On Sunday mornings ramblers gather in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens before heading off on group-led walks in the surrounding Peak District which perfectly demonstrates the pivotal place walking occupies in the hearts of locals, and the Pavilion Gardens is certainly an inspiring starting point for such adventures. The green space harks back to the great golden era of Victorian public parks with its 23 acres of perfectly landscaped lawns, flowerbeds, streams, walkways, ornate bridges, and pleasant boating lake which all provide ample spots for secluded strolls.

A full circular route takes about an hour or so to complete and for those wishing to explore a little further afield heading up past the swimming baths (on St Johns Road) leads to the much quieter Serpentine Park which is also worth a visit.

With a large play area for kids and a miniature train it’s easy to understand why this much-loved space is at Buxton’s epicentre.

Nestled in the glorious White Peak and just 16 miles outside of Buxton, The George at Alstone is perfectly positioned for exploring the Peak District National Park.

Occupying a truly picturesque spot overlooking the village green, this incredibly special pub turned restaurant has been recognised in The Good Food Guide (since 2009), with foodie accolades of Michelin and Sawday’s approval. The gourmet menu centres around ingredients sourced within a 15 mile radius (including from its own bees, hens, and organic kitchen garden).

There are numerous scenic walks linking the pub up with nearby Ilam, Hartington, Mill Dale, and Dovedale Stepping Stones (which are around three miles away). The friendly team are also full of recommendations for walking routes and suggest heading to Narrow Hill, across to Beresfordale and then on to Hartington.

Whether you finish up with a drink after a long day of stomping the surrounding hills or head off for a gentle stroll following a five-star meal (depending on the food coma levels, of course!), The George at Alstone is hard to beat.

The Devonshire Dome is one of Buxton’s most famous landmarks, sporting what was once the world’s largest unsupported dome – surpassing that of the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica and St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s also a great starting point for a walk up to Cobar Cross which is slightly off the beaten track – reached through pretty woodland (look out for the Bluebells if you are visiting in May), the summit offers unbeatable panoramic views. In a lesser-known part of Buxton, Corbar is quieter than the town centre and has longer, wider, peaceful streets.

Getting up to Corbar Cross is straightforward – once you reach the dome, continue up Devonshire Road which will eventually bring you out onto Corbar road and from there, continue through the woods up to Corbar Cross. Given the fact it’s away from the main drag it’s wise to pack refreshments (or alternatively, pop into the café/restaurant inside the dome before or afterwards). Sturdy shoes are a must.

If you are looking for a walk that also combines kid-friendly activities, then Poole Caverns & Buxton Country Park has it all covered. Just ten minutes out of the town centre on foot you’ll find yourself at one of the country’s best ‘show caves’ and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Guided tours of the caves run each day, but it’s the location – below Buxton Country Park with its stretches of protected woodland home to an abundance of wildlife that you might wish to explore, as well as Grin Low, which affords panoramic views over Buxton and the surrounding countryside (look out for Mam Tor and Kinder Scout on the horizon). Trek to the hill’s summit and you’ll find Solomon’s Temple – a Victorian folly that sits above an ancient burial mound – as well as evidence of the limestone mining that has occurred throughout the region for millennia.

Altogether, Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park is the perfect place to enjoy a walk in nature with a range of activities on offer – without straying too far out of town