Christmas in Derbyshire can be the perfect time to explore our beautiful county.
You may perhaps feel a little spoilt for choice as the region has plenty of serene villages and hidden hamlets to explore.
Castleton is one of the Peak District’s hidden gems and a real beauty spot especially in the festive season.
Castleton is often hailed as one of the region’s prettiest villages during the festive season.
It is one of the top Peak District spots in the run-up to Christmas where fairy lights draped in olde world shop windows create magical vibes.
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’.
Castleton really comes into its own thanks to its location in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Visit the atmospheric Medieval ruins of Peveril Castle, built in 1086 for William Peverel, who was one of William the Conqueror’s most honoured knights.
Another big tourist draw is the village’s four feature caves of Blue John Mine, Treak Cliff Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern.
Here you can spot rare mineral of Blue John, and see breath-taking stalactite and stalagmite formations during you visit to the caves.
Here is our photo gallery capturing the beauty of Castleton in all seasons.
5. Winnats Pass
Take in spectacular views across limestone gorges in the Peak with mythical status. It is thought one of the gorges was formed underwater and later enlarged by glacial melt waters during the Ice Age. Today, Winnats Pass is the sole route to Castleton from the west since the major landslip of Mam Tor in 1977 destroyed the A625 route. | Submitted
6. Cave Dale, Castleton
Keen hikers and fans of gorgeous views can put Cave Dale on their bucket list. Enter Cave Dale by walking between two cottages in Bar Gate above the Market Place. Look out for a signpost which marks the beginning of the Limestone Way to Matlock and be rewarded with striking views as you traverse terrain across Derbyshire. | Wiktoria Wrzyszcz
7. Castleton walk
Explore an exhilarating seven mile walk from Castleton and Mam Tor on The Great Ridge Walk. Pictured is the view of the trig-point at Mam Tor in the snow in winter, looking down the snow-covered ridge and trail. The sky is tinged pink from the sunrise. | Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
8. Peveril Castle
Built by William Peveril, son of William the Conqueror in 1086, Peveril Castle is said to be one of England’s oldest Norman castles. The castle’s ancient ruins continue to be one of Derbyshire’s historical treasures. Climb to the top of Castle Hill and be rewarded with breathtaking views spanning Hope Valley and Kinder Scout. Pictured is an aerial view of Peveril Castle ruins in Castleton. | Alexey Fedorenko - stock.adobe.com