PEVERIL CASTLE
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO PEVERIL CASTLE
INFORMATION
Location: Off the A6187 Hope Valley Road at Castleton (SK150829).
Visit: The ruins of Peveril Castle stand isolated on a hilltop above the village of Castleton. The castle is in the care of English Heritage and is one of the most dramatically sited in England.
Refreshments: Several cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the village suit all tastes.
Castleton: Castleton is a delightful cluster of old stone cottages that invite exploration. The sparkling little stream leading to Peak Cavern takes you through the oldest part of the village. Along the main street are many gift shops, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes. Frequently called the gem of the Peak, it is one of Britain’s most appealing villages in a magnificent location with fantastic views in all directions. Approaching from the southwest, you descend into Castleton through the spectacular Winnats Pass, which has a forbidding appearance. William Peverel originally built Peveril Castle, and it still stands today. Those prepared to climb the steep zigzag path can view it at close quarters. Sir Walter Scott made the castle famous in his novel ‘Peveril of the Peak’.
PEVERIL CASTLE
Castleton is a delightful village that invites exploration with its cluster of old stone cottages and hilltop castle. William Peverel originally built Peveril Castle, which spells its name slightly differently. He was a favourite knight of William the Conqueror who made him bailiff of the royal manors in north western Derbyshire.
At that time the Peak Forest was rich in both game and minerals and the castle was ideal for protecting both. King Henry II built the stone keep almost 100 years later in 1176. It still stands today and can be viewed at close quarters by those prepared to climb the steep zigzag path leading up to the castle, made famous by Sir Walter Scott, in his novel ‘Peveril of the Peak’. The views from the castle are breathtaking.
The castle is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is a Grade I listed building in the care of English Heritage. It has been described by Nicholas Pevsner as ‘perhaps the finest medieval landmark of the Peak District’. Pevsner wrote a series of 46 volumes of county guides, under the title of ‘The Buildings of England’ (1951-1974).
After enjoying the displays at the visitor centre a climb up to explore the castle remains and enjoy the superb views is likely to prove the highlight of a family day out. The children particularly will be amused when exploring the garderobe (medieval lavatory) to see it is open at the bottom and directly above the path up Cave Dale. It may not have been so amusing for passersby when the castle was inhabited.
