Why go now?
To listen to some great music: the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic at Buxton Opera House; gigs at the Pavilion Arts Centre; the Northern Chamber Orchestra at St John’s Church; a live-music screening of the Snowman in the Pavilion Gardens (29 November).
What else is there to do?
Follow the heritage trail at visitbuxton.co.uk, taking in the Georgian Crescent and Pump Room. Pampering is on offer in the 18th-century Devonshire Dome, while the Crescent is getting a £46m makeover into a five-star spa hotel.
Anywhere good to eat?
Newcomer Harley’s has some imaginative veggie options and great Derbyshire meat dishes. Columbine uses local suppliers for dishes such as mixed game pie with stout. The Dome restaurant is the best bargain: £15 for three courses, cooked and served by students from the University of Derby.
How about a drink?
Monk serves fantastic seasonal cocktails. 53 Degrees North has cask ales, log fires and acoustic music afternoons. The Buxton Tap House serves 18 Buxton beers, plus guest ales. The real ale trail at paviliongardens.co.uk takes in 17 pubs and bars.
Anywhere to stay for under £100?
Bar/restaurant Number 13 has doubles from £50. The Old Hall Hotel has a winter offer: £109 for a double room, including mulled wine, two-course dinner and breakfast.
