Caving, Pot Holing and Canyoning
Caving in the Peak District is famous! If you are feeling brave, the Peak District is full of caves to explore. The Limestone rocks of the Peak District are very porous and therefore have formed wonderful caves. Some are accessible to all, others are for the very experienced only.
Blue John Cavern
Castleton
Home of the famous Blue John stone. See the cave room where it is said the local Lord entertained his miners to dinner!
Peak Cavern
Castleton
The alternative name for the Peak Cavern is The Devil’s Arse (and this is the name to look out for on the entry signs). It has the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles. Inside is the remains of an old village where locals lived and were employed making ropes for the local lead miners.
Speedwell Cavern
Castleton
You enter this cave by boat. The boat takes you through underground tunnels into the incredible ‘Bottomless Pit’ an enormous subterranean lake.
Pooles Cavern & Country Park
Buxton
This is one of the largest show caves and has been used for thousands of years variously as a medieval robbers hideout, a Bronze Age shelter and Roman shrine. Here you can see the largest stalactite and stalagmites in the Peak District. There is also a visitors centre and lovely country park here.
Peak District Mining Museum
The Peak District Mining Museum, located in Matlock Bath, offers an engaging look into the region’s rich mining history. Visitors can explore authentic mining equipment, interactive exhibits, and detailed displays on local geology and mining techniques. The museum features a replica lead mine, providing a hands-on experience of miners’ daily lives. It’s an educational and fascinating destination for all ages, highlighting the area’s industrial heritage.
Great Masson Cavern
Nestus Mine
Matlock Bath
Creswell Crags
Wellbeck near Worksop, S80 3LH
Learn about the Iron Age and it’s people in the museum for all ages and take a tour of the caves. Call for opening hours.
Bagshaw Cavern
Bradwell
Goodluck Lead Mine
Via Gellia Cromford. Photo by Ashley Dace.
Derbyshire Caving Association
C/O Jenny Potts
Organised Caving and Rock Climbing
For organised discovery adventures for groups wishing to experience Caving or Climbing call Steep and Deep.
Lost Earth Adventures
Acclimbatize
Rock Climbing • Caving / Potholing • Ropes Courses • Gorge Scrambling • Mountain Biking • Canoeing • Abseiling • Mountaineering • Orienteering • Raft Building • Bespoke Adventure • Archery • Bushcraft
Uniquely structured activity courses and team building events, that accomplish the objectives you wish to achieve.