Peveril Castle

Reconstruction Drawing
Reconstruction Drawing (c) English Heritage Photo Library
Exterior - Exterior (c) Peveril Castle - View of the castle and surrounding landscape (c) Reconstruction Drawing - Reconstruction Drawing (c) Above entrance to the keep - Above entrance to the keep (c) Peveril Landscape - View with Peveril Castle in front (c) Peveril Castle (c) English Heritage -  (c)

Perched high above the pretty village of Castleton, the castle offers breathtaking views of the Peak District. Founded soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066 by William Peverel, one of King William's most trusted knights, it played an important role in guarding the Peak Forest area.

When 'Castle Peak' (as it was known in the Middle Ages) passed into the hands of Henry II, he made a number of additions. Most notable is the great square keep, with its round-headed windows, built in 1176. Thirteenth-century developments included the great hall, and though by 1400 the fortress had ceased to be of strategic importance, its impregnability guaranteed its continued use as a prison.

Following extensive conservation work on the keep, a walk-way erected at first floor level enables visitors to enter two chambers previously inaccessible: a medieval garderobe, and a small room with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Displays in the visitor centre tell the story of Peveril as the focal point of the Royal Forest of the Peak, a hunting preserve for monarchs since the 11th-century.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar - 30 Apr 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 May-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep-31 Oct 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan    
Please note last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.    

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.70
Children:
£1.90
Concession:
£3.00
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £9.30

How do I get there?

Address:
Derbyshire - S33 8WQ
Road Access:
Via the market place in Castleton; 15 miles W of Sheffield on A6187
Train Access:
Hope 2 1/2 miles
Bus Access:
First/TM Travel 272-4 Sheffield railway station - Castleton, then 1mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
01433 620613

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Shop Events Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Access:
Lift from the gift shop to the first floor interpretation room, castle model and toilet facilities.

Further Info

The visitor centre, first opened in 2006, assures a warm welcome. Displays tell the story of Peveril as the focal point of the Royal Forest of the Peak, a hunting preserve for monarchs since the 11th century.
Parking (in town).