Discover the Dark Heart of Castleton
Deep in the limestone cliffs of Castleton, Derbyshire, beneath the watchful ruins of Peveril Castle and beside the whispering flow of Peakshole Water, lies one of England’s most atmospheric natural wonders: Peak Cavern — more infamously known as the Devil’s Arse. From the moment you approach, the cave commands attention. A dramatic gorge frames the entrance, cliffs towering above, as if guarding a hidden underworld. Step inside, and you’re not just entering a cave — you’re stepping into centuries of history, folklore, and living memory.
The Legend Behind the Name
The name “Devil’s Arse” might make you smirk, but its origin is anything but playful. When the floodwaters of Peakshole Water drain through the cavern, the rushing air and water create guttural, almost flatulent sounds. Early locals imagined the Devil himself was at work, and the name stuck. Although the official name was changed to Peak Cavern in the 19th century, the colorful nickname remains, evoking curiosity and intrigue for visitors from all over the UK and beyond.
Entering Britain’s Largest Natural Cave Entrance
Walking into Peak Cavern is like stepping through a portal. The entrance chamber, known as “The Vestibule,” is enormous — the largest natural cave entrance in Britain. In its shadowed recesses, you can glimpse the remnants of a bygone community: rope-makers who lived and worked in the cave mouth for centuries, crafting strong ropes for the local lead-mining industry. Their legacy remains in the old platforms, chimney-smoked ceilings, and even traces of graffiti carved by hands long gone.
Exploring the Depths: Mystery and Natural Beauty
Guided tours lead visitors through winding tunnels that demand you stoop and duck, gradually revealing the cathedral-like chambers adorned with stalactites and flowstone. Deeper inside, cascading streams form soft, murmuring rivers, while shadowy corners and twisting passageways feel alive with whispers of the past. Every turn tells a story — of floodwaters, of human resilience, and of the uncanny echoes that earned the cave its unforgettable nickname.
A Living History Beneath the Earth
For centuries, people lived in the mouth of Peak Cavern, forging a community in darkness. Their lives were shaped by the rhythm of rope-making, the flow of water, and the echoing chambers that surrounded them. At night, laughter, song, and quiet resilience filled the cave. Beyond the human story, the cavern carries whispers of folklore: secret languages, bandits, and hidden treasures — all hidden beneath the surface of Derbyshire’s limestone cliffs.
Modern-Day Wonder: Adventure and Spectacle
Today, Peak Cavern continues to captivate visitors. Its vast natural chambers host concerts, theatrical performances, and guided tours that illuminate the cave’s dramatic formations. Every visitor experiences the thrill of history, the chill of underground air, and the gurgling, rumbling sounds that make the Devil’s Arse unforgettable. You don’t just see the cave — you feel it.
Why Visit the Devil’s Arse?
People are drawn to Peak Cavern for its natural majesty, its fascinating history, and the sense that they are stepping into another world. History lovers will marvel at the rope-makers’ legacy, adventure seekers will thrill at the twisting underground passages, and anyone with a taste for the uncanny will be enchanted by the cave’s eerie atmosphere. The Devil’s Arse isn’t just a stop on a trip — it’s a destination, a place where geology, folklore, and human stories collide.