Caving

If you are feeling brave, the Peak District is full of caves to explore. The Limestone rocks of the Peak are very porous and therefore have formed wonderful caves. Some are accessible to all others are for the very experienced only.

The following caves have admission charges and are available to all:

Blue John Cavern
Castleton
Tel: 01433 620638
Home of the famous Blue John stone.  See the cave room where it is said the loal Lord entertained his miners to dinner!

Peak Cavern
Castleton
Tel: 01433 620285

The alternative name for the Peak Cavern is The Devil's Arse (and this is the name to look out for on the entry signs).  It has the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles.  Inside is the remains of an old village where locals lived and were employed making ropes for the local lead miners.

Speedwell Cavern
Castleton
Tel: 01433 620512
You enter this cave by boat.  The boat takes you through underground tunnels into the incredible 'Bottomless Pit' an enourmous subterranean lake.

Pooles Cavern & Country Park
Buxton
Tel: 01298 26978

This is one of the largest showcaves and has been used for thousands of years variously as a medieval robbers hideout, a Bronze Age shelter and Roman shrine.  Here you can see the largest stalactite and stalagmites in the Peak District.  There is also a visitors centre and lovely country park here. 

Peak District Mining Museum
Matlock Bath
Tel: 01629 583834

Great Masson Cavern
Nestus Mine
Matlock Bath
Tel: 01629 582365

 

Wellbeck near Worksop, S80 3LH

Tel: 01909 720378

Learn about the Iron Age and it's people in the museum for all ages and take a tour of the caves. Call for opening hours.

 

Castleton

The cavern is famous for it Blue John stone - a semi precious stone used to make jewellery (which you can buy locally).

 

Matlock Bath

This is a wonderful place to visit and it is open all year (except Christmas Day).  Visit its partner mine - Temple Mine to see the tunnels dug to work flourite and lead ore.

Upper Limits

Longnor

01298 83857

For the more Adventurous, (please call before setting out):

Bagshaw Cavern
Bradwell
Tel: 01433 620540

Goodluck Lead Mine
Via Gellia Cromford
Tel: 01246 272375

Derbyshire Caving Association
C/O Jenny Potts
Tel: 01335 370629