Exploring Castleton
Castleton lies at the heart of the Peak District and the moment you enter you’ll realise you’ve come to a special place. It may be a small village but it is a vibrant place and it is well worth exploring.
The village was started in Norman times to service the needs of Peveril Castle, which stands on the slopes above the village. The ancient core of the village is planned on a simple grid system and is contained within the town ditch, parts of which can still be seen (to the left of The Bull’s head pub for example). At the villages heart lies the Parish Church of St. Edmund which is home to the curious 1716 vinegar bible, a 1539 Cranmer Bible and the “breeches bible” from 1609, where Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves to make breeches. It’s a place where generations of villagers and visitors have worshipped and contemplated life. It’s open every day for you to visit and soak up some of that history.
And it sets you up for the rest of the village too. Castleton was once the centre of lead mining in the area and it’s here that the famous Blue John Stone was found by lead miners. Today the village is home to four impressive show caves Treak Cliff Cavern, Peak Cavern (or the Devil’s Arse), Speedwell Mine and Blue John Cavern. If you’re a shopper then you’ll be pleased to hear we have a stunning array of gift shops selling all manner of items including jewel and other pieces made from Blue John. Don’t forget the eight pubs within the village all of which serve food as do the village’s cafes.
To rest the wallet why not take a gentle stroll round the village or further a field along the many gentle and more strenuous paths. Cave Dale’s entrance stands just off the market place, Winnats Pass is at the top of the valley as is the mighty edifice that is Mam Tor otherwise known as the Shivering Mountain. And, of course, above the village stands the ancient Peveril Castle, built in 1086, to control the royal hunting forest of High Peak.
The Peak District
The Peak District National Park was Britain’s first national park established in 1951. It became a national park because of its varied landscape and because it was under considerable pressure from the ever-expanding towns and cities around it. It is an area of nearly 1,438 square kilometre and stretches from the Pennine Moors in the north to the rolling limestone hills in the south.
Bakewell is the National Park’s largest town with around 4,000 residents and is a must for foodies; some great shops and the chance to sample the unique Bakewell Pudding. Nearby Tideswell is home to the impressive “Cathedral of the Peak” and the newly opened Tideswell School of Food. of course there’s Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall too. Two superb reasons to spend a while exploring this fabulous area.
The Peak District is a year-round destination with activities and events happening throughout the year. A list can be found on the Visit Peak District website.
The Peak is a Mecca for the outdoor enthusiast too whether you’re into walking, climbing, caving, cycling, horse-riding, ballooning, hang-gliding, gliding, or para-gliding.If you’re a lover of these sports, Causeway House is just in the right location. And we can store your gear securely too.