Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle is a ruined 11th-century castle that overlooks the village of Castleton in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park. Peveril Castle is one of Englands earliest Norman fortresses. The castle is strategically located on top of a triangular hill above Peak Cavern, known locally as `The Devil’s Arse’ and has breathtaking views across Hope Valley and Cave Dale.

The settlement was founded some time between the Norman Conquest of 1066 and its first recorded mention in the Domesday Survey of 1086, by William Peverel, who held lands in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. William Peveril, after whom the castle was later named, was Keeper of the Royal Forest. The castle was sited to control the area, which included hunting grounds and lead and silver mines. The keep was built by Henry II in 1176.

Around the Tudor times the castle fell into disuse and by 1609 it was “very ruinous and serveth for no use”. In the 19th century, Sir Walter Scott featured the castle in his novel ‘Peveril of the Peak’. In modern times all that remains of Peveril Castle is part of the gatehouse, perimeter walls and the remains of the keep.

The original access and main entrance to the castle was via the long gone Western Gate, which stood to the west of the Keep, a bridge also spanned the gorge. Nowadays the only way into the castle is by a winding zig-zag path which runs from the ruined gatehouse down to the new Visitor Centre. To the south and east is a sheer drop to Cave Dale.

The site is now cared for by English Heritage. Peveril Castle is protected as a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building.

General opening hours between 10am – 4pm daily. Admission fees may apply.