Bakewell Market & Castleton

Bakewell Market & Castleton

 

Perhaps best known for its unique and delicious Pudding, Bakewell has many more tempting treats to offer - ranging from shopping and specialist markets to relaxing strolls and special events. Idyllically situated on the banks of the river Wye, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park's mellow stone buildings, medieval five-arched stone bridge and quaint courtyards are a magnet for painters, photographers and sightseers alike. Legend has it that the town's famous Pudding was created by mistake by a local cook in the mid-19th century. Today her delectable 'jam tart that went wrong' can be sampled at various bakeries and cafés and posted virtually anywhere in the world! Bargains galore are on offer every Monday at the bustling outdoor market, and for an extra buzz, head for the livestock market to experience the action in the theatre-like auction ring. Cherry pick choice local produce at one of Britain's best Farmers' Markets or browse in specialist shops selling everything from high fashion and outdoor clothing to handmade chocolates and rare whiskies. Savour a light snack, lunch or dinner at a host of cafés, restaurants, pubs and tea rooms and take a brewery tour and sample world-beating craft beers at Thornbridge Brewery.

 

www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/bakewell-p680091

 

Lying in the lee of mysterious Mam Tor, locally known as the 'Shivering Mountain', Castleton is one of the most beautifully-situated villages in the White Peak.

Whether you approach through the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass or from the Hope Valley, you'll appreciate the fabulous views created by its location on the cusp of the Peak District's breathtaking limestone and gritstone landscapes.

 

Whatever the weather, Castleton has something to offer visitors of all ages at any time of year. If it's fine and you're feeling fit, climb the steep steps up to the atmospheric Norman ruins of Peveril Castle, completed in 1086 for William Peverel, a favoured knight of William the Conqueror.

 

Castleton is the only place in the world where the semi-precious stone Blue John, unique to the Peak District and Derbyshire, can be found.

 

Some of the finest examples - including the largest known single piece of Blue John, The Pillar, can be found in Treak Cliff Cavern, where you can also explore a fairytale underground world of stalactite and stalagmites.

 

Like Castleton's other show caves, Treak Cliff was once a lead mine. Peak Cavern has the largest natural cave mouth in Europe - large enough for cottages and even an inn to be built inside in previous times. Nowadays the space it used for special events, including Christmas carol concerts.

Speedwell Cavern offers an underground boat ride  to the eerie 'Bottomless Pit', while Blue John Cavern, opposite Mam Tor, is the deepest of the caves and also contains examples of Blue John.

 

You can buy jewellery crafted from Blue John in the village, and Castleton Visitor Centre, with its museum and visitor centre, is a mine of information. Fortify yourself in numerous cafés, tea rooms and pubs before heading off to tackle the Great Ridge Walk, one of the finest routes of its kind in the country.

 

Castleton - Village - Visit Peak District

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The majority of trips return from destination between 16:30 and 17:30. The driver will inform you of the exact time on the day, dependant on outward travel times. Whilst we do not guarantee a W/C on board most of our excursion fleet do have toilet facilities. For your comfort we allocate seating at time of booking, however reserve the right to alter or amend your seat allocation for utilisation purposes

 

Our Pick-ups are as follows:

 

• Harrogate – St Marys Walk (Montpellier)

• Kings Road – Betfred

• Knaresborough Road – Former Harrow Pub

• Starbeck – Methodist Church

• Knaresborough – York Place Car / Coach Park

• Wetherby – Wetherby Whaler