Peakshole Water Castleton – Is this the Prettiest Place in the Peak District?

One of my favourite places in all of the Peak District has to be the views that can be found from Peakshole Water Castleton.

It looks like a postcard, where a small stream flows through a street of ancient cottages under the limestone cliffs of Peak’s Cavern.

It’s arguably one of the prettiest places in the Peak District, which attracts many tourists and photographers.

In my humble opinion, no visit to the national park would be complete without it.

Here’s a complete guide to Peakshole Water, Castleton.

What is Peakshole Water?

Peakshole Water is a small stream in the village of Castleton in the Peak District.

It flows from the source of Peak Cavern nearby, locally known as The Devil’s Arse.

Eventually, this stream joins up with the River Noe, which flows through the nearby Hope Valley.

Then, it makes its way through to the Derbyshire Derwent, the River Trent, and then over to the Humber and the North Sea.

It also has a tributary of Odin Sitch over Odin’s Mine and Mam Tor and ends up meeting Peakshole Water near the Castleton Visitor Centre.

Quite a long journey for this tiny little stream, don’t you think? 

Although Peakshole Water is the name of the stream, most people visit this area to take photos of this pretty part of Castleton village. 

The cottages around here are a bit of an Instagram superstar, and many say that this is the prettiest place in all of the Peak District.

The history of Peakshole Water Castleton

Peak’s Cavern is the source of this stream, which is a cave that dates back thousands of years.

In the Domesday Books, it was referred to as Pechesers, which means Peak’s Arse.

For the last 400 years, the cave was an ancient village that housed a community that lived and worked inside, making rope.

Daniel Defoe (who famously wrote Robinson Crusoe) visited Castleton in 1725 and said that the river running through this street was nameless.

Many believe the name Peakshole Water came later, in the Victorian Era. 

Peakshole Water used to power a Corn Mill until around the 1920s, when it fell out of use, and the waterwheel fell into disrepair in the 1950s. 

Today, it’s a famous postcard-worthy part of Castleton Village, which is popular with tourists and photographers alike. 

No visit to the Peak District would be complete without visiting this serene hamlet.

Things to do around Peakshole Water

So, what is there to do around Peakshole Water in Castleton?

From visiting some of the famous Castleton Caves to shopping for unique gems and taking one of the popular walks.

Here are the best things to do in Peakshole Water, Castleton. 

Take photos of Peakshole Water cottages 

The thing that keeps drawing me back to Castleton is capturing this beautiful, postcard-worthy photo. 

Around Peakshole Water you’ll find an attractive set of cottages that are perched by the river and make a fantastic photo opportunity.

It provides something new in all seasons. From a snowy backdrop in winter to the golden brown autumn foliage or the first blossoms of spring.

The cottage at the end of the river walk is arguably one of the most Instagrammable places in the Peak District.

You’ll see the stream with a cascade, the iconic house with an old oil lamp, along with the heights of Peaks Cavern. It’s perfect. 

The cottage is someone’s private residence, so be mindful of this when you visit to not disturb those living here.

But it’s along a public pathway, so you’re free to take as many photos as you like. 

Peakshole Water Castleton photography tips

As Castleton is one of the busiest places in all of the Peak District, I would always recommend visiting in the off-season for fewer crowds.

This area, in particular, can be a bit of a bottleneck as people use this path to access Peak’s Cavern, which is also a popular attraction.  

You’ll need to come armed with patience to get a quiet moment with no one in it if you visit during the day.

I got here around 7.30 am and it was lovely and quiet. It was also great for lighting at this time, as it was so soft. 

Although there was construction and cars everywhere on the other side, with a bit of angling, you can still get some amazing photos.

Peak’s Cavern (The Devil’s Arse)

Most people visiting Castleton will pass by Peakshole Water as it’s the only walking route to access Peak’s Cavern.

This is where the source of the stream comes from, and it’s a cave that’s nicknamed the Devil’s Arse.

The reason being that it creates loud, flatulent-like noise when the floodwater is draining.

The cave had the name Devil’s Arse for years until 1880, when Queen Victoria made a visit for a concert.

The village then changed the name to Peak’s Cavern so as not to offend her delicate ears.

It is famous as the largest cave entrance in Britain. It’s also one of four show caves in Castleton.

Entry is by guided tour only. You’ll enter the cave and learn the art of rope making from the people who used to live inside. 

They also regularly hold concerts, cinema, and live events in the cave throughout the year. Click here for event details.

Even if you’re not visiting the cave itself, a walk towards it is still worth doing.

You can see the gigantic cave entrance for yourself and enjoy the views in the limestone gorge, under 280-foot-tall cliffs.

The Stones

The little shopping area around Peakshole Water is locally known as ‘The Stones’.

You’ll find lots of amazing shops like The Little Shop and Carlton Emporium Antiques, but also the famous ‘Silver & Stone Shop ‘.

It sells Blue John Stone jewellery inside as well as rocks, minerals, and crystals from around the world.

If you didn’t know, Blue John stone is a semi-precious mineral only found in the UK at Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton.

You can see the famous ‘Blue John Dragon’ in the Visitor Centre. The mineral has been mined here heavily since Victorian times.

At Silver & Stone, you can even make your own piece of Blue John Stone jewellery in their workshop.

Feed the ducks 

A common thing that people like to do around Peakshole Water is to feed the ducks that swim around here. 

But please always remember to buy food that is safe for them to digest.

Feeding ducks bread can lead to malnutrition, as it fills their stomachs but does not provide any nutritional substance. 

The Little Shop sells some duck food which is only 30p a bag, so you can make sure that the ducks are fed well but in a conscious way. 

Dolly ’n’ Ted’s Tearoom

If you are looking for a pick-me-up after your visit, there is an adorable café near The Stones called Dolly ’n’ Ted’s Tearoom.

It’s a tiny café, but it has lots of character and the loveliest of service.

They serve up hot and cold drinks throughout the day as well as homemade cakes and light lunches.

In summer, they also serve up some of the famous local ice cream.

Peakshole Water Walk to Hope 

From Peakshole Water, there is a permissive pathway that leads you on the Castleton to Hope Valley circular walk.

It follows the Peakshole Water stream and is an easy, scenic walk that will take you around 30 – 40 minutes.

Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the river and countryside.

Once you reach Hope, you can stop at the Cheshire Cheese pub.

It’s a 16th-century inn that serves up cold drinks and warm pub meals to weary travellers.

Looking for more places to visit in Castleton?

Castleton is a quintessential Derbyshire village that is a must-visit in the Peak District.

After you visit Peakshole Water, you can visit some of the other Castleton Caves around the area. 

If you haven’t already, I would recommend popping into the Castleton Museum in the Visitor Centre to learn more about the area.

Towering high above the village is Peveril Castle, which dates back to the 11th-century.

There are plenty of amazing shops, and you really cannot leave without trying Bradwell’s Dairy Ice Cream.

Just outside of Castleton, you have the incredible Mam Tor, which looks over Edale Valley. Or, you can drive through or walk up to Winnats Pass.

Further on, you can visit even more amazing locations like Hathersage, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Bamford Edge, and Ladybower Reservoir.

Or, why not head to Padley Gorge and Stanage Edge with Robin Hood’s Cave.

How to visit Peakshole Water Castleton

If you want to see Castleton’s Peakshole Water for yourself, you only need to visit Castleton village in the Peak District.

The Peak District National Park is one of the best areas for hiking in the UK, and it’s near Nottingham, Derby, Leeds, Sheffield, and Manchester.

Castleton is in the heart of the Peak District and is one of the most popular places to visit. 

It’s easiest if you have a car to visit Castleton as there is no train station in the village itself.

You can alight for the Peak District via the M1 and M6 and then follow the country roads to Castleton. 

The nearest train station is in Hope, which is 2 miles away. There is a Sheffield to Castleton bus via the 272 service.

You’ll find Peakshole Water a little beyond the Castleton Visitor Centre. Once you’re in the village, head towards Peak’s Cavern to find it.

Castleton Parking 

If you’re visiting in the summer season, a weekend, or even on a sunny day, parking in Castleton can be an absolute nightmare.

There are limited parking spaces near the Castleton Visitor Centre, which is pay and display, but these parking places fill up quickly.

Alternatively, you can park up in the overflow visitors’ car park, which is nearby and has more space.

Where to stay in Castleton 

Castleton is a great base to explore the Peak District. It’s easily one of the prettiest places in the National Park.

Here are some of the recommended Castleton hotels:

• The George Inn – A top-rated accommodation with a popular restaurant. It’s adults-only and right in the heart of Castleton.

• Swiss House B&B – A modern bed and breakfast with comfy rooms and a SwissTap microbrewery.

• YHA Castleton Losehill Hall Hostel – An affordable accommodation in a renovated Victorian Gothic Mansion.

Read more of my Peak District guides

How to Visit Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley aka Chatsworth House

Visit Hardwick Hall, the real Malfoy Manor filming location

How to visit Little John’s Grave in Hathersage

How to find Robin Hood’s Cave in Stanage Edge

How to get to Thor’s Cave in the Peak District

How to get to the incredible Bamford Edge

A magical easy walk to Lud’s Church

Why you need to visit Monsal Head Viewpoint

How to get to Solomon’s Temple in Buxton

How to visit & cross Dovedale Stepping Stones

The best things to do in Milldale

Best things to do in Ashford in the Water

Why you must visit Scrivener’s Books in Buxton

Things to do in Alstonefield

Chee Dale Stepping Stones walk

Things to do in Eyam Plague Village

How to visit Ramshaw Rocks from Pride and Prejudice

Save Peakshole Water Castleton for later