Holiday rentals in Castleton

In Hope Valley, wedged between two mountains — the Dark Peak to the north and the White Peak to the south — Castleton is one of the Peak District’s most popular villages. Not far outside of Manchester, the Peak District encompasses several villages as well as a national park featuring limestone valleys, gritstone ridges, and moorland plateaus. Just a few miles away from Castleton is Mam Tor (Mother Hill), the highest peak in the district at over 500 metres.

Peveril Castle, built in 1080, looms large over the village and is a major draw here. The ruins of this medieval fortress offer a fascinating insight into its history. The fantastic views from the castle of the village and its surrounding area are worth the visit alone.

Castleton’s other major attractions are the four spectacular show caves, open to explore. Peak Cavern is the only cave in the village and is the only wholly natural system, with miles of passages and an impressive entrance. Just outside the town, you’ll find Speedwell Cavern, with its underground canal, Treak Cliff, and Blue John mine, the latter two boasting impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

The most pleasant time to visit is from late March to June, when the days are generally mild and sunny for enjoying the outdoors. In May, the village hosts its most famous event — Oak Apple Day. Every year, in a celebration of the end of winter, the “King and Queen,” parade through the village on horseback in period dress. The king wears an impressive garland of flowers entirely obscuring his face until the couple reaches the town memorial.

July and August are the warmest months when you can expect sunny days to explore the many walks in the area. In winter, you can expect wind, rain, and even the chance of snow in Derbyshire. If you enjoy curling up in front of a fire in your holiday cottage, then winter might be the perfect time for you to visit Castleton.

Speedwell Cavern

Get a closer look at Speedwell Cavern by taking a spectacular underground boat journey through the 200-year-old mine and a network of natural caverns. The trip will take you 200 metres below ground before entering an imposing, cathedral-like cavern, home to the “Bottomless Pit” — a vast, subterranean lake.

Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle, the medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century, is only a short walk up from the village. Once you pass through the impressive entrance, you’ll find a collection of the original ruins, with the castle’s keep being in the best condition. There are several information boards dotted around the ruins offering a fascinating insight into the castle’s history. But the real reward is the spectacular views down to the village and across to the iconic Mam Tor.

Mam Tor

Three miles from the village is the base of Mam Tor, where you can embark on the most scenic walk in the Peak District. There are ten trails to suit all skill levels, from 4.8 to 32 kilometres long, and all paths lead to the 517-metre summit. Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the village of Castleton, as well as the contrasting Dark Peak made of sandstone and the limestone of the White Peaks. You’ll also have an excellent view of the dry gorge of Winnats Pass.