A Solo Travel Diary on a Budget…

🌺Buxton City Break…Day 1&2🌺

How can I even begin this? Okay, so, yesterday, I got into Buxton. And, I believe I told you guys that I wanted to know if you know about Buxton, let me know in the comments. But I didn’t get back any response (really, guys?).

Anyway, I decided to take a trip down here to see how the place looked.

And let me tell you the city is calm, it’s beautiful, it’s clean. It’s not too big, not too small. Is it a city? Or should I just call it a town? Either way, it’s gorgeous, and it’s already winning my heart.

🚆 Day 1 – Arrival, First Impressions & Domino’s Dinner

I booked my train ticket weeks ago (budget tip: always book early it saves you a few quid).

By the time I arrived in Buxton, I was tired but excited to start my 3-day city break.

I checked into the Palace Hotel Buxton & Spa and honestly, it lives up to the name. Clean. Spacious. Extra Towels, iron, ironing table, coffee-tea tray and a hair dryer in the room (yes, to me those little details matter).

But here’s the thing: by the time I arrived, most restaurants were closed. The hotel bar only served beer and drinks (and I’m not a beer girl). I did take a strawberry coconut flavoured mocktail.

So I walked around and spotted Domino’s Pizza still open (thank you, Domino’s!).

🍕 Dinner:

I grabbed a Double Pepperoni Sausage Pizza with bell pepper toppings. Watching them make it fresh was oddly relaxing, and the steamed crust was everything. That was dinner sorted £14 well spent.

Shower. Rest. Sleep. That wrapped up Day 1.

🥓 Day 2 – The Full English Fiasco, Sauna Therapy & Thai Bliss

This morning, I headed down to the hotel’s Donovan Restaurant for breakfast.

I decided to go for a Full English Breakfast (£12.95).

Big. Mistake.

I thought it would be hearty. I didn’t know it would be a grease festival. The bread was literally fried—like dripping in oil. And then there was the black pudding…

Nobody told me it’s made from pig’s blood.

I literally paused and thought: Nope. Nope. It cannot be me. I cannot be eating pig’s blood.

Anyway, I picked around the plate and swore next time I’d try the vegetarian option.

🏊‍♀️ Pool, Sauna & Steam Room – The Real Luxury

I couldn’t get a spa appointment (apparently, you have to book those in advance rookie mistake!).

But I didn’t let that stop me.

I headed to the swimming pool and sauna with a £6 all-day pass—a perk of staying at the Hotel—WOW.

I swam for about 1 hour 45 mins, then hopped into the sauna and steam room. The steam room was… let’s just say meltingly hot but I loved every second in there. My skin? Glowing. My stress? Evaporated.

🍜 Dinner at Simply Thai – 10/10

By evening, I was ready to eat again and took a stroll over to Simply Thai, a highly recommended local spot.

And wow. Just wow.

I had a duck dish (don’t even ask me the formal name of the dish…I was too busy enjoying every bite). The starter, main, and drinks were all perfection. Honestly, £25 well spent.

🌸 Evening Stroll – Pavilion Gardens

After dinner, I strolled through Pavilion Gardens. The flowers, the peaceful evening vibe felt almost cinematic.

I finally made my way back to the hotel, full, relaxed, and ready to crash.

💷 Budget Breakdown (So Far)

Here’s what I’ve spent up to Day 2:

🍕 Domino’s Pizza – £13.69 🥓 Full English Breakfast – £12.95🏊‍♀️ Pool & Sauna – £6 🍜 Simply Thai Dinner – £38.35 ☕ Drinks & snacks – £5–10

✅ Total so far: ~£80.99

📌 What’s Next?

Tomorrow (Day 3), I’ll be heading to Poole’s Cavern, checking out more of Buxton’s gems, and wrapping up this solo getaway with some final foodie stops.

Stay tuned for the Day 3 update and yes, for those waiting on my poetry series (Broken Pieces of Me), I haven’t forgotten you. Thanks for coming back.

I told you from the start of this year that I was going to do quite a bit of solo trips and city breaks, exploring cities in the UK tho I already have a bucket list for countries I plan to visit next year…Can’t wait…🥰 let’s secure the bag first.

Do you love solo-trips? Would you consider going for one, and using my little planned itinerary.

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