Speedwell Cavern: Underground Boat Journey in the Peak District
Explore a historic lead mine on a unique underground boat tour beneath the Peak District’s dramatic Winnats Pass.
Speedwell Cavern, located at the foot of Winnats Pass near Castleton in the Peak District, offers a unique underground boat tour through a historic 18th-century lead mine. Visitors descend 106 steps to glide along a flooded tunnel, culminating in the awe-inspiring Bottomless Pit, a vast subterranean lake. Open year-round except Christmas, the cavern maintains a constant cool temperature and provides a fascinating glimpse into mining history and geology.
A brief summary to Speedwell Cavern
- Winnats Pass, Hope Valley, Castleton, S33 8WA, GB
- +441433623018
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred tour time, especially during peak seasons.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip as the steps leading down to the boat dock are narrow and slippery.
- Bring a warm jacket; the cavern maintains a constant cool temperature of about 9–10°C year-round.
- Allow time after your tour to browse the gift shop for unique local minerals and Blue John stone jewelry.
- Combine your visit with a hike up nearby Mam Tor for spectacular views of Hope Valley.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Take the local bus service from Hope Valley or Castleton village center to the Speedwell Cavern stop near Winnats Pass. The journey typically takes 15-25 minutes. Buses run regularly but check schedules in advance. Walking from the bus stop to the cavern entrance involves a short uphill path on uneven terrain. Tickets cost around £3-£5.
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Car
Driving to Speedwell Cavern is straightforward via the A6187 road. There is a pay & display car park adjacent to the cavern, costing approximately £4 for 4 hours, with a £2 refund voucher available for cavern visitors. The car park can fill early during peak times, so arriving before 11am is recommended.
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Walking
For active visitors staying in Castleton, walking to Speedwell Cavern is a scenic option taking around 20-30 minutes. The route includes some steep sections and uneven paths, suitable for those with moderate fitness. Wear sturdy footwear and allow extra time for the ascent.
Speedwell Cavern location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Speedwell Cavern
Historic Origins and Mining Heritage
Speedwell Cavern began as a lead mine in 1771, with miners hand-excavating tunnels and waterways that now form the heart of the visitor experience. Mining activity continued intermittently for about 20 years, during which time boat tours began even as work progressed. The mine’s rich history is evident in features such as the Bellows Hole, where a child once pumped air for blacksmiths, and the Longcliff vein, which yielded the majority of the lead extracted. The miners’ ingenuity and the cavern’s natural formations combine to create a site of both industrial and geological significance.The Underground Boat Tour Experience
Visitors start by descending 106 narrow, sometimes slippery steps to reach the water’s edge. From there, small boats carry guests through a dimly lit, winding canal tunnel that extends about 250 meters. The journey is guided with engaging commentary that blends historical anecdotes, mining lore, and geological insights. At the Half Way House, boats pause to allow others to pass, and visitors help push their boat backward to continue. The tour culminates in the cathedral-like Bottomless Pit cavern, a dramatic chamber with a deep, dark lake that appears endless. Here, visitors disembark to explore and photograph the impressive space before returning by boat.Geological Wonders and the Bottomless Pit
The Bottomless Pit is one of the deepest caverns in the British Isles, formed on the Faucet vein. Though the water depth is around 20 meters, its dark waters create an illusion of infinite depth. The cavern’s ceiling soars some 50 meters above the platform, about 200 meters underground. This vast chamber was once even taller before miners dropped waste rock into it. The pit’s mysterious recesses and the surrounding formations offer a striking natural spectacle, enhanced by the eerie lighting and the cavern’s immense scale.Setting and Surroundings
Speedwell Cavern sits at the base of Winnats Pass, a dramatic limestone gorge near the village of Castleton. The Peak District National Park setting provides a scenic backdrop of rugged hills and valleys. Nearby natural attractions include Mam Tor, a popular hill offering panoramic views, and other famous caverns like Peak Cavern and Blue John Cavern. The area’s rich mining history and natural beauty make Speedwell Cavern a compelling destination within this iconic landscape.Visitor Practicalities and Accessibility
The cavern is open daily throughout the year except for Christmas Day, with tours running regularly between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (extended hours in summer). The constant underground temperature hovers around 9–10°C, so visitors should dress warmly regardless of season. Due to the 106 steps and uneven surfaces, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with limited mobility. A gift shop at the exit offers souvenirs including local minerals and Blue John stone jewelry. Parking is available nearby with a discount for cavern visitors.Unique Atmosphere and Educational Value
Speedwell Cavern combines adventure, history, and geology in an immersive underground setting. The guided boat tour’s intimate scale and the cavern’s natural acoustics create a mysterious, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Educational commentary enriches the experience, revealing the lives of miners, the workings of the lead mine, and the geological processes that shaped the cavern. This blend of natural wonder and human story makes Speedwell Cavern a distinctive and memorable highlight of the Peak District.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Carl Wark
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Ecclesall Woods
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Endcliffe Park
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The Beer House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Treak Cliff Cavern
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Winnats Pass
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Blue John Cavern
0.9 km
Discover Britain’s rare Blue John stone in Castleton’s spectacular limestone caves, where history and geology intertwine beneath the Peak District.
Peak Cavern
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Castleton Visitor Centre
1.0 km
Your welcoming gateway to Castleton’s history, nature, and the Peak District’s breathtaking landscapes.
Peveril Castle
1.0 km
Explore the atmospheric Norman ruins of Peveril Castle, crowned by sweeping views over Castleton and the Peak District’s scenic valleys.
Cave Dale
1.0 km
Explore the rugged limestone valley of Cave Dale, where dramatic cliffs frame historic Peveril Castle in the heart of the Peak District.
Castleton
1.1 km
Discover Castleton, Hope Valley’s charming village famed for ancient castles, unique Blue John caverns, and stunning Peak District landscapes.
National Trust - Dark Peak
1.4 km
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Mam Tor
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Eldon Hole
3.0 km
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Edale
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Dark Peak Estate
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Peak District National Park
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The Blind Bull
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Essential places to dine
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Ye Olde Nags Head
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Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn
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The Anchor Inn
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Derbyshire Eats
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The Merchant's Yard
7.1 km
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The Horse & Jockey
7.4 km
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The Lamb Inn
9.1 km
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The Paper Mill Inn
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Old Hall Inn
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The Hanging Gate
10.2 km
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The Pack Horse Hayfield
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The Crispin
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White Lion
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The Eating House
13.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Outdoor Shop
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Your essential outfitter for quality outdoor gear and clothing in Hope Valley, perfect for Peak District adventures.
The Old Barn
1.1 km
A practical outdoor and gift shop in Castleton’s Market Place, perfect for stocking up before exploring the Peak District’s hills and caves.
The Original Blue John Craft Shop
1.1 km
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The Causeway Shop
1.2 km
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Antique and Unique
6.9 km
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Bluebird’s Nest UK
8.4 km
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Outside.co.uk
9.2 km
Your essential outdoor clothing and equipment shop in Hathersage, offering expert gear and a cozy café for Peak District adventurers.
Pookie - Wookie Ltd
9.2 km
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Delightful Living
9.9 km
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The Springs Shopping Centre
12.1 km
Buxton's central shopping hub with 450 parking spaces and popular high street chains.
Atticusboo
12.2 km
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Decor Boutique
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Fiveways Country Store
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Jo Royle Outdoor
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AWAKEN - Crystal & Spiritual Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The George
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The Castle
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Bulls Head, Castleton
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The Rambler Inn
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The Old Nags Head
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Star Inn
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The George Inn
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Ladybower Inn
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The Barrel Inn
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The Bull at Foolow
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Red Lion Inn
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Anglers Rest
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The Packhorse Inn
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San Pedro (By Santiago)
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Buxton Brewery Tap House & Cellar Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Level 2
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Corporation
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Dempseys Bar and Club
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Fez Sheffield
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ONYX Nightclub Sheffield
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Popworld - Sheffield
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The Viper Rooms
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Al Ahsa Night Club
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The Night Kitchen
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The Leadmill
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22.1 km
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Tank
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Plot 22
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Waikiki Beach Bar
27.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Waikiki Beach Bar, Derbyshire's go-to destination for dancing, drinks, and unforgettable memories.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
