festivals are on in Buxton this summer? In 2026: the Well Dressing Festival and Carnival (5-12 July), Buxton International Festival (9-26 July), the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival (1-15 August), Buxton Blues Festival (7-10 August) and the Festival Fringe (from 8 August).
Are there dog-friendly things to do in the Peak District? Plenty. Most of the walks here are dog-friendly, Poole's Cavern runs dog-friendly tours, and dogs stay free at Muse Escapes when you book direct.
When is Buxton Carnival 2026? Buxton Carnival Day is Saturday 11 July 2026, during the Well Dressing Festival week.
From hilltop views and hidden gorges to alpacas, festivals and long golden evenings, Buxton and the Peak District are made for summer. Base yourself right in the middle of it all, tick off a few of these along the way, and you'll head home with the kind of memories that bring you back year after year.
Ready to make it happen? Book your summer escape direct with Muse Escapes for the best price, free dogs and a welcome gift on arrival. We'd love to have you.
