About Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle is a ruined medieval castle on a high outcrop of rock above the town of Castleton in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire.

It was built shortly after the Norman invasion and remained the most important military outpost in the region until the beginning of its decline towards the end of the 14th Century.

Peveril Castle Walls and Keep

The Castle walls retain the shape of the medieval castle, and in places retain some of the height of the fortress.  In other places the walls are pretty much gone, the stone presumably removed over the centuries to build houses and dry stone walls in the local area.

Peveril Castle Keep is a square keep, also in a state of ruin.  English Heritage have done some work in adding a staircase and internal flooring to allow access to the keep, where visitors can get some idea of the internal structure.

From the valley below Peveril Castle, and indeed in the walk up to the main gateway, you can easily imagine what a well fortified castle it must have been in its heyday.

Indeed as you walk around the castle, along the “Secret Valley”, the extremely difficult task of any invading army becomes clear.  The castle is surrounded on all sides by sheer drops and steep hillsides. The most vulnerable part is still separated from the next hill by an imposing drop.  This area was connected by a narrow bridge, protected by the most imposing part of the castle as shown in the model reconstruction below.

Peveril Castle was never assaulted, as far as we know.  Whether that was because of its seemingly impregnable nature, or because it was not in a position to be fought for remains uncertain.

Visitor Information

Peveril Castle is operated by English Heritage.

Visitors should be warned that access to the castle is up a very steep hill and may be unsuitable for those who struggle with walking.