We recently visited the Blue John Cavern and Speedwell Cavern this August Bank Holiday as a wet weather day out. As part of our day out, we had to work out what the best pubs in Castleton were to have lunch! We’d already sampled a couple of pubs previously and decided to branch out and try a new one! We also hit The Piece Hall in Halifax and had an amazing dinner at a West Yorkshire Pub so be sure to check out those pages before heading home via Hebden Bridge!
So welcome to our latest exploration of some of Hope Valley’s most charming watering holes as today our focus lands on the quaint village of Castleton, nestled within the spectacular Peak District. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Castleton provides a delightful backdrop for a varied selection of traditional pubs. Each one brims with character and charm, offering the warm hospitality the UK is renowned for, along with a fantastic selection of ales, comforting fare and cosy atmospheres. So grab your pint glass, we’re embarking on a virtual pub-crawl around the inviting inns of Castleton.
Our Top Tip
Parking in Castleton and all Hope Valley attractions is a nightmare as we have frequently mentioned in all of our articles for this area. If you have any plans for the day, make sure you give yourself much more time than you need.
We visited Blue John Cavern and did a tour at 11:30 (finishing at 12:30). We were then booked on for a Speedwell Boat Trip at 14:40. Squeezing in lunch in Castleton was a rush and we managed to do it, but if the pub was a little delayed in serving food, or we weren’t so lucky finding spaces immediately on arrival, it would have been a rush!
How Many Pubs In Castleton?
If you’re looking for somewhere to catch lunch in between cave visits (as we were) or a night out with friends, then Castleton is the perfect place to be. Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, there are a total of 6 pubs in the area, ranging from traditional comfortable English pubs to modern gastro pubs and trendy bars. Whatever your taste, you’ll find something to suit you in Castleton.
The pubs in Castleton offer a great selection of drinks, food and entertainment. Many of the pubs have outdoor seating areas, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of the nearby Peak District National Park. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more lively, some of the pubs offer live music, comedy nights, quiz nights and other special events.
Castleton is both a great place for a night out, but also a great place to stop off for lunch with the kids, with its wide selection of pubs and bars offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere or a lively night out, you’ll find it in Castleton.
Best Pubs in Castleton for Dogs
Aside from being very child and family-friendly, Castleton is a great spot for dog owners looking for a night out with their four-legged friends. The Castle Inn is a popular spot with its large, enclosed garden area where dogs can roam free.
Another popular pub for those who love good beer and good company is The Bull’s Head, which welcomes dogs in its bar area and offers treats from Sir Woofchesters, and water for your pup to enjoy. They too have a large beer garden which allows our four legged friends to stretch their legs – along with the kids!
Best Pubs in Castleton for Families
We’ve now eaten in two pubs in Castleton, one with just Mila when she was a baby and then this time around with both Sam and Mila.
This time around we’d walked up and down the Blue John Cavern and were heading off to Speedwell Cavern afterwards and had a tight turnaround. We decided to try the Bulls Head, courtesy of local Stockport brewery Robinson’s, for no other reason than because it had its own car park – the roads leading into and out of Castleton were heaving, as was the one public (pay and display) car park in Castleton. It turned out to be a great choice.
We got to the pub and placed our order just before 1pm. This turned out to be the point at which the whole of the Hope Valley, if not Derbyshire descended on the pub. It’s a large pub with a number of tables, however, within half an hour it was heaving with people queuing for tables.
Reasonably Priced and Promptly Served Food
The food was decent and reasonably priced. There was also a good selection of food for the kids. Most importantly the food was served promptly which meant the kids weren’t waiting for long. Anyone with young children will know the frustrations of having hungry kids and long delays for food. I tried to keep tabs as people ordered food in the restaurant and how long it took for their food to come out, but it got too tricky.
I opted for a dirty beef burger (it was really good) whilst Noemi had salt and pepper chicken-loaded fries. The kids shared fish and chips between them. We were all really pleased with our food and left feeling satisfied, but not stuffed.
The pub also has its own garden at the back next to the car park where you can order your food to, but also the garden gives you the option of letting kids (and dogs) have a runaround if they get tiresome in the restaurant.
Are There Any Historical Pubs In Castleton I Should Visit?
For any overseas visitors looking to discover traditional English pubs, then Castleton is a great option to consider. Nestled in the beautiful Peak District National Park, Castleton is a popular destination for visitors wanting to explore the stunning scenery, and the village is home to a selection of traditional pubs that are sure to delight.
The Old Cheshire Cheese is a traditional pub located on the edge of Castleton village that is a great spot for a pint and a bite to eat. The Peak Hotel is a quaint pub in the centre of the village that is the perfect place to relax and sample some local ales. The bar area is quite small, but there is a larger restaurant which is ideal for families. Not to be missed is the George which has recently opened ‘The PizzaBox’ which serves pizzas up will along side the pub kitchen.
So if you’re looking for a traditional pub experience in Castleton, these pubs are sure to provide a warm welcome and a great selection of local ales and ciders.
Bulls Head (Our Favourite – Call 01433 620256)
The Bulls Head Pub is an iconic pub in the heart of Castleton, nestled in the beautiful Peak District. It is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family for a drink and a bite to eat. The Bulls Head serves up classic pub grub, including favourites such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie. The pub also features an extensive range of ales from ‘Robbos’, sure to please even the most seasoned beer connoisseur.
If you’re looking for a lively evening, The Bulls Head also hosts regular events, such as live music and quiz nights, to keep the atmosphere buzzing. Plus, there’s a large outdoor seating area to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. So, if you’re looking for a great pub in Castleton, you can’t go wrong with The Bulls Head.
Castle Hotel (Call 01433 620578)
The Castle Hotel is the perfect destination for a night out or a relaxing meal. This traditional pub offers a friendly atmosphere, with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. Guests can enjoy a range of beers, wines and spirits, as well as a selection of cocktails and other drinks. The pub also serves traditional pub grub, with tasty burgers, sandwiches and light snacks on offer.
Olde Nags Head (Call: 01433 620 248)
The Olde Nags Head is a traditional pub with a long history that stretches back over 200 years. This popular spot is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, and is renowned for its cask ales and hearty home-cooked food.
The perfect place to enjoy a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, Olde Nags Head also offers a range of entertainment, including live music, quiz nights and open mic nights. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Olde Nags Head is the ideal spot for a relaxing pint or a delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub experience or simply a place to enjoy the stunning views of the Peak District, Olde Nags Head is the perfect place to visit.
So What Are you Waiting For? Get Down to Castleton
Ready for a real taste of Castleton? Dive into its rich history, enjoy mesmerising landscapes, and discover the welcoming warmth in the best pubs in Castleton for families. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a history buff, or a family trying to find a quick bit to eat, simply seeking a great time, Castleton has it all. Don’t just read about it – experience it! Mark your calendar, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Peak District.
Cheers to your next adventure! 🍻🏞️🎉
