Treak Cliff Cavern

Enter an Ancient Underground Wonderland in the Heart of the Peak District National Park.
Your guide will explain how miners in the 1750’s constructed a tunnel using only hand tools to reach the Blue John Stone deposits inside the hill. You will see veins of Blue John Stone across the cave roof, and ‘The Pillar’, the largest piece ever found. Your guide will point out fossils in the limestone rock which formed the hillside above you 330 million years ago.

You enter the mysterious Witch’s Cave where even richer deposits of Blue John Stone are revealed. The guided tour descends even deeper into the hill where you will experience the wonder of underground limestone cave formations. Multi-coloured flowstone adorns the walls of Aladdin’s Cave. Stalactites and stalagmites decorate Fairyland and the Dream Cave. The most famous formation is ‘The Stork’, standing on one leg!

During your tour the guide will explain where Blue John Stone came from, how rushing water made the Treak Cliff caverns, and how stalactites are formed. Back on the outside, you can enjoy tea and coffee made from water collected inside the cavern, or browse in our shop where there is a selection of jewellery and ornaments made from Blue John Stone.

Treak Cliff Cavern is of international fame and geological importance. It has been a designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for many years and by agreement with English Nature all the Blue John Stone deposits on the visitor route are preserved. However, Blue John Stone is regularly mined in Treak Cliff Cavern, from areas not seen by visitors. This is then crafted into fine jewellery, small bowls, ornaments and other decorative items.

GIFT SHOP

Blue John Gems on Cross Street in Castleton stocks a wide range of Blue John Jewellery, ornaments and general giftware. Our Blue John is mined and turned at Treak Cliff Cavern.