Peveril Castle
Derbyshire, England
Photo: Darren Copley from Sheffield, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Steven Newton, CC BY 2.0 · Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Hope (Derbyshire), 2.0 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Market Pl, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WQ
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
Open daily, 10am-5pm (last entry at 4.15pm)
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Visitor essentials
- Access
- Benches are provided along the steep climb for resting.
- Facilities
- Visitor centre on site with a model of the castle at its peak.
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.
At a glance
Who to know
William Peveril · the Norman lord the castle was built for
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
Peveril Castle reviews · 4.4 / 5 across 1,654 Google reviews
Nearly 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
Within reach of Manchester (21 miles), Leeds (33 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
William Peverel
Founded by William Peverel between 1066 and 1086, Peveril represents an early Norman stone fortification in the Peak District. Henry II later added a substantial keep, making it an administrative hub for the surrounding region.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “No parking lot available on the site, you need to park in the town.” - Fitria Putri
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The path up is quite steep, but once you reach the top the views across the Peak District are absolutely breathtaking.” - Przemyslaw Kowalski
- Facilities
- “Take your picnic with you then enjoy the view comfortably at the castle ground.” - Fitria Putri
Common questions about Peveril Castle
Where is Peveril Castle?
Peveril Castle is in Derbyshire, England, at Market Pl, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WQ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Peveril Castle?
Yes - Peveril Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Peveril Castle?
The view from the keep across the Peak District - reviewers describe it as breathtaking, and the climb makes the payoff feel earned.
Is Peveril Castle a ruin or still intact?
Peveril Castle is a partial ruin.
