Treak Cliff Cavern
Explore a working Blue John stone mine with stunning geological formations and rare minerals in the Peak District.
Deep beneath the Peak District lies Treak Cliff Cavern, a working Blue John stone mine turned show cave. Explore winding passages adorned with rare Blue John mineral veins, delicate stalactites, and dramatic flowstone formations on a self-guided audio tour. Above ground, a small museum displays historic Blue John artefacts, while a gift shop offers locally crafted jewellery and minerals. The site also has a café, picnic area, and panoramic views across the Hope Valley, making it a fascinating, family-friendly destination for geology lovers and curious visitors alike.
A brief summary to Treak Cliff Cavern
- Buxton Rd, Hope Valley, Castleton, S33 8WP, GB
- +441433620571
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 3 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 self-guided audio tour online in advance, especially at weekends and in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and benefit from early-bird pricing.
- Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing; the cave is cool and damp year-round, and the path involves many steps and some low passages.
- Visit on a weekday morning if possible to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience in the cavern.
- Allow 1–2 hours for your visit: around 45–50 minutes underground plus time to browse the museum, shop and enjoy refreshments with views over the Hope Valley.
- Check the official website before your visit for the latest opening times, special events and any service updates, particularly in winter or after heavy rain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By car
From Castleton village centre, follow brown tourist signs for Castleton Caverns and Treak Cliff Cavern along Buxton Road. There is free on-site parking at the bottom of the footpath; from there, a steep, well-maintained path with steps leads up to the visitor centre and cavern entrance.
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By public transport
Regular bus services serve Castleton from nearby towns such as Sheffield, Chesterfield and Buxton. From Castleton bus stop, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk along Buxton Road to Treak Cliff Cavern, with a steep final section up steps to the entrance.
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On foot from Castleton
From Castleton village centre, follow Buxton Road for about 1.5 km, then turn onto the signed footpath leading up to Treak Cliff Cavern. The final approach is steep and involves many steps, taking roughly 15–20 minutes depending on fitness.
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By taxi
Taxis from Castleton or nearby towns can drop visitors close to the car park at Treak Cliff Cavern. From there, a short but steep walk with steps leads up to the visitor centre and entrance.
Treak Cliff Cavern location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Treak Cliff Cavern
Underground World of Blue John
Treak Cliff Cavern is one of only two places in the world where the rare and beautiful Blue John mineral is still actively mined. This banded fluorite, found only in the Castleton area, has been quarried here for over 300 years, and its distinctive purple and yellow veins run through the limestone walls of the cave. On the self-guided audio tour, visitors follow a well-lit path through chambers like Aladdin’s Cave, Fairy Grotto and Dreamcave, where Blue John is displayed in situ alongside some of the finest stalactites and stalagmites in the Peak District. The tour is designed to be taken at your own pace, with Bluetooth beacons triggering information on your smartphone as you move through the cavern.A Working Mine with a Story
The cavern began as a Blue John mine in the 18th century and remains a working mine today, with the family that owns it still extracting, cutting and crafting the stone into ornaments and jewellery. Above ground, a small museum showcases antique Blue John pieces, mining tools and historical displays that tell the story of the mine and its workers. This blend of active industry and heritage interpretation gives the site a unique character, setting it apart from more conventional show caves. The gift shop offers a wide range of Blue John items, from small souvenirs to high-quality pieces, as well as other rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world.Visitor Experience Above Ground
Before or after the underground tour, visitors can spend time in the visitor centre, which includes a café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals, plus picnic areas with views across the Hope Valley. The site is open year-round (except Christmas Day), with longer hours in the warmer months and shorter winter opening times. Entry to the visitor centre and museum is free; the paid self-guided audio tour typically lasts around 45–50 minutes underground. The experience is suitable for older children and adults, though the path involves many steps and some low passages where taller visitors may need to stoop.Getting There and Practicalities
Treak Cliff Cavern is located just off Buxton Road, a short walk or drive from the village of Castleton in the Peak District National Park. There is free on-site parking, and the site is accessible by public transport, with bus services serving Castleton and a short walk or taxi ride from the village. The approach from the car park is steep and involves a flight of steps, so it may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Dogs are welcome on a short lead, and the site is well set up for families, school groups and independent visitors, with clear signage, toilets and facilities for educational visits.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Protected Area
- National Park
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
