4 must see Castleton Caves
Castleton is well known for its incredible underground caves, each with its own fascinating history and stunning formations. Whether you’re looking for natural wonders, an underground boat ride, or a chance to see the famous Blue John stone, Castleton has something for you!
The 4 must-see Castleton caves are: Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern, and Peak Cavern. Each one offers a unique experience, and they are all well worth a visit. However, Peak Cavern is the only wholly natural cavern and is the least commercialised, making it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic caving adventure.
Let’s have a little look at the individual caves and their history.
Peak Cavern – The Natural Wonder of The Peak District
Deep in the gorge below Peveril Castle, Peak Cavern boasts the largest natural cave entrance in Britain. The approach is stunning, and it’s easy to see why locals gave it the unforgettable nickname ‘The Devil’s Arse’!
- Did you know? This cavern was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak by philosopher Thomas Hobbes in 1636.
- Although there are miles of passages, tour groups explore only a few hundred metres into the cavern.
- The only artificial section was blasted through rock to bypass a low tunnel that once required visitors to lie flat in a boat!
Blue John Cavern – Home of the Famous Blue John Stone
If you’re fascinated by rare minerals, Blue John Cavern is the place to visit! It is home to eight of the fourteen known varieties of Blue John stone, a beautiful blue and yellow mineral that is unique to Castleton.
- The name ‘Blue John’ is thought to come from the French words ‘bleu et jaune’, meaning ‘blue and yellow’.
- Even today, Blue John stone is mined in winter months and crafted into jewellery and ornaments, which are sold in the cavern’s gift shop.
If you take a tour, you’ll see historic mining equipment and learn from guides who are also miners themselves.
Speedwell Cavern – The Underground Boat Journey
Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, Speedwell Cavern offers an experience unlike any other – an underground boat journey through flooded tunnels!
- One of the main highlights is the Bottomless Pit, a deep chamber once thought to be a never-ending abyss.
- The cavern features an underground lake and a 20-metre waterfall – an incredible sight hidden beneath the hills of Castleton.
- The lake was originally estimated to be around 60 metres deep, but miners used it to dump over 2,500 tons of waste rock, reducing its depth to around 11 metres.
I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to believe this could be found inside a cavern and I have actually seen it. It is definitely a sight to be seen…
Treak Cliff Cavern – A Geologist’s Dream
Treak Cliff Cavern is another site where Blue John stone is mined. It is one of only two working Blue John mines in the world and produces approximately half a ton per year.
- The cave consists of two sections – the Old Series, where Blue John stone is still excavated, and the New Series, which contains ancient stalactites and stalagmites.
- The formations in this cavern have been radiocarbon dated to around 111,000 years old!
- Stalactites grow at an average rate of just 1mm every 65 years – how amazing is that?
- The formations are stained different colours due to mineral deposits – orange and red from iron, white from lead, and even green or blue from copper.
- You can even mine your own Blue John stone and turn it into a unique piece of jewellery!
Which is the Best Cavern in Castleton?
Each cavern has something different to offer, but if you’re wondering which is the best cavern in Castleton, here’s a quick guide:
- For an all-natural experience: Peak Cavern
- For gemstone lovers and history buffs: Blue John Cavern
- For adventure seekers: Speedwell Cavern (underground boat journey!)
- For geology enthusiasts: Treak Cliff Cavern
The caverns in Castleton are absolutely stunning and host some amazing sights. You have to see them to believe them. So absolutely make these caverns part of your stay in Castleton.
Our Pro Tips
Best Time to Visit: Consider visiting during the quieter off-peak seasons.
Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven surfaces.
Warm Clothing: The caverns can be chilly, so dress appropriately.
Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning sights.
Plan Your Visit to Castleton
The caves of Castleton are breathtaking, and you truly have to see them to believe them. We will keep bringing you lots of information about the Peak District. As well as things to do, our fantastic properties and of course we will keep you up to date with Muse Escapes ventures!
If you want to book your stay with us, take a look at all of our luxury holiday lets. Or if you have any questions just message us here.
Quick Links
🔗 Book your stay with Muse Escapes here
💬 Have any questions? Email us
🌟 See what our guests say! Read our reviews here
Speak soon
