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Pictures of Castleton

in the county of Derbyshire

Castleton, Derbyshire

About Castleton

Castleton is one of the Jewels of the Peak District. It is a famous centre for caverns where you will find four of the countries most famous show caves. It is also the home of the ruined Peveril Castle, built in Norman times and immortalized forever in Sir Walter Scott's - Peveril of the Peak.

This is limestone country where the grandeur of the peaks is matched by the sheer brilliance to be discovered under-ground. Two caverns are both in Treak Cliff, these are beautiful places where floodlighting highlights the strange rock formations, the stalagmites, stalactites and the arch of Blue John stone. In the Blue John cavern there are spacious chambers and connecting passages running into the hills. Here you will find the famous stone in its natural setting, and gaze in wonder you might, for this glorious blue stone is found in no other place on earth. Fine pieces of Blue John have found their way to some historic places, it is believed to have been displayed in the Vatican Library in Rome, and good specimens can be seen in Chatsworth House and at Ashbourne parish church, both lie within the Peaks.

Peak Cavern, Devil's Cavern, and Speedwell Cavern are all equally impressive, with Speedwell lying beneath a spectacular ravine called the Winnats, found just to the west of the town.

Just as in the Spring Castleton celebrates Oak Apple Day, or Garland Day as it was once known, each Christmas the town hosts seasonal events in its famous caverns; Carols by Candlelight is held at Treak Cliff Cavern, and at Peak Cavern there is carol singing and a brass band.

The town's parish church is of Norman foundation and is dedicated to St.Edmund. The church we see today was largely rebuilt in 1837 with only the chancel arch remaining from the earlier church. The church tower has battlements and eight pinnacles, and inside you can see fine box pews, some inscribed with 17th-century dates.

The hope valley is highly picturesque with breath-taking scenery in every direction. Mam Tor, looms high over the village, this is thought to be where the Celts settled, there are the remains of a Celtic Hillfort at the summit in an enclosure of 16 acres. Here the altitude is around 1700ft.

For walkers this place is idyllic, a myriad of footpaths lead from Castleton taking you deep into the countryside, giving splendid views of lofty peaks and gentle river valley's. In Castleton itself there is a rich array of beautiful limestone buildings, including pubs. One of these, the Castleton Hotel dates 17th-century, as does the former Castleton Hall which is now a Youth Hostel.

Jubilant celebrations in Castleton commemorate the restoration of Charles II. On 29th May each year a group of Morris Dancers led by a King and Queen accompanied by a band parade through the streets of the town to the Market Place. The King is covered in flowers, and everyone dances as they celebrate the restoration of the Monarch, and the coming of Spring.

Castleton offers visitors a wealth of interest, it has well stocked local shops, gift and galleries, a splendid range of accommodation for those wishing to stay and explore, or it makes a lovely destination for a pleasant day out - but beware, stout walking shoes are essential!


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Castleton

Peveril Castle(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)Pictures
Blue John Cavern(0.3 miles, 0.4 km)Pictures
Peak Cavern(0.3 miles, 0.4 km)Pictures
Hope Valley(0.5 miles, 0.9 km)Pictures
Speedwell Cavern(0.8 miles, 1.3 km)Pictures
Treak Cliff Cavern(1.0 miles, 1.5 km)Pictures
Mam Tor(1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction W)Pictures
Ladybower Reservoir(3.5 miles, 5.7 km, direction NE)Pictures
Alport Castles(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction N)Pictures
Hay Dale(4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction SW)Pictures
Peak District National Park(4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction SE)Pictures
Stanage Edge(5.4 miles, 8.6 km, direction E)Pictures
Monk's Dale(5.6 miles, 9.1 km, direction S)Pictures
Cressbrook Dale(5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction S)Pictures
Chee Tor(6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction S)Pictures

All attractions in Castleton
All attractions in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Castleton

Tideswell, in the county of Derbyshire (4.6 miles, 7.5 km, direction S)
Tideswell is famous for its superb, large church, known as the "Cathedral of the Peak".
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Hathersage, in the county of Derbyshire (5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction E)
The town now takes advantage of its superb position, operating mostly as an attractive place for tourists.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Chapel-en-le-Frith, in the county of Derbyshire (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction W)
Chapel is a well preserved, picturesque place. It has a lovely old church dating back to the 14th-century which stands on the spot of an earlier church built by foresters a century or so before.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Eyam, in the county of Derbyshire (5.9 miles, 9.4 km, direction SE)
Setting its chilling history to one side, this is a village with a lot to offer. It is hidden away in a matchless location above the limestone peaks of Middleton Dale.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Buxton, in the county of Derbyshire (8.2 miles, 13.3 km, direction SW)
This barely spoilt town offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy a town crammed with beautiful buildings whilst exploring the high upland regions of England's glorious Peak District National Park.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ashford in the Water, in the county of Derbyshire (8.6 miles, 13.9 km, direction S)
The village was a centre for candle making, noted for lead mining and made famous by the discovery of Ashford marble which was first quarried by Henry Watson in 1748.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Baslow, in the county of Derbyshire (9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction SE)
Set amidst the stark loneliness of the High Peak the village of Baslow is surrounded by some of the finest historic properties to be found in Derbyshire.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bakewell, in the county of Derbyshire (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction SE)
Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District National Park. It is an old town full of glowing stone houses and buildings that lend an air of ambience and overall warmth.
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Edensor, in the county of Derbyshire (10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction SE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Marple, in the county of Greater Manchester (12.4 miles, 20.0 km, direction W)
Marple has many splendid canal features from the past, these include a flight of 16 locks and a three arched aqueduct which takes the Peak Forest canal over the River Goyt.
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Sheffield, in the county of South Yorkshire (12.9 miles, 20.7 km, direction E)
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Hartington, in the county of Derbyshire (14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction S)
Hartington is a small village centred around a medieval market place, with attractive 18th and 19th century buildings.
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Winster, in the county of Derbyshire (14.9 miles, 23.9 km, direction S)
Today, this graceful village with its sweeping main street and quiet little alleyways is a tourist destination of character and charm.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Holmfirth, in the county of West Yorkshire (15.8 miles, 25.4 km, direction N)
This is a place that will forever be associated with the gentle, romantic comedy "Last of the Summer Wine" which has graced our TV screens for more than a quarter of a century.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bramhall, in the county of Greater Manchester (16.2 miles, 26.0 km, direction W)
Set in an area where Cotton was once king, midst the towns of Manchester and the quiet rolling acres of sprawling Cheshire countryside, lies the little town of Bramhall whose most famous feature is Bramall Hall.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Hope Station(2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction E)
Edale Station(2.3 miles, 3.8 km, direction NW)
M67 Junction 3(15.2 miles, 24.4 km, direction NW)
M1 Junction 35(15.6 miles, 25.1 km, direction NE)
Sheffield City Airport(16.7 miles, 26.8 km, direction E)
Manchester Airport(20.4 miles, 32.9 km, direction W)
Castleton to London(144.7 miles, 232.9 km, direction SE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Castleton

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Castleton center
Best Western George Hotel(5.2 miles, 8.3 km, direction E)
Sir William Hotel(5.9 miles, 9.6 km, direction SE)
The Maynard Arms(6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction SE)
Wye House(8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction SW)
Old Hall Hotel(8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction SW)
Best Western Lee Wood Hotel(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction SW)
The Portland Hotel(8.4 miles, 13.6 km, direction SW)
The Cavendish Hotel(9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction SE)
Best Western Moorside Grange Hotel & Spa(10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction W)
Windy Harbour Farm Hotel(10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction NW)
All hotels in Castleton

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