Onin.London Visits Buxton Crescent Hotel.
Earlier this year, we visited The Crescent in Buxton and it was one of the most relaxing escapes that I have had the pleasure of having. The Crescent in Buxton was built for William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire, as part of his scheme to establish Buxton as a fashionable Georgian spa town. It was completed in 1789.
Now it wasn’t until getting to Buxton that my brain clicked that Buxton is the same as Buxton water. My mind was definitely blown when I put two and two together.
Travelling to Buxton is easy when travelling by Avanti West Coast trains from Euston. It’s a 3 hour journey via Avanti West Coast and a short 25-minute taxi drive to the hotel from Maccasfield. Train tickets start around £34, so if you book in advance you’re bound to get a good deal. High up on the edge of The Peak District National Park, Buxton is a gateway to this area of outstanding natural beauty, contrasting rolling farmland, forests and deep valleys with high stony plateaus. So the drive from Macclesfield train station to Spa is one that will have your heads glued to your windows so you don’t miss anything. It had just snowed when we visited and it was absolutely beautiful.
Upon arrival at the hotel we were blown away by the architecturally significant Grade I listed building. It’s simply gorgeous and inside its modern interior is perfection. With 81 rooms to choose from, your stay will be exceptional.
We stayed in the beautiful Junior Suite which consisted of a gorgeous lounge and entrance area, Two TVs, a standalone bath (which my friend made use of), a decadent bathroom and a luxurious king size bed, where you know we had the best night’s sleep. The welcome bottle of Champagne was also an absolute treat!
After settling in we wanted to make full use of the Buxton Crescent Ensana Health Spa Hotel. It’s the first UK property from Europe’s largest health spa operator – Ensana. The spa is home to three pools and eight treatment rooms. After making use of these, my friend and I separated to go for our chosen treatments.
I went for a deep tissue massage which had me feeling completely zen and had me walking out a new woman. Price wise we couldn’t complain as London based spas have charged double when I’ve looked at purchasing similar treatments.
We loved the spa so much that we returned the following morning for a Mini Ensana Facial. At just £40 for a 25-minute treatment, we really couldn’t resist and left feeling even more relaxed than the day before.
The spa and hotel manager as well allowed us to visit the hotel’s Salt Cave too, which is a room constructed from natural salt blocks. The salt ions help dissolve mucus and improve the function of the airway lining, ideal for those who suffer from respiratory illness. It certainly was relaxing and an option we’d recommend adding to your stay.
After our relaxing spa treatments we ventured downstairs to the restaurant to try the delicious food offerings available. We chose a selection of fresh Rock Oysters served simply with lemon and Tabasco, Wood Pigeon Breast served with chestnuts, pancetta, sorrel, apple and gruyere stood and the Smoked Cumbrian Venison Loin. The latter was served with Beetroot and apple jelly, Hartington blue cheese and parsley mayonnaise. We also tried the Seared Scottish King Scallops which were divine. For our mains we ate the Merryfield Free Range Duck Breast and my friend chose the Whole Dover Sole which was served simply with lemon, salt and fresh vegetables. Food wise, we couldn’t complain as all the ingredients were fresh and tasty. Even breakfast the next morning was delightful.
We enjoyed wine served with our meal, however, choose to not have dessert as after our mains we were extremely full. Though we did have a little food envy watching other diners enjoy theirs.
(photo from Forest Distillery).
While staying at Buxton Crescent Hotel, you don’t just have to stay inside. There’s plenty to do outside, whether this is just wandering the town of Buxton and exploring all the shops or just seeing the sites. You won’t be bored. One thing we’d definitely recommend though is a stop at Forest Distillery. Forest is a small, family-run whisky and gin distillery that creates unique and flavourful spirits using locally sourced organic ingredients and pure natural spring water. Known for its distinctive packaging, and distinctive flavour, we joined in on one of the weekend tours. Tickets for The Forest Distillery tours are available online.
On arrival, you are informed that Forest Distillery is the UK’s highest-altitude distillery! Being a self-proclaimed Gin expert I was super excited to visit here. We were taken through the history of gin, the brand and of course you get to try the products before learning all about the distilling process. My friend who wasn’t a big gin drinker before now may be a convert to gin. While I didn’t buy a bottle on the day… Forest Gin will be one I will be adding to my collection in the near future.
So what are you waiting for… book a weekend away at Buxton Crescent Spa now. Whether it’s for a mother/daughter weekend, a weekend away with friends or a romantic getaway, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and thinking about when you can return again.
Rates:
Rooms start from £170 including bed and breakfast. All rates include spa access for the duration of the stay, please see full rates below:
Peak months: June – September
· Peak days: Saturday – Rates from £290.00 / £305.00 BB or £340.00 / £405.00 DBB
· Off Peak days: Sunday to Friday – Rates from £190.00 / £205.00 BB or £240.00 / £305.00 DBB
Off Peak months: October – May
· Peak days: Saturday – Rates from £270.00 / £285.00 BB or £320.00 / £385.00 DBB
· Off Peak days: Sunday to Friday – Rates from £170.00 / £185.00 BB or £220.00 / £285.00 DBB
To find out more, visit: ensanahotels.com
