Things to do in Castleton
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Peveril Castle
Topping the ridge to the south of Castleton, this evocative castle has been so ravaged by the centuries that it almost looks like a crag itself. Constructed by William Peveril, son of William the Conqueror, the castle was used as a hunting lodge by Henry II, King John and Henry III, and the crumbling ruins offer swoon-inducing views over the Hope Valley.
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Three Roofs Cafe
Teashops abound in Castleton. Most convenient is the Three Roofs Cafe , where muddy boots are welcome. At busy times, this can be packed, so just meander the streets in search of a cream-tea joint with chairs – it's all part of the fun in Castleton.
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Speedwell Cavern
Claustrophobics should steer clear of Speedwell Cavern , which includes a unique boat trip through a flooded mineshaft, where visitors glide in eerie silence (save for the garrulous guides) to reach a huge subterranean lake called the Bottomless Pit.
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Peak Cavern
The most convenient, Peak Cavern , is easily reached by a pretty streamside walk from the village centre. It has the largest natural cave entrance in England, known (not so prettily) as the Devil's Arse. Visits are by hourly guided tour only.
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George
Flagstone floors, and the tankards dangling from the ceiling give this ageing local a measure of ‘olde worlde' charm. But it's very much on the beaten tourist track – and the food, though it comes in big portions, isn't up to much.
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Blue John Cavern
Blue John Cavern is an impressive set of natural caverns, where the rich veins of the Blue John mineral are dazzling. You can get here on foot up the closed section of the Mam Tor road.
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Treak Cliff Cavern
Treak Cliff Cavern is a short walk from Castleton, with colourful exposed seams of Blue John and great limestone stalactites including the much-photographed ‘stork'.
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Peaks Inn
Large buzzing pub with gleaming wooden floors, leather sofas, fires in winter and a selection of hearty meals including good Sunday roasts and a number of daily specials.
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Peveril Shop
Near the bus stop, this place sells food and groceries and does sandwiches to take away, ideal for a day on the hills or a long bus ride.
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Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn
Tradition is everything at this well-known alehouse. The home cooking needs a little attention but go for the peaceful, snug atmosphere.
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Treak Cliff Cavern
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Speedwell Cavern
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Peak Cavern
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Blue John Cavern
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Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn
Tradition is everything at this well-known alehouse, set in a fine old timbered building on the main road. The pub menu is more exotic than most (try the rabbit hot pot) and there are also comfy rooms for rent (singles/doubles £35/65).
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Castleton Museum
Attached to the tourist office, the cute town museum has displays on everything from mining and geology to rock climbing, hang-gliding and the curious Garland Festival.
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Castleton Caves
The limestone caves around town have been mined for lead, silver and the semiprecious Blue John Stone for centuries and four are open to the public on guided tours.
Peak Cavern (01433-620285; www.devilsarse.com; adult/child £7.75/5.75; h10am-5pm, tours hourly till 4pm) A short walk from the castle tourist office is the largest natural cave entrance in England, known locally as the Devil's Arse. Should you choose to enter Beelzebub's rocky crevasse, you'll see some dramatic limestone formations, lit with fibreoptic cables.
Speedwell Cavern (01433-621888; www.speedwellcavern.co.uk; adult/child £8.25/6.25; 10am-5pm, tours hourly till 4pm) About half a mile west of Castleton at …
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Castle Inn
On the road up to the castle, unsurprisingly, with a cosy flagstone lounge bar, an open fire and a decent selection of hearty meals including good Sunday roasts.
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