Castleton is the hidden gem of the Peak District offering breath-taking scenery and holiday spirit with just a short trip by train or car.
You may perhaps feel a little spoilt for choice as the region has plenty of serene villages and hidden hamlets to explore.
But as hidden gems go, Castleton is a real beauty spot, and doubly so in the festive season. Castleton is often hailed as one of the region’s prettiest villages at Christmastime.
It is one of the top Peak District spots in the run-up to Christmas where fairy lights draped in olde world shop windows create magical vibes.
Glowing Tripadvisor reviews attest to the village’s wonder as an ‘unbelievably scenic chocolate box village’ with ‘beautiful lanes’ and a place where ‘a photograph can be taken on every corner.’
Castleton really comes into its own thanks to its location in the heart of the Peak District National Park and steepd in nearby ancient history.
Visit the atmospheric Medieval ruins of Peveril Castle, built in 1086 for William Peverel, who was one of William the Conqueror’s most honoured knights.
Another big tourist draw is the village’s four feature caves of Blue John Mine, Treak Cliff Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern.
Here you can spot rare mineral of Blue John, and see breath-taking stalactite and stalagmite formations during you visit to the caves.
See our gallery below for a view of Castleton in all four seasons and see if it can tempt you for a beautiful day out this winter.
9. Visit Blue John Cavern
The Blue John Cavern is one of Castleton’s most well-known attractions. It is one of four show caves accessed by guided tour, and a rare treat to explore in Derbyshire. Expect to be wowed by Treak Cliff cavern and Blue John cavern, containing beautiful caves with stalactites formations and rare Blue John Stone. Astounding nature at its most beautiful can be explored at Peak cavern which is the resurgence of a huge river system. History fans will no doubt appreciate Speedwell mine, an ancient lead mine where you can take a boat trip along a flooded tunnel. Locations: The Blue John Cavern, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WP Peak Cavern, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WS Speedwell Cavern, Winnats Pass, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WA Treak Cliff Cavern Ltd, c/o Castleton Gift Shop, Cross Street, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WH Photo: jason chadwick