Treak Cliff Cavern - Hope Valley

Ian P.

The cavern is genuinely incredible. Some of the things you see when you think of their age and the processes to produce do inspire a sense of awe.
We went as a family with two girls (10 & 5). The audio tour is great. Lots of information but in ten bite size chunks and even stopping everywhere, listening to the whole of each section and taking a photo or two, you will be out in an hour (which, with a 5 year old was perfect). We booked for 11.45 in the morning on a Sunday, arrived about quarter of an hour early and were in the cavern bang on our booking time.

Groups are spaced so you really get the sense of having the place to yourselves at times and the view as you leave via the exit door is also breathtaking as you emerge back into the light. Pre booking isn't essential but I would advise it as I can imagine on busy days that the spacing of groups could mean a bit of a wait.

The stone polishing add on was worth it as the girls were able to have something tangible to take home, knowing exactly where it had come from.

We also had a couple of cups of tea and hot chocolates for the girls before we left.

Would highly recommend if you are in the area.

Stuart D.

Came here on an icy mid morning. Despite the conditions we received a warm welcome and an explanation of the self guided tour and how to down load it from the friendly lady behind the counter. After downloading it and listening to the safety advice on there we paid and went through the TARDIS style doors to the low and narrow entrance tunnel. Once through we walked through chamber after chamber, with different names and features to admire, all with the audio guide as a perfect reference point, full of information and pointing us to features we probably would have missed. Some of the features were stunning and awe inspiring. Because of the snow we weren’t able to use the usual exit tunnel, we had to retrace our steps back to the entrance and the gift shop. Which is a treasure trove of rocks, gems and fossils for the collector. Well worth the entrance fee, and the views over the Hope Valley from the vantage point were incredible too.

Tasha D.

Loved the tour! We had the audio tour, which is an app you download before you go down. The tour guide does a wonderful job of explaining each Cavern and the history behind it. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour. And the gift shop is beautiful and gives you a chance to buy bespoke pieces of Blue John jewellery. I would highly recommend. It does have about 100 steps up to it and many more in the caves. I'd wear sensible grippy outdoor shoes, and bring a light jacket. Its not cold down there but it's cooler than outside and bare arms might be a bit nippy!

Claire A.

There are quite a lot show caves around Castleton, Treak Cliff is the one we chose to visit. Not busy (in December) download it's app to get the audio guide and listen each section at your own pace. You get the chance to see the rare mineral blue Jone stone and fascinating stalagmites and stalactites.

As we visited just after Christmas, the festive light and trees are still on, adding beautiful colours and atmosphere to the cavern.

​You can take in the whole hope valley scenery after coming out of the door, a stunning view to end the experience.

Wear a hoodie and good walk available shoes, inside the cavern is damp and wet.

Dessi V.

Wow!!! Although there are couple of caves around here this one is a special one with being the only cave that they still get Blue John from!! You have to walk a little bit from the car park but really worth the small walk!! The staff were lovely and lived the self guided talk. Didn’t felt rushed and got to enjoy the cave quite hustle free! would have loved to see some smaller jewelries so we could have afforded it but other than this it was good! Also some of the guided areas took long and the application was not working so having even a device that you lend us would have been better.

Vincent R.

This is an amazing cave with lots of stalactites and stalagmites. It's a self guided tour from a mobile app, lasted about 45 minutes (£15). What's amazing is: the whole of Castleton district was under water 330 million years ago. And you can see the fossils of those sea animals on the wall of the cafe. There are about 6-7 caves in total interconnected by stairs. All the caves are illuminated properly so you can see very clearly and take good photos. There is a museum just outside the cave entrance containing blue John jewellery, amazing purple colours (you can buy those blue John stones & jewellery in the shop). All in all it was amazing day.

Lisa E.

Very friendly and informative; well worth the steps up to the visitor centre and through the caves. Booked in advance at a discount, but as it was quiet there was no real need, in the summer I expect it will be very busy. Shop was great and staff knowledgeable.

Samantha J.

Brilliant cave experience with the family! Enjoyed the way you could self guide using the phone app so could take at our own pace which is important when young kids involved!
Lovely shop and facilities pretty good too.