Peveril Castle in Castleton, Derbyshire (Peveril Castle (Castleton))

Member Name: blissman70

Product:	Peveril Castle (Castleton)
Date:	03/07/08 (249 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great day out for all

Disadvantages: none really.

I have been reviewing a lot of DVDs recently but I had to say a few words about a place I visited again the other day.
I first went to Castleton many years ago with school, staying at the YHA in the village centre, I often looked up at the castle then but never really had any interest in going into it as I wasn't that interested in Castle at the time.
Anyway, I was back in Castleton the other day and again noticed the Castle looming above me as I sat outside the George Hotel, eating my lunch.
I wondered what the big attraction was with the Castle as a lot of people recommended it.
As on my previous visits to Castleton I had been into the caverns and mines, (as I enjoy potholing and caving), so I thought why not give it a go... see the view.

I paid the admission price in the information centre/ shop before standing at the foot of the gut wrenching hillside leading up towards the Castle, I could almost feel my lungs clenching with anticipation, (or was it fear?)
With a shrug of the shoulders I began the hike up the winding pathway, wondering what the Castle had to offer when, or if, I made it to the top.

After a good twenty minutes of a gentle stroll, albeit up hill, stopping on occasions to admire the views around me, I eventually reached my target and stood in admiration at the site in front of me.
The first, and most prominent thing I saw was the Keep with its towering size dwarfing my ample figure, the rough stone looking amazing considering it age and how it has stood up to the forces of nature.

There was one thing that spoilt the look of the Castle and that was the metal spiral staircase on the side of the towering structure, although it did take you up to a second floor, for me it made the stone Castle look damaged and slightly tacky.

Scattered around the grounds are the remains of more of the Castle, such as the Great Hall and more.

I spent quite some time just sitting there on the hillside, admiring the views all around me, feeling slightly small underneath the enormity of the Castle and its wonderful history.

My only regret was having lunch BEFORE climbing the snake path to the top....



*BRIEF HISTORY*

Built by 1080 AD, originally to watch over the 'Royal Forest of the Peak', this excellent example of a Norman Castle lies high on the hill overlooking the historical village of Castleton in Derbyshire.

It is Grade 1 monument which was named after William Peverel, (apparently the illegitimate son of William I?)

It has been owned by William Peverel, King Henry the VIII and then the Duchy of Lancaster and is now in the care of the English Heritage.
Since 1400 it has not been lived in, only used for the occasional formal function until 1480 when it was declared to be in serious decay.
The keep was the only part still used by the mid 1500s as a courthouse and a prison, other parts of the castle were used as a hold for stray cattle.
By the 17th century the Castle was a great ruin and totally inhabitable, apart from the birds and insects.



**THE CASTLE TODAY**

Once you have climbed the winding pathway up the steep hillside you are presented with what remains of a stunning historical structure.
There is a small square which is I think called the 'Keep', then there is a wall which more or less surrounds the remains.

The view from the Castle allows you to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of hope Valley and the Cave Dales.

Below the Castle hillside the Castle is defended by 'Cavedale', (east), which is a collapsed cavern and a most beautiful walk up the 'Dale', and Peak Cavern, {aka 'the Devils Arse}(to the West), which is a stunning natural Cavern winding it's way underground.

There was once a bridge spanning a steep valley, joining the castle and the hillside above Peak Cavern which was once a section of the castle ground.



*EXTRA INFORMATION*


Opening times vary depending upon seasonal times...

Peak times 10 am until 6pm
Off peak times 10 am until 5 pm

Winter times 10 am until 4 pm.

Closed 24th/ 25th/26th December and 1st January.
NOTE: Last entry is approximately 30 minutes before closing.

*ENTRANCE FEE*

Adult: £3.70
Children: £1.90
Concession: £3.00
Family Ticket: £9.30
NOTE:
English Heritage Members enter for Free

*GETTING THERE*

By road...
On the A6187, approx. 15 miles west of Sheffield. Off the Market Place.

Nearest train station...
Hope, approx. 2 ½ miles.

There are buses/coaches which run from Sheffield such as the 272 to Castleton.

*PARKING*

There is ample parking in and around Castleton, there is a main car park opposite the Market place and there are other smaller car parks further along the road, there is also road side parking along the road.


*ACCESS*

The Castle is accessed through the shop/ visitors centre at the foot of the hill, opposite the Youth Hostel Association and between some houses.

*NOTE*

Due to the steep climb this is not really suitable for wheelchair/pushchairs.

*TOILETS*

These are in the visitor centre, including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.

Dogs are allowed onto the Castle ground only if on a lead and under control.

*IN CONCLUSION*

Well worth the admission fee, especially on a sunny day, as you can enjoy the views whilst relaxing on the grassed hillside.

The surrounding village of Castleton is a beautiful place to stay and will be remembered for ever.

Summary: A fantastic bit of history