Speedwell Cavern
Type:Cave/Cavern Attraction
Castleton
Hope Valley
S33 8WA
About
Speedwell Cavern – Visited by Boat & Peak Cavern – “The Devil’s Arse!”
Take an incredible Underground Journey by Boat and enter the inner world of the underground cave system in the heart of the Peak District National Park and absorb the atmosphere as a watery silence echoes all around you.
Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of Castleton, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.
Descend the 106 steps from the almost hidden cave entrance to the landing stage of an underground canal where you step on to your tour guides' boat.
From here you glide quietly through the workings of a 200 year old lead mine. Picture in your mind what it must have been like to carve out these tunnels using only the most primitive tools as your guide recounts the story of the mine which opens into a network of natural caverns and underground rivers.
At the Halfway House the canal tunnel splits into two to allow oncoming boats to pass as you make your way 200 metres below the surface of the hill before entering a magnificent cathedral-like cavern containing the awesome Bottomless Pit - a huge subterranean lake.
Unravel the mysteries of the Devil’s Arse and step into the unique world of Peak Cavern. Unusual rock formations, the eerie sound of running water and echoes of a bygone age await you.
Set in the middle of the picturesque Peak District village of Castleton, the approach to Peak Cavern is awe inspiring.
Deep into the cliffs is the Cavern’s imposing entrance chamber, within which you will see the remains of an ancient village where a whole community lived and worked making ropes for the local lead mines for more than 400 years.
Deeper into the Cavern you pass through Lumbago walk and enter the Great Cave, see a perpetual cascade of water at Roger Rains’ House, pass through Pluto’s Dining Room into the Devil’s Cellar and hear the source of the river Styx.
Guided tours, including traditional ropemaking demonstrations, last 1 hour. They are fairly undemanding and are suitable for all ages.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Adult Ticket £10.00
Child Ticket (5 - 15 yrs) £8.00
Concessions 9.00
Family Ticket £32.00
4 year olds and under free
Why not take advantage of our fantastic offer to visit both Peak and Speedwell Cavern with a Joint Ticket
Facilities
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Guided tours for individuals
- Guided tours mandatory
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
* Tickets must be booked and paid for on-line, in advance, through our website
TripAdvisor
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From Sheffield, take the A625, then the A6187 through Hope to Castleton. Follow the A6187 from Castleton and turn left up Arthurs Way/Winnats Pass. The cavern is situated at the foot of Winnats Pass on the left, half a mile west of Castleton village.From Manchester, take the A6 to Chapel en le Frith and then follow the signs for the A6 but take the slip road signposted Rushup and Edale. Follow this past Blue John Cavern by way of hairpin bend to right. After approx 100 metres take left turn down Winnats Pass into Castleton and the cavern is on the right at the bottom.The nearest railway station is Hope Station (2 miles) or Edale.Bus No. 272 from Sheffield to CastletonBus No. 274 from Chesterfield to Castleton