Solomon's Temple, Buxton

Solomon's Temple, also known as Grinlow Tower, is a Victorian lookout tower crowning Grin Low hill beside the spa town of Buxton in Derbyshire's Peak District. Despite the name, it has no link to the biblical temple: it is a small stone folly that has become the landmark of the whole area.

What is Solomon's Temple and where does it come from?

The first tower went up on the hill in the early 19th century and took its name from Solomon Mycock, a local figure tied to a Buxton hotel. By the 1890s only a few stones remained. At a public meeting in February 1894, townspeople voted to rebuild it. Architects W. R. Bryden and G. E. Garlick drew up the design, and the Duke of Devonshire was among the donors. The foundation stone was laid on 31 May 1896, and the new tower opened in the autumn of that year.

The two-storey building stands roughly 6 metres (20 ft) tall on a Bronze Age burial mound at about 440 metres above sea level. Since 1987 it has been a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England.

What can you see from the top?

A spiral staircase inside leads up to an open viewing platform with a panorama over Buxton and the surrounding Peak District hills. In clear weather the outline of Mam Tor can be picked out far to the north-east. The tower itself is compact, so allow about fifteen minutes there and spend the rest of your time on the walk and the views.

How do you get to Solomon's Temple?

Most visitors start at the large pay-and-display car park by the Poole's Cavern visitor centre, at the edge of Buxton Country Park. From there a path climbs through woodland to the open summit of Grin Low. The ascent is moderately steep, with a few flights of steps, and a round trip including the tower usually takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. You can also begin in central Buxton, for example at the Pavilion Gardens, for a longer walk.

The Poole's Cavern site has a cafe, toilets and a shop. The cave itself is a separate paid attraction with guided tours, best booked online.

When should you go?

Clear days give the longest views. The hilltop is exposed, so bring a windproof layer even in summer. Weekend parking can fill up, so arrive in the morning. The country park is open to all, but check current access to the inside of the tower on the day.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to visit Solomon's Temple? The summit of Grin Low and Buxton Country Park are free to enter. You pay for parking and for Poole's Cavern tours.

How long does the walk take? Typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your route and pace.

Is it connected to King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem? No. The name comes from Solomon Mycock, a local man associated with the first tower on the hill.

Can you climb the tower? A staircase inside leads to the viewing platform, but access depends on current opening arrangements, so check before you go.