Peak Cavern - Image 1

Peak Cavern

Hope Valley, United Kingdom•4.6(3.1k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore Britain's largest natural cave entrance on a guided tour through Peak Cavern, learning about its fascinating history as a rope-making center and Victorian folklore.

Peak Cavern, known as 'The Devil's Arse,' features the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles, nestled deep within a gorge below Peveril Castle in Castleton, Derbyshire. Professional guides lead visitors through the subterranean system on approximately 60-75 minute tours, sharing the intriguing history of how rope was made for lead miners and revealing the folklore of Victorian-era tour guides. Visitors discover the fascinating story behind the cave's unusual name while exploring its impressive chambers. The venue offers daily guided tours starting at 10am, with the last tour departing at 4pm during the summer season. Tours are fairly undemanding, featuring a few steps with handrails, though some sections have wet and uneven floors and one small 30-meter section requires bending to navigate through. The cave maintains a cool 9°C temperature year-round. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on tours when kept on a lead, making it a family-friendly activity for those exploring the Peak District. Beyond cave tours, Peak Cavern hosts special events including atmospheric Christmas Carol Concerts featuring brass bands, mulled wine, and mince pies, plus summer concerts and performances. Online booking offers family tickets and early-bird discounts, and the venue welcomes school group visits. While wheelchairs and pushchairs cannot be taken beyond the cavern entrance, the venue is happy to advise visitors with accessibility questions.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 11:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.6(3.1k reviews)
D
Dominic Bunn

Dominic Bunn

3 weeks ago

Really nice tour today (9th July 2026). Was interesting. Entry fee was a bit pricy. Needs more explanation on things. Maybe calm down on the jokes a bit and read the room (audience). My Mum and I found it hard to catch the guide with the speed of delivery & accent. All just felt a bit scripted/rehearsed. Would still definitely recommend visiting! :) the tour is an hour long and you get to see & make rope, see the slide which the BBC used to film a scene from ‘Narnia’, and learn about the history of the people which lived & worked there.

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mel b

mel b

2 months ago

What an amazing venue for a gig! Highly recommend. The surroundings are of course amazing, but also the acoustics, and the atmosphere are top notch. We saw the Orb there and mr Scruff. The bar prices are as you’d expect. We didn’t find it necessary to wear multiple layers of clothing and waterproof rain jackets, as we were dancing about

L
Lianne M Meldrew

Lianne M Meldrew

3 months ago

Wow amazing. Our tour guide was very informative and enthusiastic. We were given a demonstration on rope making. Really enjoyed visiting this place. Wear suitable footwear and warm clothing. The nearest toilet facilities are either at the visitor centre carpark (free) or Dolly's cafe (customers only) Highly recommend a visit.

K
Kelly Reynolds

Kelly Reynolds

5 months ago

Amazing trip. The tour guide really made this 100x better. The knowledge he had was incredible and he had us laughing the whole time. My youngest daughter absolutely loved it and Chris kept her involved in the tour. She loved going into the cave especially when the lights turned off. Really great trip and highly recommend! The little village is lovely to walk around too. Beautiful place

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Pamela Fabianska

Pamela Fabianska

6 months ago

What a fabulous tour of The Devil's Arse! Our guide, Will was very jolly, exceedingly knowledgeable and made the social, industrial and geological facts intriguing and clear. The rope-making was truly amazing and the cavern incredible. Everything came alive under his guidance. He e was so obviously a lover of this area and it shone through...so much better than a previous tour we did. Despite our age, we managed to get under the Lumbago Walk to explore this wonderful place! A trip NOT to be missed!!

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Peak Cavern

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Peak Cavern

Is Peak Cavern free to visit?

Peak Cavern is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Peak Cavern dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Peak Cavern.

Is there parking at Peak Cavern?

Peak Cavern doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Peak Cavern?

Peak Cavern doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Peak Cavern pushchair-friendly?

Peak Cavern isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Peak Cavern?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Peak Cavern.

How do I get to Peak Cavern by public transport?

Peak Cavern is well-served by public transport.
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