A Visit to Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle is a romantic Norman ruin perched on a hilltop high above the pretty village of Castleton in the heart of the Peak District. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, it is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses and the only one recorded in Derbyshire. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the gatehouse, perimeter walls and the well preserved keep built by King Henry II in 1176. The zig zag walk up from Castleton village is challenging, but with plenty of benches to rest on and staggering views across the Hope Valley towards Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Lose Hill, the effort is well rewarded. The site is owned and managed by English Heritage, with a gift shop and visitor centre displaying the castle’s history as the administrative centre of the Royal Forest of the Peak. Peveril Castle is a must visit for history lovers and walkers alike in the Peak District.
Peveril Castle, Castleton
The romantic ruins of Peveril Castle stand on a hilltop high above the pretty village of Castleton in the heart of the Peak District. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, this is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. It’s one of only 48 castles recorded at that time, and the only one in Derbyshire. Its historical significance is recognised by the fact that it’s a protected Scheduled Ancient Monument, designated to be of international importance.
Sadly all that remains of Peveril Castle today is part of the gatehouse, the perimeter walls and the remains of the keep, built by King Henry II in 1176, which is relatively well preserved. The ruins can’t fail to impress though, as much for the staggering views as for the history. The zig-zag walk up the hill from Castleton village is challenging but there are plenty of benches to rest on along the way and the views across the Hope Valley towards Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Lose Hill make the effort worthwhile.
Peveril Castle is now owned and managed by English Heritage. There’s a small gift shop and an interesting visitor centre on the site as well, with displays telling the story of the castle as the administrative centre of the Royal Forest of the Peak, a royal hunting preserve since the 11th century.
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How do I get to Peveril Castle?
Peveril Castle is located in the village of Castleton in Derbyshire on the A6187. It is well signposted from the village. There is plenty of car parking available within Castleton village, and a large Visitor Information Centre for further information about the area (postcode S33 8WN).
If the romantic ruins and spectacular views of Peveril Castle have captured your imagination, the Peak District has many more historic castles and attractions to explore. Castleton itself is a must-visit with its four show caverns and independent shops, while Bolsover Castle is a true fairytale castle perched high on a ridge. Mam Tor is an iconic peak offering spectacular views over the Hope Valley, and Treak Cliff Cavern is home to Britain’s rarest mineral, Blue John stone. Discover more historic houses at our Stately Homes & Castles Guide.
