A Trip to Blue John Cavern
Blue John Cavern in Castleton is home to a rare semi-precious mineral found nowhere else in the world. This beautiful fluorspar, coloured with bands of blue and yellow, is believed to have taken its name from the French bleu and jaune. The cavern contains 8 of the 14 known varieties of Blue John Stone, which has been mined here for centuries. During winter, miners still descend with traditional picks and shovels to extract the stone, which is then polished into jewellery and ornaments. Guided tours run at regular intervals and last around an hour, offering a wonderful insight into these magnificent natural cave systems. Visitors can see Blue John Stone in its natural state alongside stalactites, stalagmites and huge beautifully lit caverns up to 200 feet high and 30 feet wide. Combine your trip with a day out in the nearby village of Castleton, home to lovely independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs including the original Blue John Craft Shop.
Blue John Cavern, Castleton
Did you know that the Peak District is home to a rare semi-precious mineral, Blue John Stone, and this is the only place in the world where it’s found? This beautiful fluorspar is coloured with bands of blue/purple and yellow, which is believed to be how it got its name – from the French bleu/jaune (blue/yellow).
The Blue John Cavern in Castleton is home to 8 of the 14 known varieties of Blue John Stone, where it’s been mined for centuries. During the winter months miners still descend deep into the tunnels here, armed with traditional picks and shovels, in search of the beautiful stone. This is then cleaned and polished to be made into jewellery and ornamental objects.
Guided tours of the cavern are conducted at short regular intervals. Each tour lasts around an hour and gives a wonderful insight into these magnificent natural cave systems. The famous Blue John Stone can be seen in its natural state, along with stalactites, stalagmites and huge, beautifully lit caverns, up to 200 feet high and 30 feet wide.
Combine your trip to Blue John Cavern with a day out in the nearby village of Castleton, where you’ll find no shortage of lovely independent shops – including the original Blue John Craft Shop – as well as cafes, restaurants and pubs.
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How do I get there?
The Blue John Cavern is located at the foot of Mam Tor just on the edge of the village of Castleton in Derbyshire. From Castleton head west out of the village and through Winnats Pass on the A6187. At the top of Winnats Pass turn right, and look out for the signs to Blue John Cavern on your right after approx 500 metres.
If the beauty of the Blue John Cavern and its famous stone fascinated you, Castleton has three more incredible caverns and attractions to explore. The village of Castleton itself is a delight with its narrow lanes and cosy pubs. Treak Cliff Cavern is home to 8 of the 14 known varieties of Blue John stone, while Speedwell Cavern offers a unique boat trip along an underground river. Peak Cavern boasts the largest cave entrance in Britain. For more underground adventures, visit our Castleton Caverns Guide.
