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Castleton
Castleton is an outstandingly pretty village situated at the head of the lovely Vale of Hope, in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District National Park. It is surrounded on 3 sides by steep hills and the mighty bulk of Mam Tor looms high, 2 miles to the north west of the village. On a hill, overlooking Castleton, is the ancient Peveril Castle. Castleton lies 16 miles west of Sheffield towards the end of the Hope Valley.
The limestone buildings and cottages are found in neat formation around the village green with its War memorial cross. The parish church, St. Edmunds, is a fine example of a Norman church, restored in 1837 and well worth a look at.
The area around Castleton is extremely popular with climbers and cavers who are attracted by the fabulous Peak District Climbing. There are four show caves that are each very different ; Peak Cavern (the largest opening in Britain) celebrates the life and work of rope makers. Because of its wonderful acoustics it has been used to host musical concerts, and one happy couple even married there! Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern contain the Blue John Fluorspar, which you can see in its natural splendour. Small pieces are mined, polished and made into ornaments and Jewellery
Speedwell Cavern at the foot of Winnats Pass is a very different experience altogether. As you descend one hundred steps down into a dark tunnel, then onto a boat , your tour guide tells you the eerie story of the tragic young couple who were brutally murdered in 1758. The journey ends with a look at the fabled ‘bottomless pit’. (Warning this trip is not for the faint-hearted!)
The ruins of nearby Peveril Castle, built by William the Conqueror but given to his son in 1086, can be found clinging to the side of Cavedale. The hike up there is not as steep as it looks and the views will take your breath away when you get there. This forms a route that is highly popular with those enjoying Peak District Walking.
The village enjoys winding lanes and footpaths that all lead to the main street bustling with charming gift shops, where you can purchase Blue John and many other collectables.
Castleton boasts no less than six pubs, and many cafes serving hearty value-for-money fare to all travellers that rest here. Castleton is popular with tourists throughout the year with many events taking place.The most well known being The Garland Day on May 29th. A procession through the village of a King and Consort on horseback with a huge garland of flowers is a sight to behold. Small girls dressed in white dance around the maypole as the brass band plays, a truly special occasion.
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