Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of metropolis beingness astatine immoderate point, and what amended spot to flight to than the bosom of the Peak District? Tucked distant successful this stunning location is the historical and quintessentially British colony of Castleton.
Surrounded by steep hills, including the celebrated Mam Tor, astatine the caput of the Hope Valley, you could easy mistake it for Hobbiton. Castleton's past dates backmost to 1086, arsenic recorded successful the Domesday Book, though it was primitively known arsenic Pechesers - which translates to Peaks A***.
It was aboriginal renamed Castleton aft the operation of Peveril Castle, built by William Peveril, the illegitimate lad of William the Conqueror. This picturesque colony is perfectly situated for agelong walks astir the valley's striking hills, exploring its Norman roots, and visiting a astir loved pub.
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Getty Images/iStockphoto)Ye Olde Nags Head has been astir since the 17th century, erstwhile it served arsenic a coaching inn, reports MyLondon. Today, Ye Olde Nags Head offers everything from pub classics similar beef, ale and murphy pie, to an extended database of burgers, pizzas, and regular specials, including their bangers and mash.
It besides provides accommodation for visitors looking for determination to enactment aft a agelong time exploring the valley, with 9 ensuite bedrooms available. Ye Olde Nags Head was awarded Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Award backmost successful 2021, with erstwhile customers singing its praises.
One blessed impermanent penned: "We stayed successful the Inn for 3 nights. The rooms were comfortable, the nutrient delicious and the unit precise affable and accommodating. Would decidedly recommend.
Another chimed successful with: "Welcoming staff. Good prime of brew for husband. Food was very, precise good. Overall bully worth for money. We would return."
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Getty Images/iStockphoto)But Castleton offers much than conscionable hospitality to its visitors. Discover the village's past astatine the towering ruins of Peveril Castle, perched precocious supra Castleton.
You mightiness take to trek the hills, taking connected the Mam Tor locomotion to Losehill, locally known arsenic the 'Shivering Mountain'. Or stroll on the slender Winnats Pass, reminiscent of Rohan from Lord of the Rings.
Local lore suggests that Winnats Pass was formed underwater during the maturation of a reef by a lagoon existent - but who tin accidental for sure? For those seeking adventure, delve into Castleton's caves wherever you'll find the semi-precious chromatic Blue John - it's the lone spot successful the world wherever it tin beryllium found.
Take your prime from Treak Cliff Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Peak Cavern and Blue John Cavern for a guided tour, each boasting their ain unsocial features. The coveted Blue John tin beryllium recovered successful Treak Cliff and Blue John Caverns.
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Getty Images)Speedwell Cavern is location to a heavy vertical shaft estimated to beryllium astir 150 metres heavy - earning it the nickname "Bottomless Pit".
If you're keen to support your feet connected terra firma, beryllium definite not to miss the village's yearly "Garland Day" connected May 29, besides known arsenic Oak Apple Dayin remembrance of the Battle of Worcester. It was during this skirmish that Charles II famously eluded seizure by the Roundheads by concealing himself wrong an oak tree.
Castleton isn't conscionable a haven for thrills and exploration; it besides boasts a storied past and lays assertion to 1 of the UK's astir cherished pubs. For those yearning to flight the hustle of London for immoderate peace, see mounting your compass northbound towards the tranquillity of the Peak District.