Peak Cavern

Peak Cavern

Peak Cavern is located in the centre of Castleton. Although there isn’t parking at the cavern itself it’s not far to walk from the main pay and display car park for the village. Plus the walk there is stunning as Castleton is one of the prettiest villages in the UK.

What is there to do at Peak Cavern?

Peak Cavern is also known as the devil’s arse! The entrance to the cave is in a cliff and it is said to be the largest cave entrance in the country. Because of this, the site is often used for concerts. What a setting! Also in the entrance, you will have a couple of small buildings pointed out to you by your tour guide. People used to live here and this is where they used to make rope. In the past wealthy gentry used to visit the cavern and the rope makers would show them around. Making it one of the UK’s first tourist attractions.

In the past, they would have entered the cave by boat through a narrow opening. The entrance was blasted open in 1842 to welcome Queen Victoria. They have also used the caves as a film location many times throughout their history.

The cave is relatively low in places but you don’t need to wear a helmet. You are shown through different parts of the cave system and will stop for talks along the way. Before you turn back round you enter a large cavern where there is writing on the walls, some of it dating back to the middle ages. Each tour lasts for around one hour and is suitable for everyone with walking ability.