Castleton Things to Do

As I was brought up in Castleton, I was often taken to this cavern on school outings which was great! ;)
The cavern consists of several chambers and tunnels leading into the hillside. It was one of the first places to be mined for the semiprecious Blue John stone, which is present in the chambers of this cavern today.
Although the first part is artificial (due to the mining) further into the cavern are series of natural tunnels, where the main features are sets of impressive stalagmites and stalagtites, of a variety of fascinating different colours, shapes and sizes.
Also boasts a spectacular view down the Hope Valley, including Castleton of course...well worth a look if you are visiting Castleton or the general area!

Being a car nut - i revel in getting to the actual destinantion as well as being at the actual destinantion, the Snakes pass runs from Glossop and halway you turn right and drop down into Hope valley and Castleton, a lovely road but dangerous - see also warnings and dangers!!!

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We went on the Speedwell Cavern recently which Descend the 105 steps from the almost hidden cavern entrance to the landing stage of an underground canal where you step on to your tour guide's boat. From here you glide quietly through the workings of a 200 year old lead mine. Picture in your mind what it must have been like to carve out these tunnels using only the most primitive of tools as your guide recounts the story of the mine which opens into a network of natural caverns and underground rivers.

At Halfway House the canal splits to allow oncoming boats to pass as you wend your way 200 metres below the surface of the hill before entering a magnificent cathedral-like cavern containing the awesome Bottomless Pit - a huge subterranean lake.

If you sit on the right hand side of the boat be careful - the tunnel can get a little low - thank god for hard hats.

also wrap up (dont wear a t-shirt like me) as it can get a little chilly.

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'The Church of Peak Castle'- dating back to the 12th century, its' history is closely linked with the nearby Pevril Castle.
Of interest are the family box pews- (carved with the names of parishioners who worshipped here 300 years or more ago), a couple of bibles- including a Vinegar bible, and attractive stained glass windows.

To be continued......

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Situated in the centre of Castleton, adjoining the car park, and near the bus stop.
Visit here for upto date info on things to see and do in Castleton and surrounding areas. The staff are very helpful.
As well as loads of free info leaflets etc, there are guide books, souvenirs, crafts, clothing, plus an exhibition of local interest.
To be continued.......

Speedwell cavern can be a creepy place. You are required to put on a hard hat at the beginning of the tour. You then descend 105 steep steps to a boat. We were lucky to get there when it was not busy, so we didn't have to wait long. We had an excellent guide named Doug who used the acoustics of the cavern to his advantage. He told the interesting, often grim story of the cavern and the miners who worked down there. The boat tour took us through the watery tunnels to a large "room" where we disembarked. From there we could see the "bottomless lake" and the "image" of Joseph of Aramathea on the cavern wall. (supposedly confirmed by the Church) After a brief look around, we climbed back in the boat where Doug soon had us singing a rousing rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Very surreal experience singing Christmas carols far underground in a dank, watery tunnel. But fun.

The shop and entrance to the Cavern is at the foot of the valley with the car-park opposite.

The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour and you get the chance to travel in a boat along the flooded tunnels and galleries.

Each boat only takes around 20 people and at weekends and holiday periods the wait can get a little long and boring. There are only three tours an hour.

Another of the four showcaves in the Castleton area.

IMHO this one not as good as Speedwell if you have aonly one to visit in the day but still worth a visits if you can squeeze a couple in.

Has a ship at the front selling the blue john semi-precious stone.