Guided tours
Visitors on the 'Horses to courses' guided tour.
A very informative and interesting tour, with a good balance of listening and looking. It was very easy to ask questions.
”Mr & Mrs C. Middlesex
The tours will inform you of the history of the use of the Buxton Campus, including its use as a hospital.
The 'Spooky Stories' tour will guide you through the Buxton Campus, telling you stories of the unexplained activity in the dome.
'Horses to courses' guided tour
'Horses to courses' guided tours offer visitors the unique opportunity to explore the fascinating two hundred year old Grade II* building, whose dramatic dome dominates the Buxton townscape.
About the tour
Your tour guide will be a student of the University who'll take you on a sixty minute journey back through time. You'll hear the story of how this building was constructed as a stable block for the fifth Duke of Devonshire; converted into a hospital by the addition of the world's largest unsupported dome; and transformed into the modern university campus you see today.
Booking
'Horses to courses' tours are usually offered on a regular basis from June to August, when they can be booked through Buxton Tourism Information Centre in advance for a fee of £4 per head (under 5s are free). During the rest of the year, group bookings can be made by contacting the Buxton Campus by telephone 01298 71100 or fax 01298 27261.
Here are a few of the comments we have received about these tours:
- "I enjoyed the tour of the Dome very much. Anna provided just the right amount of information to make the tour interesting and thought-provoking. Thank you." (Barbara, Cheshire)
- "I found it most interesting and Dan passed on a lot of information in a very palatable way. Well done!" (Kate, Derbyshire)
- "Fay was great - very informative, relaxed and friendly. Thank you." (Avril, London)
- "Maria was very cheerful, informative and helpful." (Pam, Cheshire)
- "Our guide was well-informed, spoke clearly, ensured that the whole group could hear the commentary and responded well to unexpected questions. An enjoyable experience." (Joan, Yorkshire)
'Spooky stories of the Devonshire Dome' guided tour
Our 'Spooky stories of the Devonshire Dome' tour has been developed to bring the heritage of the Devonshire Dome alive through the folklore of unexplained experiences. University staff, students and former staff of the Devonshire Royal Hospital have been interviewed to collect their spooky stories, which have been used to create an itinerary which is both thrilling and amusing.
About the tour
Your guide, who will be a student of the University, will tell you the spooky stories of the soldiers who often return to the spa for hydrotherapy treatments, the nurse who took the secrets of the operating theatre to her grave and the lady dressed in black who lurks in the dark areas of Chiswick House, plus much more.
Booking
For further information, or booking requests please contact:
- Iride Azara on 01298 594646 or email i.e.azara@derby.ac.uk
- Peter Wiltshier on 01298 594580 or email p.wiltshier@derby.ac.uk
Not just a tour
If you enjoy going on tours, sightseeing and finding out about new places and want to contribute more to the wide industry of tourism, why not think about undertaking a industry related programme of study.
