Peak Experience

Semiprecious Blue John is a real treasure of the Peak District’s heritage.  It is a unique form of the common fluorspar mineral – found only in Castleton!  The unusual name derives from the French Bleu et Jaune, meaning ‘Blue and Yellow’. 

Blue John ornaments and jewellery can be found in many great collections around the world.  Windsor Castle, the White House and the Vatican all boast Blue John items.

 

Luckily, you can find it closer to home too.  Buxton Museum and Art Gallery has a beautiful collection on display, including a locally crafted window, alongside urns, bowls and jewellery.

 

The world-famous Chatsworth tazza is the largest vase ever crafted from a single piece of Blue John.  Tissington Hall holds Blue John works too.

 

Picture of Blue John Tazza, Chatsworth

 

Visit Castleton’s Treak Cliff Cavern or Blue John Cavern to see beautifully lit natural veins of Blue John stone. Afterwards, why not treat yourself to a Blue John souvenir from one of the many gift shops?

 

Castleton is well served by buses, with direct services from Sheffield and Bakewell.  Visit Traveline or call Traveline on 0871 200 2233, to plan your journey.  On Sundays and Bank Holidays, the 260 bus service runs from Castleton to Edale via Blue John Cavern – people who hold tickets for the Hope Valley rail line, which stops at Edale, can use this service for free.