About Us

Join us on a journey through time. We offer unique experiences into the life and history of the beautiful spa town of Buxton in the Peak District of Derbyshire.

Explore the history, sights and sounds of Buxton with our knowledgeable local guides. Or why not take a stroll with our costumed character guides who have a personal tale to tell of their contribution to the history of Buxton. Or let us guide you on your journey through the Peak.

We offer bespoke tours for everyone. If you have accessibility requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to tailor our tours to suit you.

Our Team

Netta Christie

Netta likes people and having ideas!! She’s passionate about Buxton; its fascinating past and the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of its independent businesses and local artists. She is the person to talk to if you want to book a tour or have any other requests.

Nick Christie

An early career in the Merchant Navy (no, that is not his boat) a professional chef, keen gardener, singer and shed builder. Don't be surprised if he swaps recipes for Derbyshire heritage dishes whilst encouraging a singsong.

Brolly

The Discover Buxton Brolly loves going on an adventure. Always to be seen in town, often in the hills, sometimes at the beach and occasionally on the rock face. Brolly also loves to tweet. See the adventures of @DB_Brolly on Twitter.

Follow the Brolly

Fred Rolland

Fred Rolland is a walking tour guide and former tram driver. He has lived in Buxton for over 30 years, though he originally hails from Guernsey. In a former life he was a professional educator; these days he is mainly involved in the Buxton music scene. Don’t be alarmed if he starts singing during a tour.

Michael Clement

A talented musician and artist, former tram driver Michael is possibly most comfortable sitting at his piano. An earlier career in radio journalism led to a fascination for all things audio and a belief he looks good in headphones means that he is the team’s sound man.

Dr Ali Quas-Cohen

A research geologist by training, puppet-maker, sports leader and coach, Dr Ali spends a great deal of time promoting the town and its heritage. A tour with Ali is guaranteed to be full to the brim with fascinating insights about the town and the wider Peak District.

Jane Collier

Jane is the English chair of the Marie Stewart Society. She loves local history, especially Buxton's Elizabethan past. When not researching facts about Mary Queen of Scots, she's walking long distance trails and having cream teas. Girlguiding and creating a good dressing up box are her other interests.

Steve Phillips

Steve likes dressing up hence his passion for amateur dramatics and willingness to become Robert Rippon Duke. He researches and writes about local history scouring archives for new information about the town. He is a keen gardener, cyclist and singer both in and out of the shower!

Sarah Gordon

Sarah is a professional actor who is delighted to be a part of Discover Buxton. She enjoys bringing back to life some of history's strong and influential women whose acheivements may otherwise have been lost to the mists of time. When she is not acting you are most likely to find her either walking in the local hills or visiting one of Buxton's great hostelries.

Carol Crook

Carol grew up in Buxton, studied modern languages in London and has worked in the tourism industry all her life. Most of her work is with London tour operators explaining the importance of the Duke of Devonshire to the City of London. We like to think of her as the London arm of Discover Buxton Tours.

Gertie Whitfield

Gertie runs Whitworks Adventures in Theatre (WAT), a small Sheffield-based company that uses drama, theatre and creative writing to work with schools and communities. She has worked with us on our Tudor and Elizabethan character tours and guides our Spa & Empire themed tour.

Sarah Devlin

As a passionate, creative and inspirational educator for an amazing 20 years, Sarah is delighted to join the team to develop our school work and to take the occasional tour. She loves living in the Peak District and appreciates both the man-made and more natural areas it has to offer. She enjoys hiking often followed by a hot chocolate to counteract those burnt calories!

Angela Crawford

Angela has lived in Buxton for over 30 years and has a background in teaching and training. She is particularly interested in Buxton's unique social history. A keen walker, birdwatcher and chorister, she is a regular contributor to the profits of local retailers selling coffee, chocolate or cake. Angela joins us as a walking tour guide.

Nick Taylor

Although not born in Buxton, Nick had lived in the town for 55 years. He is recently retired which has given him more time to spend on his hobbies which are motor racing (watching!), history (particularly local history), reading and visiting historic houses. He is also a keen follower of our local football team Buxton FC. Nick joins us as a walking tour guide.

Jill Neves

Jill is fascinated by local history and theatre is her passion. She studied performing arts during the 80s and later trained as a drama therapist, working in social services and the NHS, using drama to enrich and enhance people's communication skills.She joins us as a character guide, Miss Lillian Violet Bowdine, to introduce the history of theatre in the town.

Corinne Coward

Corinne has always loved acting achieving a BA in Acting Studies with distinction. Since then, she has popped up on TV, film, theatre and toured with her own company, Ziggy Productions. An active ethical vegan, Corinne also rescues and transports dogs, and other furies, as part of The Animal Network, so is generally covered in hair.

Mike Carter

From olive picking to Drama teacher, Mike’s career has been long and varied. He still maintains his best, most favourite job is driving our wonderful tram, even returning to work the day after winning £10 on the lottery.

Chris Smith

A retired teacher, Chris, still had time to compete on Countdown twice, albeit 22 years apart! He proudly boasts that he achieved a 9 letter word. He has also been on Ken Bruce's Pop Master. He has a busy family life with three grown up children, two grandchildren and two handsome hounds, Albert and Ned.

Tim Warburton

Since Tim's children left home and he retired from a life of crime, he has been able to indulge his love of acting at the Opera House, the Arts Centre and Chatsworth House. Tim also loves the history, architecture and scenery of Buxton and he intends to bring some of his stage and court experience to the drama of the stories which will unfold before the very eyes of our patrons. When not involved in public performance, Tim enjoys watching wildlife and visiting Scottish islands.

Phil Cobham

Phil has retired from a career in the international sales and marketing of consumer goods and moved to Buxton from the south east in 2016. He is a passionate fly fisher and qualified instructor and also leads walks for local walking groups. He speaks fluent French and Spanish so will be a great addition to the team and in welcoming our international guests.