The Castleton information centre opened in early April 2004 at the cost of around a million pounds. The centre is free admission and holds a small, but very interesting museum, using some up to datecomputer technology to tell the life of the village of Castleton and the
Hope Valley throughout the years, consisting of a rather intriguing pot holing display, a model of a paraglide which makes you almost feel like you're gliding above the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area. Also inside the centre there is advice on accommodation, pubs, cafes, in fact, everything to help your visit to the Derbyshire valleys be as nice and pleasant as possible… including maps, books, guides, clothing and gifts for all to buy as a nice little souvenir of their visit to Castleton.
NOTE: In 2008 the centre did achieve a silver award of excellence in the East Midlands Enjoy England awards for its part in helping tourism…
*GETTING THERE…
The centre is easily recognisable and is situated right at the entrance to the main car park, which is situated in the centre of the village.
*BUS…The 272 bus, which runs to and from Sheffield, running every hour, drops you off at the Castleton 'terminal' which is just a short walk to the Information Centre.
* TRAIN… The nearest railway station is in Hope, approximately 2 and a ½ miles away, then you can either walk the pleasant level couple of miles or wait for the bus
*CAR…From Sheffield take the A625 onto the A6187.… from Stockport take the A623 then the A625 then onto the A6187... The A6187 takes you into the heart of Castleton, where you will find the Information centre on the right of the painted roundabout, leading into the main car park.
The main car park, and other smaller car parks, are pay and display, although there is free parking along the main road as you drive towards Winnats Pass and beyond, (these spaces are quickly taken up so be early).
WARNING: All the Car parks do fill up quickly and early, especially during peak season.
* OPENING TIMES…
10.00am-5.30pm everyday except Christmas day. (although opening times are shorter in the off peak.
The visitor centre is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Including:
8 Disabled car parking spaces next to centre in main car park.
Easy access to the information centre via automatic doors.
Everything on one levels for easy manoeuvring
Information available in Braille and large print with some available on CD
I found this a very interesting place to visit when visiting Castleton as it is brimming with so much useful information about the entire area… including the many mines for which Castleton is so well known for. The area inside is well laid out with a good selection of interesting things to read and touch… including some rather fascinating historical facts about the area and how it grew. Although it can become crowded in busy periods it is still easy to manoeuvre around, although when busy it can be a little trick for wheelchairs and prams… although the staff are very helpful and will do what they can to help with your visit… And with the information it supplies via touch screen technology there is something of interest for all the family, including the younger children who tend to enjoy prodding the screen so the picture changes, (but as long as they're happy and not whinging then let them), there are even one or two screen on the outside of the building as you walk around.
Just around the corner from the entrance to the centre there is a small kiosk which sell everything from ice cream to cheese burgers… something for everyone, and with the seating arrangement opposite the kiosk being under a transparent cover you can eat outside even if the weather changes for the worse, (which is expected in the Hope Valley region)
If you have never been to Castleton before, or even if you have, then I do recommend taking a visit to the information centre as it may be of some interest and may be worth while…
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