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Treak Cliff Cavern 1

Treak Cliff Cavern, located on the edge of Castleton in the Peak District, offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. It is the home of Britain’s rarest mineral, Blue John Stone, Treak Cliff Hill is the only place in the world where Blue John Stone occurs naturally.

Explore the stunning Peak District underground landscape, with natural caverns and ancient lead mining caves, walking through awe-inspiring chambers lined with Blue John stone, fossils, stalactites and stalagmites.

Afterwards, you can take in incredible views over the whole of the Hope Valley above ground. There’s a great selection of gems and souvenirs in the gift shop, and you can learn more about the history of Treak Cliff Cavern in the fascinating museum. And as a perfect memento of your trip, you can even choose and polish your very own piece of Blue John Stone to take away with you!


Treak Cliff Cavern: Underground Beauty

Blue John Stone at Treak Cliff Cavern
Blue John Stone at Treak Cliff Cavern

The self-guided audio tour will explain how Blue John Stone was formed, miners in the 1750s constructed a tunnel using only hand tools to reach the Blue John Stone deposits within the hill, and you will see incredible veins of the stone across the cavern roof and hear about the recent discovery of the ‘lost vein’ of Blue John Stone that had been hidden for almost 70 years.

Your audio-guide will point out fossils in the limestone rock which formed the hillside above you some 330 million years ago. The tour descends deeper into the hill where you will experience the water worn chambers of natural limestone cavern formations. Multi-coloured flowstone adorns the walls of Aladdin’s Cave.

We also have some of the finest stalactites in the Peak District that decorate Fairyland and the Dream Cave. The most famous formation being “The Stork”.  

The walking tour lasts around 45 minutes, you can stop and take photographs as you listen to the information at your own pace.

Blue John stone, the blue and yellow stone with its stunning bands of colouring was thought to get name from the French (bleu/jaune), when samples of the stone were worked there in the 18th century, this semi-precious mineral is a form of fluorite, used for jewellery and ornamental objects.

Treak Cliff Cavern has an extensive collection of Blue John Stone, it is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the richness of its deposits, approx..  250kgs are still mined each year from the cave, in areas hidden from the visitor routes.

Curlew Cottage Great Hucklow

You can even bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure! Treak Cliff Cavern is proud to be dog-friendly for dogs on leads.

Treak Cliff Cavern is open from 9.30am every day (except Christmas Day & Boxing Day), with last entry at 4pm. (3pm in the winter).


The Blue John Experience Day

Treak Cliff Cavern is delighted to offer the Blue John Experience Day, a truly unique adventure day that allows you to get hands-on with this stunning mineral and learn more about this beautiful part of the Peak District.

During your day you’ll learn about the geological formation of caves within the Peak District National Park and meet the family who own and care for the mine.

You’ll then go prospecting for your very own piece of Blue John Stone in the mines at Treak Cliff Cavern. Expert craftspeople will guide you through polishing your selection and you can also choose additional pieces from the workshop to make into a window hanger and a piece of silver-mounted jewellery.


Treak Cliff Cavern: Above Ground Scenery

Treak Cliff Cavern is just as beautiful above ground as it is below ground, set right at the end of the Hope Valley in the Peak District, with a vast sweep of countryside before you. Now you can take your time here and soak up these wonderful views with a tea or coffee made with our own cave water or even indulge with a Treak Cliff Cavern Ale or Blue John Gin.

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Café on the Cliff at Treak Cliff Cavern

Treak Cliff Cavern Shop and Museum

The Gift Shop at Treak Cliff Cavern is a great opportunity to buy beautiful, unique gifts, including Blue John Stone items of jewellery and ornaments. There are also plenty of pocket money items for younger adventurers, including small fossils and gemstones.

The Museum at Treak Cliff Cavern houses a wide range of rare Blue John Stone specimens from the local mines, along with fascinating crystals, rocks and fossils from around the world. The permanent Blue John Collection includes pieces of jewellery and translucent drinking vessels to more sturdy, large ornaments. There are stunning examples of exclusive pieces made by the craftsmen at Treak Cliff Cavern and also many rare items made further afield, originally held in highly-regarded private collections.

Gift Shop and Visitor Centre at Treak Cliff Cavern
Gift Shop and Visitor Centre

Treak Cliff Cavern Location

Treak Cliff Cavern in located on the edge of the lovely village of Castleton in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

There’s loads to see and do in the area, including discovering the ruins of Peveril Castle or climbing to the top of Mam Tor. For those who prefer more gentle pursuits, Castleton has a great range of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, all surrounded by fantastic views.

Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton
Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton

Contact Treak Cliff Cavern

For more information about this beautiful visitor attraction or to book a visit, please get in touch with the friendly team at Treak Cliff Cavern – they’ll be delighted to help you!

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