St Ann's Well
Taste centuries of history with free, naturally warm mineral water from Buxton's ancient geothermal spring.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Always flowing, always free!
St Ann's Well
Best Time
Always flowing, always free!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taste centuries of history with free, naturally warm mineral water from Buxton's ancient geothermal spring.
"A lovely spot with deep historical roots right in the heart of Buxton."
Bring Your Own Bottles! 💧
Locals often fill up large bottles with the warm mineral water. Bring yours to take some home!
Warm Water Surprise! 🔥
The water emerges at a pleasant 27°C (80°F). It's a unique sensation!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taste the Thermal Spring Water
St Ann's Well
Sip on naturally warm, mineral-rich water straight from the source. A unique and refreshing experience!
Ancient Geothermal Spring
St Ann's Well
Witness a natural wonder that has flowed for millennia, revered for its healing properties.
Historical Significance
Buxton
Connect with centuries of tradition, from Roman times to modern-day locals collecting water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Experience the Thermal Waters
Buxton's Historic Heart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Bottles! 💧
Locals often fill up large bottles with the warm mineral water. Bring yours to take some home!
Warm Water Surprise! 🔥
The water emerges at a pleasant 27°C (80°F). It's a unique sensation!
Explore Nearby Attractions 🏛️
Combine your visit with The Crescent and Pavilion Gardens for a full Buxton experience.
Free & Accessible 🚶♀️
Enjoy this historic site and its natural wonder without any cost.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Bottles! 💧
Locals often fill up large bottles with the warm mineral water. Bring yours to take some home!
Warm Water Surprise! 🔥
The water emerges at a pleasant 27°C (80°F). It's a unique sensation!
Explore Nearby Attractions 🏛️
Combine your visit with The Crescent and Pavilion Gardens for a full Buxton experience.
Free & Accessible 🚶♀️
Enjoy this historic site and its natural wonder without any cost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St Ann's Well for its unique offering of free, naturally warm mineral water, highlighting its historical significance and the pleasant taste. Many appreciate the local tradition of collecting water and the well's central location near other Buxton attractions. Some note that the well itself might not be visually spectacular, but the experience is considered worthwhile.
"A lovely spot with deep historical roots right in the heart of Buxton. St Ann's Well offers free, warm mineral spring water that's been flowing for centuries — it comes out at around 27°C and tastes clean and slightly mineral-rich. Locals regularly fill up bottles here, and it's a fun, unique experience to try it fresh from the source. The surrounding area is charming too, with The Crescent and Pavilion Gardens just nearby. Definitely worth a stop if you're in town!
warm and magical"
Davor Colic
"A popular well in Buxton known for its warm water. Locals often come here fetch water in gallons, a tradition that has lasted for decades to this day. A lovely place and rare in this day and age."
Legends l
"A great experience checking out the well. Water comes out warm. Not busy so had time to fill a few bottles and even met a lovely local who explained a little about the water. Must visit."
Z H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Ann's Well is centrally located in Buxton, Derbyshire. It's easily accessible on foot from the town center, near The Crescent and Pavilion Gardens. If driving, there are several car parks available nearby, though they may have charges.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark in Buxton. Look for signs directing you towards The Crescent and Pavilion Gardens, and you'll find the well in that vicinity. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Buxton has a bus station and a train station, both within walking distance of St Ann's Well. Many bus routes serve the town, making it accessible from surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting St Ann's Well and tasting the spring water is completely free. It's a public amenity that has been provided for the town's residents and visitors for centuries.
St Ann's Well is accessible at all times, as it's a natural spring. The water flows continuously, so you can visit and taste it whenever you are in Buxton.
Absolutely not! The spring water is provided free of charge, a tradition upheld since a 16th-century act of parliament. It's a genuine community resource.
🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
The water is described as clean and slightly mineral-rich, with a subtle taste due to its high magnesium content. It's also naturally warm, around 27°C (80°F), which is a unique sensation.
Yes, the water is safe to drink and is the same water bottled and sold as Buxton Mineral Water. Many locals regularly fill their bottles here.
The geothermal spring water emerges at a consistent temperature of approximately 27°C (80°F), making it pleasantly warm.
The well is located in a beautiful area of Buxton. You can explore the historic Crescent, relax in the Pavilion Gardens, or visit the Buxton Opera House nearby. Some social media content also highlights local events and festivals held in the gardens.
The well is an ancient geothermal spring, revered since Roman times. It was dedicated to St Anne in the 1520s, and its curative powers have been documented for centuries. The spring originates from deep underground and produces a significant volume of water daily.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique experience of tasting the warm spring water, the historic well structure, and the surrounding Victorian architecture of Buxton, like The Crescent. The Pavilion Gardens also offer scenic backdrops.
Yes, absolutely! St Ann's Well is a public attraction, and visitors are welcome to take photos. It's a great spot to capture a unique aspect of Buxton's heritage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💧 Water Enthusiasts & Health Seekers
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Healing Waters of Buxton
The water's composition, notably its high magnesium content, is believed to contribute to its therapeutic benefits. It's the same water that is bottled and sold commercially as Buxton Mineral Water, underscoring its quality and purity. For visitors, the opportunity to taste this water directly from the source is a unique and grounding experience, connecting them to a tradition that has sustained the town for generations. Many locals continue the practice of filling large containers, a clear indicator of the water's enduring appeal and perceived value.
While the well itself might appear understated to some, its historical and natural significance is profound. The surrounding area, including the elegant Crescent and the tranquil Pavilion Gardens, complements the well's historical charm. It's a place where you can pause, reflect, and literally taste the history of Buxton, making it a must-visit for those interested in natural wonders and local heritage.
Buxton's Heritage and Community
The well is situated in a prime location, adjacent to other significant landmarks such as The Crescent, a magnificent example of Georgian architecture, and the expansive Pavilion Gardens. This proximity makes St Ann's Well an integral part of any exploration of Buxton's historic town center. Social media content often showcases the well alongside these other attractions, painting a picture of a town rich in both natural resources and architectural beauty.
Beyond its historical and natural appeal, St Ann's Well Gardens have also been a venue for community events, including festivals and carnivals, as seen in various Instagram reels. These events further emphasize the well's role as a focal point for community life and local celebration, making it a dynamic and cherished part of Buxton.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit