Castleton nestles in the lea of the impressive Mam Tor

Castleton in the North East of Derbyshire and in the Heart of the Peak District National Park (Britain’s first National Park) snuggled into the end of the Hope Valley, surrounded by Losehill, Mam Tor, the Winnats Pass, Cow Low, Michill Bank and of course Peveril Castle (built in 1080) on it’s own hill, is such an interesting Village with the Show Caves some of which are the only place you will find the unique gemstone Blue John, our lovely parish Church of St Edmunds, with a original Norman Arch (dating from 1190/1250), the Lead Mining history seen not only in the caves, but also in some of the little Lead Miners Cottages around the Village amongst other fine old houses, another interesting feature is Cave Dale, just behind our Cottage!, a collapsed cavern, the very bottom part was covered by a natural arch until 200 years ago. It is a spectacular walk up the dale, which is very deep and narrow, with mineral veins crossing it at intervals. As you climb up the dale you get a good view of Peveril Castle. It is also worth thinking about the fact that a lot of the way you are walking right above the chambers of Peak Cavern! Around the village green are some fine old houses and cottages, including a Youth Hostel and Outdoor Clothing Shops. On the main road there are several Pubs, Cafes and Shops selling Blue John jewellery. Towards Mam Tor is the Castleton Centre housing the Peak District National Park Information Centre (telephone 01433 620679) and displays from the Castleton Historical Society

Holiday makers enjoy a spectacular winter inversion from the summit of Mam Tor on New Year's Eve 2008

Castleton is also famous for the Christmas lights which come on the first Saturday after Remembrance Sunday in November until the twelfth night after Christmas
 
The Ancient Garland Ceremony on 29th May every year, when a King and his consort in Tudor costume will ride around the village, along with the villages Silver Band and young village girl’s chain dancing, then Maypole Dancing takes place in the Market Place, whist the Garland of Flowers worn by the King is hoisted up onto the Church tower, and the top part is laid on the War Memorial 
 
Castleton in an ideal base for walking or touring the Peak District and the Derbyshire Dales, within half an hours drive of Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Lyme Park, Eyam Hall, the Ladybower, Derwent & Howden reservoirs of “Dambusters” fame. And of course the well trodden walks of the Pennine Way, Kinder Scout, Limestone Way and the White Peak Way, also within an hours drive of Dovedale and Hardwick House to name but a few.

Chatsworth House in winter raiment

Abandoned millstones below Stanage Edge

Bargate Cottage, Market Place, Castelton, Hope Valley S33 8WQ
Tel: 01433 620201 email: info@bargatecotttage.co.uk