A person walks a dog through Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Peak District. Up to 25cm of snow is forecast in parts of England and Wales, as the Met Office issued weather alerts and warned of disruption to travel. Picture date: Thursday February 8, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Snow. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire (Image: PA)
Christmas is often associated with snowfall, a theme prevalent in festive songs, films and greeting cards. However, the reality is that most of the UK almost never sees a white Christmas.
But there’s a town that frequently experiences winter snow: Buxton, located on the fringes of the Peak District. This town, which stands between 1,000 to 1,100 feet above sea level, making it England’s highest market town, usually enjoys several snowy days each winter.
Its altitude results in a cooler climate than its surroundings, increasing the likelihood of snow during winter months. Interestingly, Buxton has also witnessed unseasonal snowfall, such as a freak snowstorm in 1975 that interrupted a cricket match between Derbyshire and Lancashire.
And Buxton is especially picturesque under a blanket of snow, offering views that could rival any Christmas card. The spa town boasts stunning architecture, including the Grade I-listed Georgian Building, the Crescent.
Constructed by the fifth Duke of Devonshire, Buxton was envisioned as a chic spa town. The town’s centrepiece, the Buxton Crescent Hotel, closed in 1992 and underwent extensive refurbishment to emerge as a luxurious 5-star establishment, reports .
People walk through a Buxton park covered in snow (Image: Peter Byrne/PA)
Another architectural marvel gracing Buxton’s skyline is the Devonshire Dome, once the world’s largest unsupported dome and now part of the University of Derby.
The Buxton Opera House and adjacent Pavilion Gardens are equally breathtaking, whether blanketed in snow or basking in sunshine. The beautifully landscaped park boasts manicured lawns, picturesque bridges and a bandstand.
Snow-covered buildings in the beautiful Buxton (Image: PA)
Buxton also offers an array of cosy pubs, bars, and restaurants perfect for warming up after a brisk winter stroll. No6 The Square Tearooms is particularly charming, offering a delightful spot for tea and cake. For those craving something heartier, The Old Sun Inn provides a cosy setting for a satisfying pub meal.