Castleton

Castleton in Derbyshire gets its name from the Norman castle that overlooks it. The Keep of Peveril Castle, originally built in 1080, has survived the centuries and can be visited today. It is now run by English Heritage and has a visitor centre with further information about the origins of the castle.

Castleton is an attractive village set in the heart of the Peak district. It is ideally placed for doing any of the outdoor pursuits for which the area is famed. For those who like an active holiday, there is plenty of choice – from the more extreme sports of caving, rock climbing and hang gliding to cycling and walking. Whatever your ability level, you will find something suitable.

For those who prefer a more gentle holiday, the village has some lovely cafes, restaurants and shops to visit. The village also has a unique annual event, Garland Day, which takes place every year on the 29th May. The main event of the day is a local couple dressed in period clothes, travelling through the village on horseback, the man wearing a large garland of flowers. All visitors to the village also wear an oak leaf.

One local attraction that should not be missed is a visit to one of the local show caves such as Treak Cliff with its caverns full of magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, famous for its Blue John Stone.

With it magnificent surrounding scenery and fascinating local history, Castleton is an ideal base from which to explore the Peaks.