Located on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park, this picturesque rural village provides an ideal stopping point for walkers exploring Derbyshire, with numerous welcoming pubs just a short stroll away.

Positioned directly beside the renowned Mam Tor, a 517-metre summit within the national park, Castleton ranks among the most spectacularly situated villages in the region. The settlement is completely encircled by breathtaking panoramas of limestone and gritstone escarpments, drawing visitors regularly from cities such as Sheffield and Manchester eager to witness the dramatic landscape firsthand.

Numerous visitors pause in the village either before or following a day spent ascending the hill, where a stone-paved footpath guides walkers along a circular route measuring approximately three miles. The moderately challenging trek typically requires up to two hours to complete – an achievement that certainly warrants a well-earned drink afterwards.

One recent hiker shared on TripAdvisor: “I finally decided to pay Mam Tor a visit to walk up to rather than just driving past it. It’s so dominating on the horizon as you drive through Castleton. Now, you can walk up to it from a variety of paths. The tourist path from the official Mam Tor car park is a popular one; however, you pay for car parking there, and it usually gets busy.”

Yet at its centre lies a thoroughly traditional English village, overflowing with pubs, tearooms, bakeries and retail establishments, ideal for leisurely exploration. Highly-rated drinking establishments within the village include The George, Ye Olde Nags Head, 1530 The Restaurant and the Bulls Head.

All within a stone’s throw of each other, these pubs provide the perfect sanctuary after a hard day and maintain a fantastic atmosphere throughout the year.

Ye Olde Nags Head, believed to be the oldest in the area, has been serving patrons since the 17th century.

One satisfied customer left a review, stating: “The pub is lovely, warm and welcoming. The staff were very friendly. The building is old and tired in places, but it’s part of the character of the place.”

In addition to the beer selection, the village boasts a high concentration of cafes for its size, offering passers-by a coffee and a sweet treat. Regardless of the weather, both locals and visitors pack the rooms for a hot drink and their locally made cakes, biscuits and other bakes – delicious and totally Instagram-worthy.

Castleton is believed to be the only place in the world where the precious Blue John stone can be found, hidden within several of its gem-filled caverns. There are four caves in total, open for anyone to explore, including Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Mine.

The most popular to visit is the Peak Cavern, nestled beneath Peveril Castle and humorously dubbed ‘the devil’s arse’. Eager explorers flock to the site for tours lasting over an hour, detailing its history and showcasing the intricacies of this underground treasure.