Palace Hotel & Spa Buxton

You're walking up Palace Road towards one of Buxton's most recognisable landmarks—this Grade II listed Victorian hotel has been anchoring the town's skyline since 1875. It's the kind of place that's hosted generations of visitors, from spa-goers to conference delegates, and the bones of that heritage are genuinely impressive: ornate cornicing, period features, that undeniable sense of occasion you get stepping through the doors. The spa facilities are the real draw these days—thermal pools, treatment rooms, the works—though fair warning: the overall experience can feel a bit tired around the edges depending on which part of the hotel you're in.