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.
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