Speedwell Cavern

About

Speedwell Cavern is set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of Castleton. You go down 106 steps and board a boat that takes you through the workings of a 230 year old lead mine. Your guide recounts what it must have been like to carve out these tunnels using only the most primitive hand-tools, and tells you the story of the mine which opens into a huge natural chamber, the Bottomless-Pit Cavern. Speedwell Cavern is open daily throughout the year (except Christmas Day). Tours leave at regular intervals through the day, and last for between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Like most caves in the area it is not suitable if you suffer from Claustrophobia. There is a discounted Joint Ticket available with the nearby Peak Cavern. There is a gift shop on site selling a wide range of souvenirs, minerals, rock and fossils together with jewellery set with the local Blue John Stone. There is a pay & display car park on site (currently £4.00. Cavern visitors get a £2 refund voucher redeemable off ticket purchases). Tickets are transferable with Peak Cavern's car park for those on a Joint Ticket. There is more information on the Cavern's web site.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes