Things To Do Around Castleton
There is so much to do in and around Castleton and the Peak District for individuals, families and groups with an abundance of year round activities and attractions, and a rich local history.
If you’re into walking, hiking or biking, underground caves or spectacular views there are so many activities to choose from. Or whether you just like lounging around enjoying a well earned break there are numerous cafes and pubs serving locally made food and drinks. We’re sure there’s something everyone will enjoy.
Take a look at our interactive map below for ideas of what to do during your stay. You may also want to visit during some of the numerous events taking place throughout the year.
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Traffic free 8.5 mile route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users; spectacular limestone dales.
Explore the vast limestone caverns see how crystal stalactites have lined the chambers over millions of ye
Cable car to the award-winning Heights of Abraham Estate; enjoy 60 acre country park, cavern tours and exhibitions.
A scenic spa resort developed in the 18th century. Museum, cable cars, shopping, historic mills and more.
Home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, birthplace of the modern factory system and UNESCO site.
Be transported back in time on vintage trams. Soak up the atmosphere in our period street; shops and tearooms.
Children's theme park resort in Matlock Bath designed for families; adrenanline-fueled adventures; spectacular view
An authentic 1920s lead and fluorspar mine. Try your hand at panning for 'gold'. Fascinating history.
The scenery is spectacular and it is an ideal area for walking. The deep-cut valley of Cave Dale begins at the very centre of the village and is the starting-point for many excellent walks.
On the north side of Hope Valley there is a ridge of low hills including Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill, which are also excellent places for a walk, and beyond this lies Edale – the starting point of the Pennine Way – and Kinder Scout, which is one of the finest of the gritstone moorlands for which the Peak District is famous.
Other fine areas for walks are Bleaklow, Stanage Edge the Derwent Valley and the Goyt Valley – all within easy reach of Castleton.
To the south of Castleton there a numerous limestone dales with fine scenery and excellent walking. Dovedale, with its wonderful landscape, is less than 20 miles from Castleton.
You can enjoy a fine, easy walk along this magnificent valley, from the picture-postcard village of Ilam to the bustle of the cheese-making village of Hartington.
There are many historic houses within easy reach of Castleton which are well worth a visit. These include Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Lyme Hall and Park and Hardwick Hall.
Other historic places include the famous Stone Age henge of Arbor Low and the Plague village of Eyam.
If you prefer Theme Parks then Alton Towers is a little over an hour away by car, and the many attractions of the Matlock area (such as the Heights of Abraham) are closer still.
The Peak District is also a wonderful area for many other activities, such as cycling, rock-climbing, pot-holing and hang-gliding.
Popular Activities in Castleton Village
Peveril Castle: Towering above Castleton on limestone cliffs is our very own Peveril Castle. The castle ruins are always worth a visit, and it often plays host to special events that are bound to delight. Look at their website on www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Peak Cavern: In the middle of Castleton a short riverside walk takes you to a spectacular limestone gorge. 280 foot high vertical cliffs mark the entrance to Peak Cavern. With frequent guided tours throughout the day and detailed information about the Cavern’s history, this is a “must see” attraction. Telephone 01433 620-285 for further details or look at www.devilsarse.com
Speedwell Cavern: Take an underground journey by boat to witness first-hand the eerie splendour of the Bottomless Pit – a huge subterranean lake. Situated in Castleton’s Hope Valley at Winnats Pass, this attraction is open every day except Christmas Day – if it’s not flooded! Telephone 01433 621-888 for further details. www.speedwellcavern.co.uk
Blue John Cavern: Blue John stone has been mined in Castleton for centuries and the world famous Blue John Cavern is home to eight of the fourteen known varieties. The hour long guided tours are perfect for the more adventurous holiday-maker. For further details telephone 01433 620-638 or look at www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk/
Treak Cliff Cavern: Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton is famous throughout the world for its unique and large deposits of Blue John stone and houses some of the most beautiful cave formations found in the UK. Take a Self guided Audio tour (using your own smart phone), enjoy the amazing views across the Hope Valley, browse the well-stocked gift shop and catch your breath in our newly-refurbished visitor centre, café and picnic areas.