Castleton, a 20 minute drive from Wellwood Lodge, is a beautiful village set at the top of the Hope Valley in the heart of the picturesque Peak District National Park. Famed for its show caves and rich history, the village was founded after the building of Peveril Castle in 1086 by William Peveril, son of William the Conqueror. The village developed into a thriving community under the protection from the Castle from where it gets its name. Its location on main packhorse routes made it an essential stopover during coaching days, and its many hostelries are a testament to this vibrant past. Lead mining and market trading further bolstered its growth, weaving a rich tapestry of heritage which endures today.
Overlooked by the imposing Mam Tor, often referred to as the “Shivering Mountain,” and the ancient ruins of Peveril Castle, Castleton is a place steeped in natural beauty. These hillsides offer a bounty of walking opportunities, with paths that weave through Cave Dale and up towards spectacular vantage points that gaze over the village below.
The approach from Buxton to the village takes you down a spectacular limestone Gorge known as Winnats Pass but it is what lies beneath the ground, that makes this area unique. There are 4 caves accessible by guided tour. Blue John Cavern and Treakcliff Cavern are beautiful caves famed for a very pretty form of fluorspar, only found in this area known as Blue John, that is still mined to make jewellery. Speedwell Cavern takes you on an underground boat journey through the workings of a 200 year old lead mine, and Peak Cavern, located below the castle, is the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles and tells the history of the rope makers.
Beyond its landscape, Castleton is celebrated for its vibrant community events, notably the annual Garland Ceremony and the enchanting Christmas lights that transform the village into a festive wonderland. Quaint shops line its streets, offering everything from local crafts to enticing treats, with this charming retail landscape complementing the historical narrative that runs throughout the village.
With its profound history and breathtaking natural surroundings, Castleton, cradled by time and nature, offers much more than what meets the eye.
