Who we are?
Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust is the charity dedicated to bringing one of England’s most remarkable spa heritage sites to life. From the iconic Crescent to the historic Pump Room and Buxton’s world-famous thermal water, we care for the stories, spaces, and traditions that have shaped this town for centuries.
Buxton is home to England’s only natural warm mineral spring, drawing visitors for over 2,000 years—from Roman settlers to Georgian high society and Victorian spa-goers. This unique history makes Buxton a place of national and international significance.
Through our work, we ensure Buxton’s heritage remains accessible to all, relevant, and inspiring.
We help people discover the rich stories behind Buxton Crescent and the town’s remarkable natural thermal water through exhibitions, learning programmes, a myriad of events, and community partnerships.
In a fast-changing world, safeguarding places like Buxton Crescent help us to stay connected to our past, support wellbeing in the present, and inspire future generations.
Our Heritage: The Crescent, The Pump Room, & Buxton's Water
The Crescent
One of the most important Georgian buildings in England, Buxton Crescent stands as a symbol of architectural ambition and spa culture. We care for its history and invite visitors to explore its role in shaping Buxton as a destination for health, wellbeing, and social life.
The Pump Room
For generations, visitors gathered here to taste Buxton’s warm mineral water—believed to restore health and vitality. Today, the Grade II listed Pump Room continues that tradition, offering visitors the chance to experience the water and discover the stories behind Victorian spa culture.
Buxton’s Thermal Water
Rising naturally from deep underground, Buxton’s mineral water has been celebrated for centuries. We bring its story to life through interactive displays, guided experiences, and educational activities that connect science, history, and wellbeing.
What We do
We bring Buxton’s heritage to life in ways that are engaging, inclusive, and meaningful:
- Delivering the visitor attraction: The Buxton Crescent Experience
- Inspire young people through hands-on learning and school programmes
- Create events, talks, and well-being activities for the community
- Care for and make the Pump Room open for everyone
- Facilitate public access to the Crescent’s Assembly rooms 60 days a year
- Help visitors explore Buxton and the surrounding area through our welcoming information service
- Offer refreshments and a curated selection of souvenirs at the Pump Room
- Share the story of Buxton’s unique thermal water
- Support local tourism and cultural engagement
Our aim is simple: to make Buxton’s heritage accessible and meaningful for everyone—residents, visitors, families, and future generations.
Get to know us better through this short 90 second video film, showcasing what we are all about. CLICK HERE NOW.
Our Impact
We are proud of the difference we’re making.
Each year, we welcome thousands of visitors, support people through our visitor information service, work with local schools, and deliver a growing programme of events and activities that bring Buxton’s heritage to life.
At the Pump Room, we enhance the visitor experience by offering refreshments and an expanding range of gifts, with a focus on supporting local suppliers and showcasing the best of the area.
From preserving historic buildings to supporting community wellbeing, learning, and local enterprise, our work creates lasting value for both people and the town of Buxton.
Our annual Impact Report shares our stories, partnerships, and successful outcomes made possible throughout the last 12 months.
Read Our Impact Report HERE NOW by clicking on this link. Explore the stories, insights, and achievements behind our work.
Of course, we remain very ambitious. As a result, we are continuing to grow our programmes, reach new audiences, and develop new ways for people to engage with Buxton’s heritage—both in person and digitally. By building partnerships and expanding our reach, we aim to ensure Buxton’s unique story continues to thrive in the years to come.
Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust Charitable Aims
We’ve been inspiring visitors and locals with Buxton’s story since 2017.
Our charitable aims are as follows;
(a) For the public benefit to advance education on the subjects of:
(i) Buxton Crescent and Thermal Spa; (ii) the history of Buxton and its surrounding area; (iii) the history of other thermal spas and thermal spa towns; and (iv) the history of health and medicine.
(b) Promoting the preservation and heritage of the physical and natural environment of the Buxton Crescent and Thermal Spa and its surroundings.
Our Purpose
We are a charity that celebrates and preserves the unique history of the Buxton Crescent, our spa town, and our world-famous thermal water. We achieve this through inspiring educational engagement, events, and visitor information.
The work of our Trustees, Colleagues and Volunteers supports Buxton’s communities, businesses, and vibrant visitor economy.
Our Vision
The Trust aims to ensure the Crescent buildings are accessible, and available to all who live in and visit Buxton.
Our People
The Trust is open to everyone, and its venues, activities and the opportunities created by its work will endeavour to be relevant and inclusive, acting as a transformative catalyst in the town, helping make Buxton a better place to live, work and visit.
Our trustees, teams and volunteers will be drawn from a diverse range of the community and the trust will be open and honest in its ambitions and aims.
Our Trustees
The Duke of Devonshire | Patron
Jennifer Spencer | Chair
Tina Heathcote
David Lowther (Chair of Trading Company Board)
Alice Martin (Chair of Assets Advisory Board)
Victoria Reeves
Pippa Pollard
Cllr Jean Todd (High Peak Borough Council)
Dominic Marner
Freya Needham
Special Advisors
Richard Tuffrey MBE
Dr Peter Collinge
Martin Cole-Evans
