12 Things to do in Castleton, Peak District: How to Spend A Wonderful Day

Castleton is one of my favourite villages in the Peak District, and I absolutely love visiting whenever I am in the area. It is pretty, quaint and packed full of charm. And really has a bit of everything: nature, history, great walks and lots of cafes. Definitely deserving of a top spot on your list of places to see in the Peak District. But what are the best things to do in Castleton?

Where is Castleton?

Castleton is found in the High Peak area of the Peak District, situated at the head and the western end of the Hope Valley. It is nestled among the hills, and nearby are the villages of Hope and Edale.

How to get to Castleton

There are regular buses to Castleton; the Service 62 travels daily between Buxton and Castleton.

Alternatively, the Peak Sightseer is an open-top hop-on, hop-off bus route that lets you see the best of the Peak District. The Blue Route includes Chatsworth, Castleton and Winnats Pass for Mam Tor. Passengers can relax on the top deck and admire the spectacular scenery or, with buses every 30 mins, hop off and hop on along the route to explore.

However, by far the easiest way to reach Castelton is by car. But be aware that the village can get very busy, even in winter. To try to guarantee a parking space, you want to arrive by 11 am. There are three main car parks in the village:

• Castleton Car/Coach Park, which is next to the Visitors Centre
• Peak Cavern All Day Car Park
• Speedwell Cavern Car Park

Where to Stay in Castleton?

Castleton is a great place to base yourself for your stay in the Peak District, and there are plenty of options for where to stay. These are some of the best:

ACCOMMODATION IN CASTLETON:
BUDGET: YHA Castleton – If you want to travel on a budget, but don’t want to camp, the YHA offers clean and well-maintained rooms set in 27 acres of parkland.

MID-RANGE: Bull’s Head – Offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, with a bar and restaurant.

LUXURY: Losehill House Hotel & Spa – Located in nearby Hope, this hotel and spa offers stunning views in a peaceful setting, with large, comfy beds.

ENTIRE HOUSE: Chandler House – Truly make Castleton feel like a home from home by booking a cottage. This is a stunning traditional 4-bed house in the heart of the village, complete with a cosy fireplace.

Things to do in Castleton

There are lots of amazing things to do in Castleton, and below is everything you should do on your visit.

Hike up to Mam Tor – Things to do in Castleton

Mam Tor is probably one of the most well-known and popular hikes in the Peak District. It is a 517 M high hill overlooking Castleton, and literally means ‘Mother Hill’. The name is due to the landslides that have occurred around it, forming lots of smaller hills beneath it. The views from the summit are absolutely stunning; you can literally see for miles. From the top spot, Edale, Castleton and Hope Valley.

The hike from Castleton itself takes around 2.5 hours and is 5 KM long. Be aware that it is quite steep and challenging. If you are short on time or don’t fancy the walk, there is a car park that is only 550 M away. Perfect for enjoying the views without the effort.

If you are interested in more hikes in the Peak District, this post has you covered: Best Walks in the Peak District, UK

Walk the Great Ridge to Lose Hill

If you want to extend your walk further, then continue on from Mam Tor, head to Hollins Cross, over Back Tor, along the Great Ridge and then down Lose Hill. As you walk along the ridge, you will get some great views of other iconic Peak District views such as Kinder Scout and Win Hill, as well as pretty views of the villages of Castleton and Edale.

This total route is 11KM in length, and will take around 3.5–4 hours. It is moderate to challenging in difficulty. You can expect some steady climbs and descents along the ridge. But so worth it!

Explore Castleton Village

One of the best things to do in Castleton is simply to wander around the village. It is a quintessentially ‘Peak District’ village, with gorgeous traditional stone houses, winding roads, village greens and plenty of cafes. It is also the perfect time to browse the shops for the local Blue John stone and pop into the village church.

Don’t miss the stream that runs through the edge of the village, and under a beautiful stone bridge set against the backdrop of the rolling hills.

Enjoy the Views from Peveril Castle – Things to do in Castleton

If you are into history and ruins, then consider this a must-do of the things to do in Castleton! I even came back on a second day to visit here. Perched high above, and looking down over the village, are the ruins of Peveril Castle. Today, it belongs to the Duchy of Lancaster, is run by English Heritage and has a fascinating history. It is a steep climb from the village to reach the castle, but the views over the village more than make up for it!

It was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and is one of the oldest Norman Castles in England. Built in 1086 by William Peveril, who was the son of William the Conqueror. Throughout its history, the castle served as the base for governing the local area, known as the Royal Forest of the Peak, and as a private hunting ground for royalty and those lucky enough to have the king’s permission. The keep itself was added later, built by Henry II in 1176. It fell into disuse in the 1400’s. There are information boards dotted around so you can find out all you want to know.

Drive or Walk Through Winnats Pass – Things to do in Castleton

Winnat’s Pass has to be one of the prettiest stretches of road in England, and well worth both a drive through and a walk above. There are numerous footpaths for you to enjoy the views looking down into the pass, and while you can walk along the road, it is narrow, and the cars may get annoying.

It is a spectacular limestone gorge and serves as one of the ways to reach Castleton. Driving through is an awe-inspiring experience.

Visit the Free Museum and Information Centre

In the centre of the village is the Castleton Museum and information centre. This is a great place to spot as you arrive at Castleton, as it gives you the full history of the area right from prehistoric times, through to what happened to the village in the World Wars. There are displays on the local industries and inhabitants, as well as archaeology and geology and lots of artefacts to enjoy.

Visit the Blue John Cavern – Things to do in Castleton

Blue John is Britain’s rarest mineral, first discovered at Castleton by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago. The Blue John Cavern is one of the best places to see it up close. The cavern is home to 8 of the 14 known veins of the stone, and visitors can explore natural chambers on a guided tour, including the Waterfall Cavern and Grand Crystallised Cavern. Tours last around 45-55 minutes — wear warm layers and sensible shoes as the steps can be steep and slippery.

Explore Treak Cliff Cavern – Things to do in Castleton

Treak Cliff Cavern is famous for its large deposits of Blue John stone and some of the most beautiful cave formations in the UK, and you can now do a self-guided audio tour using your own phone. If you are visiting at Christmas, this is a must. The cavern hosts an annual Carols by Candlelight event in its Witch’s Cave, which is incredibly festive. Tickets sell out fast, so book well in advance.

Tour Speedwell Cavern

Speedwell Cavern at the foot of Winnats Pass is arguably the most popular of the four caves, and its centrepiece is an underground canal that was hacked through the rock by miners searching for lead in the 1770s. Rather than walking through, you take a boat along the underground waterway, making it a completely different experience from the other caverns.

Discover Peak Cavern

The final of the four caverns. Known locally by its rather cheeky ancient name, “The Devil’s Arse,” Peak Cavern offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the other three caves. What sets this one apart is its colossal entrance, which is the largest cave mouth in Britain. This was once home to a small community of rope-makers who lived and worked inside the cavern for centuries. You can walk up to the entrance without paying to visit inside.

Unlike the mineral-rich tunnels of Blue John or Treak Cliff, Peak Cavern is almost entirely natural. On a guided tour, you’ll hear the echoes of the “Devil’s flatulence” (caused by water rushing through the rocks) and learn about the unique industrial history of the rope-makers.

Experience Castleton at Christmas

If you are visiting the Peak District at Christmas, then Castleton is a must-visit! It is known as the most festive village in the Peak District, and becomes a magical Christmassy place to wander around. There are Christmas trees in every shop and street, cosy cafes with lots of festive cheer and Christmas specials. As well as a Christmas tree festival inside the village church. Even the school is decorated on the outside!

Enjoy a Drink in the Pub!

Despite Castleton not being a large village, it is actually home to six pubs! Perfect for a drink after a day exploring or hiking, and treat yourself to some sustenance, as they all serve food. In the summer, my favourite is The Bull’s Head for its outdoor seating area. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn is also a firm favourite with the locals.

Where to Eat in Castleton

Castleton is packed with plenty of places to eat. As mentioned, all the pubs serve food. Additionally, there are some adorbale cafes that are well worth checking out.

• The Peak Hotel: A quirky and “eccentric” alehouse that is a favourite for both locals and hikers. They serve excellent homemade food with a twist—think “posh burgers” and award-winning pies. It’s dog-friendly and has a lovely beer garden for sunny days.
• Ye Olde Nags Head: This 17th-century coaching inn is the place to go if you’re craving a proper stone-baked pizza or a traditional Sunday roast. It has a warm, bustling atmosphere and a massive selection of local cask ales.
• Rose Cottage Cafe: For something a bit lighter, this charming cafe and bistro is perfect. They serve fantastic barista coffee and homemade cakes. If the weather is nice, their hidden garden offers some of the best views of the surrounding hills while you eat.
• The Castle: A classic, cosy pub with low ceilings and roaring log fires. It’s part of the Vintage Inns family, so you can expect reliable British classics like fish and chips or slow-cooked lamb shanks.
• Three Roofs Cafe: Located right in the heart of the village, this is a top-tier spot for a traditional Cream Tea. Their homemade scones are legendary—just make sure to arrive early, as it’s a popular refuelling station for walkers.
• The George: If you want a quick but delicious bite, look for “The PizzaBox” located here. It’s a revamped horsebox serving fresh pizzas that you can enjoy in the pub or take away for a sunset picnic at Peveril Castle.

It is worth bearing in mind that it does get busy, particularly in school holidays and on weekends. So if you want to eat in a specific pub, it is best to book ahead.

Is Castleton Worth Visiting? How long do you need?

Castleton is definitely worth visiting. It is quintessentially ‘Peak District’, and packed with so many wonderful things to do in Castleton, it definitely deserves a place on your Peak District itinerary. You could see the village in half a day, but if you want to explore the caves and hike to Mam Tor, then allow a full day.

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Other Peak District posts:

• Best Walks in the Peak District, UK
• Best Villages in the Peak District You Need to Visit

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