With a commanding position overlooking Castleton and the Hope Valley, the 11th-century Peveril Castle played a significant role in securing control of England following the Norman Conquest. The castle is a Grade I-listed building, managed by English Heritage.
Peveril Castle’s origins can be traced back to the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror and his knights reshaped the landscape with castles and fortifications. Founded in 1080 by William Peveril, one of William the Conqueror’s trusted aides, the castle was a formidable stronghold that played a key role in securing Norman control over the region.
One of the castle’s most remarkable features is its stark yet sophisticated architectural design. The stone-built structure, encompassing a keep and curtain wall, offers a glimpse into the military and architectural prowess of the Normans.
![The keep of Peveril Castle near Castleton, Derbyshire (Photo: Darren Copley [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/peveril-castle-1280x853.jpg)
What to see at Peveril Castle
Sitting atop a limestone ridge in the heart of the Peak District, Peveril Castle offers visitors a fascinating historical and architectural experience.
The central feature of Peveril Castle is its great keep, a towering stone structure with commanding walls. Visitors can climb to the top to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and learn about the castle’s defensive features.
A curtain wall, flanked by a gatehouse, encircles the keep, offering a passage into the inner courtyard. This arrangement reflects the castle’s architectural sophistication and the challenges its occupants faced over the centuries.
Peveril Castle’s strategic location provides visitors with panoramic views of the Peak District, including the picturesque Hope Valley and the village of Castleton. The castle’s historical significance is brought to life through information panels plus exhibits in the visitor centre, allowing a deeper understanding of its historical significance.
Visiting Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle has a dominant position in Castleton with the visitor centre and entrance just a short distance from Market Place in the centre of the village. After passing through the visitor centre, which includes a gift shop and an exhibition area with artefacts and displays about the castle, you can gain access to the castle by following a 300m- (984 ft)-long footpath to the top of the hill overlooking the village.
It is open year round, although it is only open on weekends during the off-peak season.
Admission is free of charge for English Heritage members and holders of a valid English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass.
Allow around 1½ hours for your visit to Peveril Castle.
Free entry to Peveril Castle with the English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass
The English Heritage Overseas Visitors Pass gives you free entry to Peveril Castle and over 100 other historic buildings and monuments in England.
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