Nestled among the emerald green hills of the Hope Valley in Peak District National Park, Castleton epitomises the charm of middle England. The dramatic Winnats Pass heralds the entrance to this small but perfectly formed village, home to stone cottages harboring tea rooms and traditional British pubs. But while the village is wonderful to wander, some of the best things to do in Castleton are beyond its limits: Go underground to explore the Blue John Cavern or follow hiking trails through the limestone landscapes that Derbyshire is so famous for.
Castleton and the Peak District are best from spring through fall, when the region is lush and warm. Avoid busy bank holidays such as Easter weekends. Castleton’s biggest celebration is Castleton Garland Day, which is usually held on May 29, unless the date falls on a Sunday (in that case, the festival takes place the day before or after). This is when the Garland King, adorned with flowers on horseback, leads a colorful procession around the village.
For the best experience of Castleton and the Peak District National Park, you'll need to rent a car, as public transportation is almost non-existent in this rural region. Parking is limited in this small village and at trailheads, so be sure to arrive early and opt for a smaller car to navigate the narrow and winding country roads. The nearest major city to Castleton is Sheffield, a transportation hub for National Rail trains and National Express coaches.
While it might not look like much from above ground, the Blue John Cavern harbors a glittering wonderland of semiprecious gemstones prized for their naturally occurring purple, yellow, and blue stripes. You can go underground to admire the walls of Blue John on a tour (which departs approximately every 30 minutes) before browsing an extensive range of products in the gift shop.
