Castleton

Found in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District National Park, Castleton village is the most famous honeypot village in the esteemed district. Castleton as it is known today dates from approximately the 11th century and has developed over the years to become one of the most treasured and revered areas of any National Park in the UK.  

Like many of the attractions in the region, Castleton has a nickname and is known as the ‘Gem of the Peaks’. Castleton more than lives up to its name and has a well deserved reputation as a beautiful, tranquil and fascinating rural hill-village with a wide variety of all year round activities, attractions and unique landmarks to satisfy the curiosity of any visitor.  

During a visit to Castleton, there is a plethora of sites to see and things to do. The most famous landmark in Castleton, Peveril Castle, was built in 1080 and is the centrepiece of everything that is historical, absorbing and spectacular about Castleton. The village also has four ‘show caves’ - Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern – that are especially popular with tourists and Castleton locals alike. 

With other milestones, such as Odin Mine, St. Edmund’s Church and Castleton Hall, complimenting the notable local amenities and, of course, the beautiful scenery, Castleton is rightly considered the pick of Peak District.  

Castleton is situated at the western end of the Hope Valley, just off Peakshole Water, which is a tributary of the River Noe. At one point, the Hope Valley that eventually finds its way to Castleton is adjacent to the Hope Valley Line railway that runs from Sheffield to Manchester, and is itself a popular tourist destination.  

From its place at the head of Hope Valley, Castleton lies on the boundary between the Dark Peak and White Peak areas of the Peak District. The Dark Peak lies towards the north and is known for its peaks with Gritstone edges, with Froggat Edge and Kinder Downfall the most renowned landscapes. To the south of Castleton is The White Peak, where the limestone is drier, making the area more inhabitable. The White Peaks are home to many of the Peak Districts better known towns, covering the Staffordshire and Cheshire Peaks as well as the Derbyshire Peaks where Castleton is situated.  

Castleton is surrounded on three of its four sides by steep hills, the most prominent of which lies just two miles to the north-west of Castleton and is known as the Great Ridge. The most imposing section of the ridge is Mam Tor, which is a popular tourist destination for many visitors to Castleton. The Great Ridge eventually converges with paths from many other directions to cross over to nearby Edale.  

At the last census in 2001, the population of Castleton was said to be just 1,200 people, although at almost any time of the year the popularity of the village amongst tourists guarantees Castleton is a busy, effervescent place, with visitors keen to discover the varied and captivating delights Castleton has to offer.  

The reasons that Castleton is so admired by tourists are obvious. A place steeped in rich heritage and tradition, Castleton offers any potential guest an inimitable experience, with its spectacular scenery, pretty village and welcoming atmosphere much appreciated by those who stay. Add to that natural beauty an abundance of tourist attractions (including the four famous underground show caves), unique walking opportunities, family-orientated annual events, excellent shopping facilities and recommended eateries and pubs, and Castleton has everything that makes thousands of holiday-goers choose to stay every year.