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About this place
Peak Cavern is a show cave in Castleton, in the Peak District of Derbyshire, England. Its mouth is the biggest natural cave entrance in Britain, and the cave was long known locally as the Devil's Arse, a name guides still enjoy explaining.
What makes Peak Cavern special?
The entrance chamber is so vast that an entire hamlet once stood inside it. The stream Peakshole Water runs through the cave and leaves by the same opening. Peak Cavern is one of four show caves around Castleton, alongside Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Speedwell Cavern, so a day of underground sightseeing is easy to plan.
Why did rope makers work underground?
For generations the cave mouth housed a ropewalk. Workers twisted cord for the lead mines of the surrounding hills, and about thirty craftspeople lived and worked beneath the rock roof with their families. Production ended around 1915 and most of the cottages were cleared. On your tour you can watch a rope-making demonstration using traditional methods.
Where does the name come from?
Before Queen Victoria visited in 1880, the cave carried a far ruder name. It was softened to Peak Cavern for the royal occasion. Guides pass on the old legends and explain how the earlier name came about.
What is the tour like?
Entry is by guided tour only. A visit lasts about an hour, mixing the rope-making story with a short walk deeper into the rock. Tours leave every hour. From April to October the cave opens daily, normally from 10:00 to 17:00. From November to March it opens at weekends and during school holidays. The last tour starts around 16:00. Booking online is wise because slots can sell out. Prices change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get there and what is nearby?
The cave sits at the edge of Castleton village, a short walk from the centre. Peveril Castle stands on the ridge above the village and is reached by a steep path. The surrounding hills offer plenty of walking in the Peak District. Castleton is reachable by car from Sheffield or Manchester, and local buses run from nearby Hope.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter Peak Cavern without a guide? No. Visits are guided tours that depart hourly.
How long does the tour take? About an hour, including the rope-making demonstration.
Is the Devil's Arse the same place? Yes. That is the cave's older name.
Should I book ahead? Yes. Booking online secures your slot, especially in summer and school holidays.
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