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Buxton Pavilion Gardens is a Grade II* listed public park of Special Historic Interest. The park was designed by Edward Milner for the Buxton Improvements Company, following the arrival of the railway to Buxton in 1863. It was opened in 1871 on a 12 acre site (on land given by the seventh Duke of Devonshire) and in 1876 was extended to its present 23 acres of gardens and 3 lakes. There was originally an admission charge to enter the gardens. Milner's design was a development of the 1830s landscape design of the Serpentine Walks (along the River Wye) by Joseph Paxton for the sixth Duke of Devonshire, on what was previously the gardens of Buxton Old Hall. A series of Victorian buildings overlook the Gardens from its Northern boundary. The main Pavilion and Conservatory are cast-iron and glass structures by Milner from 1870. The Pavilion was extended with the construction in 1875 of the Octagon Concert Hall (by Robert Rippon Duke). A large Oriental Tea Kiosk was built in 1899 though this was demolished in 1977. At the North East corner of the Pavilion Gardens is the Buxton Opera House (designed by Frank Matcham in 1901). On the South East boundary of the Pavilion Gardens is the Broadwalk promenade which was constructed as Cavendish Terrace in 1857.

Author Bill Bryson declared: "The Pavilion Gardens ... must be the most delightful town park in the country".

The Pavilion Gardens originally provided leisure facilities for tennis, croquet, boating on the largest lake and roller skating, as well as curling and ice skating in winter. Tennis tournaments were played in the Pavilion Gardens from 1884 until the 1950s, including the All-England Ladies Doubles Championship. King Edward and Queen Alexanda took a tour of the Pavilion Gardens when they visited Buxton in January 1905. During World War I Royal Engineer soldiers based in Buxton used the Pavilion Garden lakes for training exercises. In 1927 responsibility for the Pavilion Gardens was transferred from the Buxton Gardens Company to the Buxton Borough Council.

The Beatles played in the Octagon Concert Hall on two occasions in 1963.

An indoor swimming pool complex next to the Octagon was completed in 1972 and opened by Princess Anne.

In 2004 a major restoration of the Pavilion Gardens was completed with a contribution of £3.3m from Heritage Lottery funding. New facilites included a Victorian-style bandstand, playgrounds and a children's train ride.