Fun Things to do in Castleton – 10 Castleton Attractions
There are many exciting and fun things to do in Castleton, Derbyshire. The idyllic village lies in the heart of the Peak District National Park in the Hope Valley and has serene and spectacular surroundings, including Mam Tor, Cave Dale, Winnats Pass and Peveril Castle. Castleton is on the border of the White Peaks and gritstone Dark Peaks which makes it unique to explore and is often referred to as ‘The Gem of the Peaks’.
The village was founded in 1086 when Peveril Castle was built by the son of William the Conqueror, William Peveril. Castleton means ‘town of the castle’. King Henry II was responsible for the village’s layout that you see today, with the oldest part by the river near Cavern Walk.
Whether you are interested in overground or underground Castleton attractions, you will be spoilt for choice. You will soon understand why the village is one of the most visited in the Peak District. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy walking or not – you should not miss this village because of its independent shops, restaurants and picturesque setting. It was also used as a TV set for the new series House of the Dragon, due to its beauty!
How to get to Castleton, Hope Valley
Castleton does not have a train station. The closest is in Hope. It does have a bus service, number 272, which leaves from Sheffield. However, the easiest way to arrive in Castleton is by car.
There are three car parks, Speedwell Cavern, Peak Cavern and Castleton Visitor Centre. The Peak Hotel also has a car park for its customers where the pub can refund you if you spend £10 or more at the pub. All of these are pay and display. There are minimal free spots on the road in laybys.
If you are visiting Castleton for a day trip, it is recommended that you arrive early to secure a spot in the car park. Last Time, we got the final place in the visitor’s centre at 10 am on the weekend. There are free toilets here, which is why we usually park there.
Castleton Postcode: S33 8WG
Please follow the Google Maps directions to Castleton here.
Castleton Weather
It is always helpful to check the weather forecast in Castleton before you go. Therefore, you can decide what to do in Castleton based on the weather, especially if you will go on one of the walks.
We recommend checking BBC Castleton Weather and Met Office Castleton Weather.
Best Time to go to Castleton
Castleton is a year-round destination. The pubs and shops are fun to visit at any time, and some pubs have warm fires in the winter. However, as there are many things to do in Castleton, the small village can get very busy. Therefore, if you wish to visit without the crowds, aim to come on a weekday and not in school holidays.
On the 29th of May, there is a festival called ‘Garland Day’. It used to be celebrated across the country, and its origins are unknown. It could be from the Celts or King Charles II. Today, if you decide to visit for this event, you will be able to see the King and his consort parade through the village in Stuart costume, as the music plays.
At Christmas, Treak Cavern put on a beautiful Carol Candlelight event, which is known for being spectacular to get you feeling festive.
Castleton Attractions Map
10 Best Things to do in Castleton
Visitor Centre, Museum and Cafe
One of the best free things to do in Castleton goes to the Castleton Visitor Centre and Museum. It is an excellent Castleton attraction because you can learn about the town through information points, artefacts and more. It is managed by Castleton Historical society, was refurbished in 2017 and is free to visit. It also has plenty of tourist information services and staff to ask for advice.
You will also see what’s going on in the exhibition room and see local artists’ great work! We would start here to help plan your exciting day out in Castleton.
Visit the Exceptional Show Caverns
Lead mining was popular in the 1700s. However, the Blue John stone is internationally rare and has only been found and mined here for 200 years. Today, you can visit the caverns, which offer a different experience.
There are four caverns, and they show how impressive the underground of Castleton is. You will be in awe of the rare stones, rock formations and fun experiences. Each cavern offers something different, so you could spend all day visiting each one. Costs do apply.
Peak Cavern – to understand how rope was made for the lead mining production and to see the largest natural cave entrance in the UK. It is also known as the ‘Devil’s Arse – you’ll have to visit to learn why!
Treak Cliff Cavern – to admire stalagmites, stalactites and Blue John Stone. Tours last roughly 40-minutes, and you can bring your dog!
Speedwell Cavern – to go on an underground boat in a former 18th- century lead mine. You head down 105 steps to visit the ‘bottomless pit’. It is found at the entrance to Winnats Pass!
Blue John Cavern – to marvel at crystallised caverns and the waterfall. It is one of only two caves in the world to see the rare Blue John stone. You will be able to find it just above Winnats Pass.
Admire the ruins of Peveril Castle
Now looked after by English Heritage since 1984 and owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, Peveril Castle was built in the middle of a hunting ground, is mentioned in the Domesday survey and is argued to be one of England’s first Norman fortresses.
Noblemen and royalty, such as King John and King Henry II, visited the castle and hunted in the Royal Forest. The castle has a natural defence because it is built high, and it resulted in strengthening Norman control in the area. You can climb to the top of the castle ruins for beautiful views, but it is steep, so be prepared.
You have to purchase a ticket to enter. These can be bought online in advance on the English Heritage’s Website.
Conquer Mam Tor
Mam Tor, also known as the ‘Mother Hill’ or the ‘Shivering Mountain’, is a walk completed from Castleton Village. The 517m high hill walk features Julia Bradbury’s top 100 walks and number 10. It is owned by the National Trust and is a trendy spot and is one of the best things to do in Castleton. Many people go for sunrise to avoid the crowds, and others enjoy paragliding off the top when the weather allows.
You can see the remains of an Iron Age Fort and bag a trig! Many people follow the walk from Castleton, over the Great Ridge to Lose Hill and then descend back into Castleton. It is worth the effort!
Are you interested in this walk? Read more: Mam Tor Walks.
Drive through Winnats Pass
Winnats Pass is the only entrance to Castleton from the west and is so impressive you will not forget your drive. The National Trust owns the limestone valley, and the origins of how it was formed are debated.
The pass is known as the site of a murder in 1758. Therefore, when you walk or drive through, look out for the ghosts that roam the pass. Today photographers and hikers love exploring the area, whether from the road or from above. It is easily one of the best free things to do in Castleton.
Please note that some heavier vehicles cannot drive through the pass, and we have seen many unconfident drivers stalling! Also, some sheep rule so watch out for them as you go through Winnats Pass.
Are you interested in this walk? Read more: Winnats Pass Walk.
Visit a TV set in Cave Dale and Castleton Village
Part of the Limestone Way, Cave Dale, can be explored by walking in between some cottages in the village above the marketplace. The valley is impressive, and the views of Peveril Castle perching on the cliff edge are unmatched. The walk is relatively short, which means that you can combine this with other Castleton attractions if you are only visiting for a short time.
It was the setting for the Vale in the new House of the Dragon series (Game of Thrones) where Matt Smith’s character wanders through the dale. We won’t give any spoilers, but it is an epic scene with an epic setting. Therefore, you should not miss Cave Dale when visiting Castleton. Of all the places in the world they could have shot this scene, they chose here. It allows its visitor to feel small. They also shot some scenes in Castleton village too.
Are you interested in this walk? Read more: Cave Dale Walk
Grab a bite in Castleton
One of the best things to do in Castleton is to have a bite to eat. There are restaurants, bakeries and even a small vegan cafe. Some of our favourite places to try include:
The Real Fudge Company – which is a yummy treat after a hike.
Peveril Stores – for delicious cakes, bread and more.
Plant and Planet – for vegan goodies.
Enjoy the Pubs in Castleton
There’s something about Castleton and pubs, which go together very well. Despite being a small village, there are six pubs known for being excellent. They have beautiful atmospheres and quirky interiors. The best thing to do is to walk around and decide which one suits what you fancy. We have tried several now, and we like the Peak Hotel because the food is unreal, the staff are kind, and it feels like a unique experience.
The Peak Hotel – for delicious food and a cosy atmosphere.
Ye Olde Nags Head – a 17th-century coaching Inn.
Bulls Head – a fun family-run pub.
George Inn – a welcoming country Inn
Browse Castleton Shops
There are many independent shops in Castleton, and lots of them sell the famous Blue John stone in the form of jewellery and ornaments. These can be costly, so we recommend carefully checking the prices before buying anything. It is also an excellent opportunity to wander around the village and see it in all its beauty.
We always like visiting The Little Shop by the river because they sell second-hand books and antique glassware and there are plenty of outdoor shops too, which we are sure won’t surprise you. Therefore, wandering around the shops is one of the best things to do in Castleton.
Town Ditch Field
Likely built in the late 11th century, the Town Ditch was constructed to defend Castleton. Today, you can see the remains of the Town Ditch in the field next to the visitor centre car park. Today, it is used as grazing land, but it is pretty interesting to see nonetheless, so we have included it on the best things to do in Castleton.
There you have it, the ten best things to do in Castleton. There are plenty of options depending on the time you have, your interests and of course what the weather is like. One thing is for sure there are so many Castleton attractions that you will have a fantastic time in this beautiful village.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com