The cavern's historic local name, 'The Devil's Arse,' refers to the flatulent-sounding noises produced by water emerging from the cave entrance.
The interior of the cavern provided shelter and workspace for rope-makers for several centuries, with remnants of their dwellings still visible near the entrance.
The cave system contains the Peakshole Water, a subterranean river that flows through the heart of the cavern.
The 'Great Cave' chamber is roughly 100 meters long and 30 meters high, making it one of the largest cave entrances in Europe.
The site served as a backdrop for the 1980s television production of 'The Princess Bride' and various film projects due to its unique acoustics.
Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil's Arse, features the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles. The cave system is formed by the dissolution of Carboniferous limestone by the Peakshole Water stream. Visitors follow a guided path through the cave, which once housed a community of rope-makers who lived inside the entrance. The tour reaches deep underground chambers, including the Great Cave and the Roger Rain's House. The cavern's massive entrance chamber is frequently used as a natural amphitheater for concerts and cinema events. It is situated within the Peak District National Park in the village of Castleton. The cavern remains at a constant temperature year-round due to its subterranean environment.
The view looking outward from inside the massive entrance cavern toward the limestone cliffs.
Wear footwear with good grip as the floor is often damp, uneven, and slippery.
Bring a light waterproof jacket as the cave is naturally damp with constant water dripping from the roof.
Check the event schedule before visiting, as the cavern periodically closes to the public for exclusive live music performances.
Avoid wearing open-toed shoes or heels, which are hazardous on the slippery, uneven cave floor.
The cavern is occasionally closed to standard tourist access during private concert and cinema event hosting.
No touching the limestone formations; remain with the guide at all times for safety.
