Spotlight on the Pavilion and Gardens at Buxton

Hello, Glad you like the Buxton photo's here are a few more. The Pavilion stands in 23 acres of beautifully restored award winning Victorian gardens. There is an ornate bandstand where bands play most summer Sunday afternoons, a large cast iron and glass conservatory garden, miniature railway, adventure playground and picnic areas. Inside there is a gift boutique selling unusual gifts and novelties. There's a very large family friendly Cafe and, and a Contemporary Coffee Bar. The Grand Octagon Hall and Lounge is available for private functions and the Pavilion is licensed for weddings. Inside the large shop is a gallery which exhibits high class art and design from Derbyshire artists. There is an excellent web site here, click on the 'Promotional Video', and get a free tour.  

The Conservatory is next to the Opera Opera house and you can stroll through it to emerge in the Pavilion Cafe.There is an amazing display of plants and palms from around the world to enjoy. The perfume from the flowers wafts over you as you step inside the warm and humid atmosphere. It's like a tropical paradise, lovely to linger and absorb the ambiance.  

I took a stroll outside in the gardens. Even though it's not quite spring it was still pleasant enough to wander about and relax. 

An elderly lady stopped to feed the ducks, which brought them all dashing across to her. 

Then another lady threw a bag of crumbs into the other pond. The wild birds have it made here, no need to go off in search of food, hang around long enough and it all arrives on a plate.

I'm going to add this bit onto the end of my post, and have borrowed a picture from the web site of artist Eric Wilson. He has an exhibition of his work in the Artcafe Gallery, which is up the spiral staircase next to the Conservatory. 

I was bowled over by his work, it's by far the best wildlife paintings I have ever seen. His exhibition is on now until the 5th of May. Go and see it if you are in the area, you will be blown away. If you can't get to it, take a look at his web site. He tells an amazing story of his travels around the world to see for himself the subjects of his paintings. Click on the sub headings, read about his life, look at his photographs, it's an exciting journey.

Buxton has an arty feel about it, I love it there. It's a shame that the Green Man Gallery wasn't open, I picked the only day they are closed. Never mind, I'll go back another time.

Right, got to get a move on, things to do. Thanks for visiting. Toodle pip.