The River Wye flows through the gardens, which are a Grade II* listed public park of Special Historic Interest.

New facilities included a Victorian-style bandstand (used for summer band concerts and weddings), play areas, an outdoor gym and a children's miniature railway ride.

[1][6] King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra took a tour of the Pavilion Gardens when they visited Buxton in January 1905.

During World War I Royal Engineers soldiers based in Buxton used the Pavilion Garden lakes for training exercises to build pontoon bridges.

[8][better source needed] A series of Grade II listed Victorian buildings overlook the Gardens from its northern boundary with a wide promenade in front.

The main Pavilion and Conservatory are cast-iron and glass structures from 1870, designed by Milner in the style of London's Crystal Palace.

With capacity for 800 people, the hall has been used over the years for musical concerts, tea dances, conferences, trade shows, antique fairs and farmers' markets.

[11] At the north east corner of the Pavilion Gardens is the Buxton Opera House (designed by Frank Matcham).

Since its full renovation in 2001, the theatre has developed a busy programme of events covering drama, musical concerts, comedy, dance, opera and pantomime.

After the opening of the Buxton Opera House, the Entertainment Stage was converted to show silent movies and was renamed as the Hippodrome.

Tennis tournaments were played in the Pavilion Gardens from 1884 until the 1950s, including the All-England Ladies Doubles Championship and with a covered stand for spectators.