Devonshire Dome: A Jewel in Buxton’s Architectural Crown
DEVONSHIRE DOME BUXTON
The Pavilion Gardens, a stunning heritage site established in 1871, magnificently showcases Buxton’s Victorian elegance. Spanning 23 acres, these splendid landscaped gardens and play areas offer an idyllic backdrop for delightful family outings.
Visitors can enjoy excellent dining options, unique shopping experiences, and a vibrant calendar featuring over 100 events and festivals annually, ensuring memorable visits throughout the year.
The gardens serve as a peaceful retreat with picturesque walking paths, vibrant floral displays, and tranquil water features, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
ABOUT THE DEVONSHIRE DOME
Discover the history of this opulent building, originally built between in 1779 and designed by the 5th Duke of Devonshire. It was once the largest unsupported Dome in the world, even beating the famous Pantheon Dome and St Peter’s Dome in Italy.
The Devonshire Dome’s journey through history is as fascinating as its architecture. Initially built as stables and later transformed into a hospital, it now stands as a prominent landmark and a testament to architectural innovation. The dome, with a diameter of 44.2 meters, was an engineering feat of its era and continues to capture the awe of visitors and architects alike.
Today, the Devonshire Dome is not just an architectural spectacle; it’s a hub of culture and education. It houses a part of the University of Derby, providing a unique educational environment, and is also home to various events, exhibitions, and conferences throughout the year. Its transformation from a symbol of aristocratic power to a center of learning and community engagement reflects the dynamic history of Buxton itself.
For a comprehensive list of activities and attractions in the area, be sure to explore our Things to do in Buxton page, which highlights the best of what this vibrant town has to offer.
DEVONSHIRE DOME CAFÉ
Roughly 1 million people visit the gardens every year to enjoy the beautiful scenery, serene surroundings, choice of playgrounds for various ages and the duck ponds!
The river Wye winds elegantly through the gardens, with shallow areas for paddling, and opens up into a few different duck ponds, so take some seed with you to feed them!
Next to the café there is a tropical greenhouse, where you can see exotic plants and trees and a fish pond, proving popular with both adults and kids!
Other features in the park include the newly built playgrounds, one for young children and one for all ages. Near the larger playground there is a kiosk where you can buy refreshments such as teas, coffees, fizzy drinks and snacks.
There are also toilet facilities around the corner. Little kids will adore the miniature train which goes around the centre of the gardens past the duck ponds. Remember to wave to the driver!
DOME’S RESTAURANT
During your stay in Buxton, why not experience fine-dining in the Dome’s restaurant?
The restaurant is catered by the students who are training at the University and are supervised by professional head chefs at all time, so the food is of a high quality and comes with a low price tag, which is always a bonus!
What’s more, the menu changes regularly to make the most of the local produce which is available, meaning you will truly experience the taste of the Peak District.
DOME’S SPA
After enjoying a nice meal, why not unwind and forget your troubles with the Dome’s spa services. The range of massages, scrub treatments and body wraps will leave you energised, detoxed and relaxed, and able to completely forget the daily stress of our modern world.
The Bespoke massages are well priced, costing £40 for 30 minutes, £65 for 60 minutes, and £80 for 90 minutes and are carried out by professionals. The spa is open every day except Mondays from 9am, (from 10am on Sundays) and close between 7pm-8pm.
BEAUTY SALON IN THE DOME
Treat yourself with in the salon in the Devonshire Dome! Whether you are looking for a one-time makeover for a special occasion, or simply want to feel pampered, the full beauty programme will not disappoint.
The prices are comparatively cheap, especially if you choose to have a training student do the treatment. The hairdressers offer haircuts for both ladies and gentlemen starting from £6, blow dry and cut from £6, hair dying from £12 and perms from £15. The spa also offers nail beauty treatments, including manicures, hand masks, pedicures and gels.
You can also try the range of face care on offer, such as eyebrow shaping, tinting and a MAC Makeup makeover. The Dome also has waxing services, which are much cheaper than the average prices for the same treatments in other establishments.
CONFERENCING EVENTS AT THE DEVONSHIRE DOME
The Devonshire Dome also hosts events, so make sure to check on their website regularly so as not to miss anything! Previous events include art shows and art and design fairs, where you can see artworks and creations from local artists.
These events have proved very popular in the past, and the artists are friendly and always willing to talk with the attendees about their pieces. In July, you can watch the spectacular Buxton Military Tattoo perform in the Dome, which has sold out every year since it started, so make sure to book and save your space.
More alternative events include the Philosopher’s Dome, which I perfect for fans of Harry Potter. Attendees can choose their house, chat with actors from the film franchise, take pictures with people in costume, watch owls fly, explore the Harry Potter market place and listen to guest talks.
The Devonshire Dome is also the home of Buxton’s one and only comiccon, named Unicon! There you can see guest talks from your favourite actors, get their signatures, dress up in costume and take pictures with other people, enter cosplay competitions, and much more.
WEDDINGS AT THE DEVONSHIRE DOME
This illustrious building coupled with the stunning views of the Peak District make the Devonshire Dome the perfect place for a Wedding venue.
Make your special day perfect with the team at the Dome, who tailor the day to what you want to achieve your dream wedding, rather than following a script or a set package deal.
The menus have been designed to suit all tastes and are cooked by an award-winning chef. However, the menu can also be altered to your tastes if you please.
LOCATION
DEVONSHIRE DOME
- OFICIAL WEBSITE: www.devonshiredome.co.uk
- ADRESS: Devonshire Road, Buxton, Derbyshire. SK17 6RY United Kingdom
- PHONE: +44 01298 330620
- EMAIL: reception@derby.ac.uk
Curious about what the Devonshire Dome offers for weddings, events, dining, or spa experiences? The dedicated team at Devonshire Dome is always eager to discuss their stunning venue and the array of exceptional services they provide.
Whether you’re planning a dream wedding, a corporate event, or simply wish to indulge in the culinary delights of their restaurant or unwind in the spa, the event planners at Devonshire Dome have all the answers to your queries.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them. Reach out via email or phone using the provided contact details, and they will be more than happy to guide you through the options and help tailor your experience at this historic and elegant venue.