Castleton tourist information

Castleton, at the heart of the Peak District, is a small village at the top of the Hope Valley. Surrounded by high hills, including Mam Tor, and overlooked by Peveril Castle. A formidable area, which even beat the roadmakers.

Celts and Romans occupied this area, and the 1086 castle protected the village as it grew based on mining lead and precious stone.

Today the village is famous for the show caves where Blue John is mined. Originally the area had 16 mines for the precious stone, but now only smaller pieces are found.

These caves are only the start of the cave system and the area is very popular with cavers, even though winter flooding occurs.

Oak Apple Day, the 29th May, is celebrated with a procession. If this festival, celebrating the end of Winter, falls on a Sunday it is held on the 28th.

The church, St Edminds, is worth a look, although it was heavily restored in the 19th century.