A Month of Creativity, Play and Fun: Budget friendly Activities for Families Across Buxton

Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust is inviting families, visitors, and residents to enjoy a packed programme of free and low-cost activities throughout August — designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and hands on fun across The Crescent and Pump Room.

As a registered charity, the Trust works hard to keep many of its family activities free or at low cost so that everyone can take part. Donations of any size help us continue offering welcoming, imaginative experiences for the community.

All Aboard! – Monday 3 August 10am-3.00pm

Assembly Rooms, Buxton Crescent A joyful, hands-on event for all ages who love building, playing, and imagining with toy train sets. Children can create their own miniature worlds, experiment with layouts, and enjoy collaborative play. £3 per child. Book in advance or pay on arrival.

Crescent Craft Family Activities – Monday 10 August & Friday 17 August

Assembly Rooms, Buxton Crescent Two creative sessions each day: 10.30am–12.30pm and 2.00pm–4.00pm These relaxed, drop-in activities offer families the chance to explore heritage crafts together.

• Monday 10 August: Meet the Lady of the Loom, try peg weaving, and make a small flower on the flower loom.
• Friday 17 August: Enjoy hands on printing with “bits and bobs” to create colourful patterns and textures and badge making with Mister Hope

These sessions are free, with a suggested donation of £3. No prebooking required — simply walk in.

Introduction to Slow Stitching – Saturday 15 August

Held in the Pump Room from 10.30am -12.30pm, this pre bookable session offers a gentle, beginner friendly introduction to the calming art of slow stitching. Participants will be guided in creating a simple stitched piece at their own pace — no rules, no pressure, just mindful creativity. £5.24 per participant, plus the purchase of a refreshment at the Pump Room.

Crafternoons – Friday 21 August

Pump Room, 1.00pm–3.00pm Create your own unique mini mosaic with Flamingo Glass Mosaics in this friendly, creative drop in session. This activity is free, with donations appreciated. Participants are also encouraged to buy a refreshment during their visit to support the Trust’s charitable work.

Assembly Rooms Open Access Day – Monday 24 August

10.00am–3.00pm A rare chance to step inside Buxton Crescent’s magnificent Assembly Rooms. Climb the grand stairs (or take the lift) and discover the architectural highpoint of the Crescent — a breathtaking space that has welcomed visitors for centuries. Free entry. No booking is required.

Bank Holiday Weekend Highlight

Heritage Weekend – Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August

Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of Buxton’s rich past. Held around The Crescent and the Pump Room, Buxton Heritage Weekend offers something for everyone — from history enthusiasts to families looking for a fun day out, or visitors curious to discover more about this beautiful spa town. Explore living history, heritage demonstrations, listen to music, have a go on a traditional fairground and enjoy loads of activities that celebrate the traditions shaping Buxton’s future. It’ll be a fantastic day out for all the family.

Gardeners Market – Monday 31 August

Pump Room, 10.00am–4.00pm Browse stalls, meet local growers and makers, and enjoy a relaxed Bank Holiday Monday in one of Buxton’s most iconic spaces.

A Summer Full of Discovery

Visitors can also enjoy the Buxton Crescent Experience at reduced prices throughout the summer, thanks to the Government’s VAT reduction scheme for visitor attractions. At just £13.08 per adult and £2.18 per child (8–15), plus a small online booking fee — with under 7s going free — it’s an affordable, rain or shine addition to your summer to do list. Tickets can be booked online or purchased in person at the Pump Room.

Whether you’re visiting Buxton or you’re lucky enough to call it home, there is plenty to keep you entertained this August. We look forward to welcoming you. To find out more about these and all the Trust’s events, please visit www.buxtoncrescentexperience.com or pop in to see our Team at the Pump Room.