The Gathering HouseLarge Group Accommodation in Buxton

The Old Hall Hotel — Opposite the Opera House, said to be England's oldest hotel. The restaurant caters for up to 90, with function rooms for parties of around 20 — one of the easiest big-group bookings in town, and within walking distance of The Gathering House.

The Vault — On the Market Place. Lively bar-restaurant that hosts groups of up to 200, runs a Saturday bottomless brunch, and actively welcomes hen parties (booking essential) — worth calling ahead to confirm numbers and timings for a big table.

Buxton Brewery Tap House — George Street, behind the Crescent. The brewery's own tap with food until 9pm and open until late seven days; casual, roomy and good for a relaxed first-night gathering.

Buxton Crescent Hotel — The restored Georgian centrepiece of town, with seven function rooms catering up to 120; suits a smarter celebration dinner or afternoon tea en masse. Right opposite St Ann's Well, so it's easy to combine with a stroll before or after.

St Ann's Well — A free public fountain opposite the Crescent, drawing warm natural spring water from the same source as bottled Buxton Mineral Water. Bring bottles and fill up — a quick, free stop that works for the whole group on the way to or from dinner.

Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park — Spectacular two-million-year-old show cave with guided tours, and a genuinely good wet-weather option since the cave stays the same temperature whatever the sky's doing.

Go Ape Buxton — Treetop ropes and zip wires in the woods above Poole's Cavern, one of Go Ape's highest courses. The active one — big groups can book sessions together, so it's worth getting everyone's availability sorted before you call to reserve a slot.

Solomon's Temple walk — Stroll up through Buxton Country Park to the Victorian folly on Grin Low for views over the whole town. Short enough for mixed-ability groups, and it links up neatly with Poole's Cavern if you want to make a longer morning of it.

Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Gardens — A show at the Edwardian opera house makes an easy group evening, and the gardens next door have a conservatory, café, miniature railway and pedalos for a gentle afternoon.

Rock climbing and caving — The limestone country around Buxton is some of the best in England for both, with instructor-led sessions available locally for a group wanting something more adventurous than a walk in the hills.