The big day may be peeking around the corner, and with it, the famed Christmas Day walk.
Luckily, residents of Derbyshire have plenty of choice to explore the myriad tranquil villages and hidden hamlets, during the most wonderful time of year.
One of the Peak District’s top beauty spots is Castleton which is a real delight this time of year.
Castleton is simply stunning in the run-up to Christmas where fairy lights draped in cosy shop windows, overlooking narrow streets, is reminiscent of days gone by.
Various glowing Tripadvisor reviews also include people saying the village is ‘unbelievably scenic’ a chocolate box village’, ‘beautiful lanes and roads around the amazing village’, and ‘delightful, where a photograph can be taken on every corner’.
It location in the heart of the Peak District National Park makes it gorgeous and a must-visit spot to check out this festive season and beyond.
You don’t have to travel too far to visit the quietly magnificent Medieval ruins of Peveril Castle, built in 1086 for William Peverel, who was one of William the Conqueror’s most honoured knights.
For a unique day out with a twist, why not check out feature caves - you have a choice of four - of Blue John Mine, Treak Cliff Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern.
Eagle-eyed fans can try to spot the rare mineral of Blue John, and see breath-taking stalactite and stalagmite formations during a visit to the caves.
Here is our photo gallery capturing the beauty of Castleton in all seasons.
9. 'Shivering Mountain' Mam Tor
Explore the remains of an Iron Age fort at the top of Mam Tor where ditches and defensive wall embankments dating back 1,500 years can be seen. One side of the hill that appears to have fallen away is now poetically called the ‘Shivering Mountain’ due to its propensity for landslips caused by unstable shale levels. Pictured is the view from Rushup Edge. | Contributed Photo: Submitted
10. Show Caves - Blue John Cavern, Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff 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 | Jason Chadwick