Assembly Rooms Open Access
- The Crescent
- 10.30am - 3:00pm
- Donations welcome
- Accessibility Friendly
What is an Assembly Rooms Open Access Day?
A free opportunity to see inside Buxton Crescent’s Assembly Rooms. Climb the grand stairs (or take the lift) and discover the architectural highpoint of the Crescent.
What time do Assembly Rooms open days run from:
10.30am – 3.00pm
Where should I go?
Look out for the large white doors at the Cavendish Arcade Thermal Baths end of the Crescent.
When standing with the Crescent in front of you, the doors are on the right hand side of the Crescent, roughly at a 2pm position on a clock from the centre.
A member of the BCHT team will be there to welcome you.
Alternatively, head over to the Pump Room, where a member of our team will be happy to help you.
History of the Assembly Rooms
The Assembly Rooms, compromise two sumptuous public rooms – the Ball Room and the Card Room. The Ball Room is one of the architect, John Carr’s most successful designs in terms of its scale, proportion and detail. It features decorative plasterwork, stunning chandeliers and tall fluted columns topped with gold acanthus leaves. The Assembly Rooms were in use from 1788 during the reign of King George 3rd.
What happened in the Assembly Rooms in Georgian times?
Assemblies took place which were generally crowded with well-dressed people who danced, played cards, promenaded or chatted together. Seating around the walks was provided for servants and for those too young, too old or too infirm to dance.
What are the Assembly Rooms used for today?
Champneys Buxton Crescent Hotel use the Assembly Rooms for weddings, conferences and functions. They are still a place to party and gather and discuss!
The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to help restore the Crescent was the sixth largest ever granted. The restoration project completed in 2020. An important part of this funding was ensuring that as many people as possible could enjoy the Crescent and find out more about its history. Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust help to facilitate free public access to the Assembly Rooms, 60 days a year and also deliver an exciting programme of ticketed events including Regency Balls, fashion shows and theatre performances which bring the rooms to life.
Friends of BCHT enjoy discounts on selected event tickets.
Buxton Crescent is accessible by wheelchair and fitted with accessible lift and toilet facilities.
The Pump Room is one-level Assistance dogs are welcome in Buxton Crescent and the Pump Room.
We also have a hearing loop in The Pump Room.
Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust welcomes all to our attractions and events. Those that require the assistance of an essential carer to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit may ask for a complimentary essential carers ticket for their companion. These are available to anyone with an Access Card or anyone in receipt of the higher rate of Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Attendance Allowance (AA) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Essential Carers tickets can be purchased alongside a standard ticket from the Pump Room, on the phone (01298 214577) or on the ticketing section of our website for events and the Buxton Crescent Experience.
The Pump Room is fitted with an accessible toilet.
Buxton Crescent has male, female and accessible toilets.
The Pavilion Gardens have public toilet facilities, just 5 minutes walk away.
Dogs are very welcome in the Pump Room and we always have complimentary dog treats at the Visitor Information desk.
Assistance dogs are allowed in the Buxton Crescent Experience and in the Assembly Rooms.
A variety of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks are usually available during events in the Pump Room.
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