Day trip from Sheffield: Exploring the Hope Valley by bus

Castleton's recently refurbished Visitor Information Centre is bursting with information and friendly staff to help make the most of your visit. Its a flagship centre for the Peak District National Park with lots of useful information on things to see and do, plus interpretation displays, a dedicated space for Castleton Historical Society’s museum, a shop, and a cafe. Afterwards, take the time to explore this chocolate box village and make use of our Hope Valley Travelling Light special offers (valid 11th-24th February) to enjoy a refreshment break, before heading over to Peveril Castle – your next stop!

It’s a short walk from the visitor centre to the foot of the castle which gives Castleton its name. Mentioned in the Domesday survey, Peveril Castle is one of England's earliest Norman fortresses and the imposing ruins stand high above Castleton.

A climb to the castle at the top of the hill to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Hope Valley is a highlight of a family day out in Castleton. The keep was built by Henry II in 1176. Explore the remains of the keep including the garderobe (medieval lavatory)!

Castleton boasts not one, not two, but three show caverns, with another one a little further out of the town. Peak Cavern, known as the “Devil's Arse”, is right in the heart of the village, and actually goes underground below Peveril Castle. In Speedwell Cavern at the foot of the impressive Winnats Pass, embark on an incredible Underground Journey by boat. At Treak Cliff Cavern, visit one of the only places in the world you can find the semi-precious gemstone, Blue John, found nowhere else on earth other than Castleton!

Hop back on the bus for your return journey and stop off in Hathersage – just 20 mins from Castleton. This charming village in the Hope Valley has a great selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. It’s famous for local literary links and legends; it inspired author Charlotte Bronte when writing ‘Jane Eyre’, and nearby North Lees Hall was visited several times by the author in 1845, becoming the main inspiration for Thornfield Hall. In and around the village are also sites associated with the legend of Robin Hood – his lieutenant, Little John is buried in the churchyard of St Michael’s.

Hathersage is also home of the David Mellor Design Museum, which includes a café and museum dedicated to the renowned cutlery designer (who also designed the modern traffic light!) The museum shows the full historic collection of his work and that of his son, Corin Mellor, extending from examples of Mellor’s handmade silver to the traffic lights we stop at every day. The ew-look café is the perfect place to enjoy coffee, cake or a delicious lunch, and you can also browse their kitchenware and tableware designs, cookware shop, and factory where you can see cutlery for some of the world’s best restaurants being made.

The village also has one of the UK’s few outdoor swimming pools. Heated and open year-round, it has panoramic views. Book online in advance as the pool can get busy during school holidays.

If you don't fancy taking a dip, head up to magnificent Stanage Edge - high above Hathersage - instead. This breathtaking gritstone escarpment is a popular place for walkers and for rock climbing with stunning views of the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley. It was made famous in the classic film ‘Pride & Prejudice’ as the spot where Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) dreamed of her dashing Mr Darcy.

Around half an hour from Sheffield is Bamford, where you can explore the Upper Derwent Valley. An ideal starting point for your visit is the Peak District National Park's Visitor Centre at Fairholmes. The centre is a great base from which to explore the Upper Derwent Valley and surrounding moorlands. The area is home to three large dams, known as the Derwent Dams, which offer some of the area's most spectacular scenery. The dams are called Ladybower, Derwent and Howden, which form Ladybower Reservoir, Derwent Reservoir and Howden Reservoir respectively. Take a short circular walk around the water before treating yourself to some post-walk refreshments at the Anglers Rest.