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St Ann's Well

4.8
·82 reviews·, United Kingdom

Taste centuries of history with free, naturally warm mineral water from Buxton's ancient geothermal spring.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Always flowing, always free!

CrowdLow
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St Ann's Well - Image 1

St Ann's Well

Best Time

Anytime

Always flowing, always free!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Taste centuries of history with free, naturally warm mineral water from Buxton's ancient geothermal spring.

4.8
(82 reviews)

"A lovely spot with deep historical roots right in the heart of Buxton."

Vertical photo
TIP

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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Taste the Thermal Spring Water

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

Ancient Geothermal Spring

St Ann's Well

Witness a natural wonder that has flowed for millennia, revered for its healing properties.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Buxton

Connect with centuries of tradition, from Roman times to modern-day locals collecting water.

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Planning Your Visit

Experience the Thermal Waters

St Ann's Well in Buxton offers a unique chance to taste naturally warm, mineral-rich spring water for free. Locals have been collecting it for centuries, believing in its curative powers. It's a simple yet profound connection to history and nature.

Buxton's Historic Heart

Located near The Crescent and Pavilion Gardens, St Ann's Well is part of Buxton's rich heritage. The well itself is an ancient geothermal spring, providing a constant flow of water that's been revered since Roman times.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Always flowing, always free!
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Restoring the public water fountain for tge people (🎥: IG/yahya.1ak)
@momentsgang
144.1K likes • 6.4M views

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!

St Anns Well, Great Malvern Hills 11.05.24 ********************************** #tribesofbeorma Haile Selassie once lived at the bottom of the hill...
ateliermenen
5 likes • 691 views
Catch a taste of the artistic life of St Ann’s Well Gardens with music, exhibitions and beautiful sculptures. Make your next visit a special exploration.❤️ #brightonparks #gardencafehove #sevendialsbrighton #inspiredbrighton #sevendialstrail #welovebrighton
stannswell
9 likes • 70 views

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.

Drinking Buxton Water from St Ann's well in Buxton
england.from.the.inside
9 likes • 193 views

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

4.8
(82 reviews)

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

Free warm mineral water
Historical significance
Unique local tradition

What People Dislike

Understated appearance

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

St Ann's Well offers a simple yet fascinating experience for families. Kids often find the idea of drinking naturally warm water from the ground quite exciting! It's a free activity that provides a unique sensory experience. Encourage them to feel the warmth of the water and discuss where it comes from. The nearby Pavilion Gardens are perfect for letting children run around and play after their 'taste of history'.

💧 Water Enthusiasts & Health Seekers

For those interested in natural mineral waters, St Ann's Well is a must-visit. You can taste the same water that's bottled as Buxton Mineral Water, renowned for its high magnesium content and purported health benefits.Reddit Bring your reusable bottles to collect a supply of this unique, naturally warm water. It's a chance to connect with the source of a popular natural beverage.

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Culture Explorers

St Ann's Well is a living piece of history. Its origins trace back to Roman times, and its dedication to St Anne in the 16th century marks its significance in local lore.Reddit The fact that a free supply of water is legally mandated is a fascinating historical detail. Explore the well and then delve into the surrounding Victorian architecture of Buxton to fully appreciate the town's heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Healing Waters of Buxton

St Ann's Well is more than just a water source; it's a testament to Buxton's long-standing reputation as a spa town. The geothermal spring, originating from deep within the earth, provides a constant flow of mineral-rich water at a consistent temperature of 27°C (80°F).Reddit This water has been sought after for centuries, with historical accounts dating back to Roman times, and later dedicated to St Anne in the 16th century for its perceived curative properties.Reddit The sheer volume of water, around a quarter of a million gallons daily, highlights the power of this natural phenomenon.

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.Reddit

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

St Ann's Well is deeply woven into the fabric of Buxton's identity. Its existence is mandated by a 16th-century act of parliament, ensuring a free supply of spring water for the town's residents.Reddit This historical provision highlights the community's long-standing relationship with the well and its waters. Today, this tradition continues, with locals regularly seen filling bottles, a practice that has persisted for decades.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Instagram+3 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.

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