Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, less than 100 miles north of Birmingham, the village of Castleton offers a picture-perfect escape that feels like stepping into a Christmas film. With its cobbled streets aglow with festive lights and a backdrop of the snow-dusted Shivering Mountain, this is one of the UK's most beautiful villages, especially in winter.
A Cosy Winter Haven
When the temperature drops, Castleton reveals its true charm. The village becomes a haven of warmth and light, with colourful Christmas illuminations adorning its independent shops, tea rooms, and historic pubs. Charming bridges over Peakshole Water are wrapped in fairy lights, and even the trees and tiny fairy houses along the stream twinkle after dark.
For those seeking refuge from the cold, the local establishments are a dream. Dolly's Tearoom serves comforting meals, while pubs like The George boast open fires and serve hearty fare made from their own home-grown produce. With roughly one cosy pub for every 90 residents, you're never far from a warm welcome.
Ancient Caves And Carol Concerts
Dominating the skyline are the ruins of Peveril Castle, overlooking one of the village's most extraordinary features: Peak Cavern. Known historically by the rather less polite name of 'The Devil's Arse', this vast cave system holds fascinating secrets, from ancient fossils on its ceiling to graffiti dating back to the 1700s.
In a truly unique festive tradition, the cavern hosts carol concerts throughout December. The sound of Christmas songs reverberating through the ancient cavern and out into the village is an unforgettable experience that adds to the area's magical atmosphere.
Breathtaking Scenery And Access
The village is accessed via the dramatic Winnats Pass, a steep limestone gorge that makes any vehicle feel miniature. Once there, visitors are rewarded with stunning walks. The Shivering Mountain, Mam Tor, provides a spectacular, snow-topped backdrop for winter hikes, with routes that inevitably lead back to a welcoming pub.
While Castleton is a dream destination in any season, it is during these crisp, frozen winter nights that its cosy and magical feel is at its most potent, making it the perfect short break from Birmingham.
