Pavilion Gardens
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Buxton
What it’s like
Free Victorian gardens with outdoor play parks, then hop the miniature train or boats when you fancy a paid treat.
Kids run the outdoor play parks and picnic lawns first - Victorian gardens are free to enter, so you can arrive, explore and only pay for add-ons you actually want. Miniature train is £2.50 per person (under-age children need an adult on the train); boats are £10 for 30 minutes or £14 for 45 minutes (up to 4 people), weekends and school holidays weather permitting.
Main building / Pavilion Kitchen typically 09:30-17:00; children's play from 09:30 daily. Miniature train runs weekends plus Derbyshire school holidays, weather permitting, usually 11:00-16:00 (confirm on the day). No pre-book needed for gardens or train - walk-up.
Train and boats are seasonal and weather-dependent, so not every weekday in term time. Council pay car park nearby. About 55-70 minutes from Nottingham into Buxton.
Facilities
Plan your visit
How much does Pavilion Gardens cost?
It's free to get in. Some extras are priced; the full list is on this page.
Is there parking?
Yes, there's parking on site.
Can we eat there?
Yes, there's a café and a restaurant, and there's a picnic area if you'd rather bring your own.
How accessible is it?
The venue lists step-free access and wheelchair access.
Is it indoors?
No, this one's an outdoor day, so pick your weather.
Areas to explore
Activity Park
outdoorsLarger activity space for older kids with a five-piece outdoor gym area, swings, slides and climbing frames, plus a small ball court nearby.
Children's Play Area
outdoorsPlay area open all year round with a specific section for younger children including climbing, hiding, crawling and sliding activities.
The Gardens
outdoors23-acre Victorian landscaped gardens with flowers, shrubbery, trees, streams and a lake, home to squirrels, ducks and birds.
Toddlers Soft Play Area
indoorsIndoor soft play area located in the Pavilion Kitchen, open Monday-Sunday from 9:30.
Also on site
Coffee Van
outdoorsCoffee van outside the Ice Cream Parlour, open at weekends.
East Pavilion Shop
indoorsShop selling garden goodies, jams, marmalades, Buxton Spa products and gifts, plus cold drinks.
Gallery in the Gardens
indoorsGallery featuring creative works of 45 local artists from the High Peak Artists group, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery for sale.
Ice Cream Parlour
indoorsLocated in the historic atrium, offers over 24 flavours of ice cream and hot drinks.
Lakeside Hut
outdoorsRefreshment hut in the parkland offering hot and cold beverages, snacks and ice creams.
Pavilion Kitchen
indoorsMain eatery area with abundant natural light.
Retail Arcade
indoorsShopping arcade with local producers' gifts including coffee, cheese, toys, honey, soaps and spirits.
The Conservatory
indoorsHouses many rare plants and fish, described as an indoor rainforest; also licensed for civil ceremonies.
The Restaurant & Bar
indoorsSeats up to 80 people, overlooking the Promenade and Gardens.
Experiences
The Boating Lake
outdoorsBoating lake with 11 boats (6 rowing boats, 5 pedalos), each taking up to 4 people. £10 per boat for 30 minutes or £14 for 45 minutes. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult; life jackets must be worn.
Rides
The Miniature Train
outdoorsMiniature railway centrally located in the gardens, operating weekends in term time and daily in Derbyshire school holidays, 10am-4pm, £2.50 per person. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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