The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.4 / 5 · 1,654 reviews TICKETED

Peveril Castle

Derbyshire, England


Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle, further view Peveril Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
English Heritage
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Market Pl, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WQ

Telephone 0370 333 1181

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A Norman castle above Castleton, built for William Peveril and famous enough by the 19th century to lend its name to a Walter Scott novel. The keep still stands, reached by a genuinely steep climb, and reviewers consistently say the views over the Peak District from the top justify the effort.

Worth the trip

The view from the keep across the Peak District - reviewers describe it as breathtaking, and the climb makes the payoff feel earned.

Before you go

There's no parking on site, so you'll need to park in Castleton and walk up; the path is steep with deep, uneven steps in places, so pace yourself and bring proper footwear.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.4 / 5 across 1,654 Google reviews

Every review mentions that the climb up to Peveril Castle is steep and challenging, though most agree the panoramic Peak District views from the top make it worthwhile. One older visitor found the climb genuinely difficult despite the benches provided and felt there wasn't quite enough to see for the effort, while others found the keep and information boards added good historical context.

“Steep walk up and obviously it’s just a ruin now but if you like history & views you’ll love this place. Take a picnic. Lovely grounds”— Michele Rowlands, visitor review

Further reading

Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain cover book
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
The Norman Conquest cover book
The Norman Conquest

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon