Peveril Castle, Hope Valley

With two aspiring swordsmen aged four and three in our group of merry men and maids we decided to attack Peveril Castle on one sunny weekday in the August school holidays. Already seasoned soldiers to Peveril’s defences – the very steep climb to the castle; we left the pushchairs at home, brought a picnic we could carry, and ensured everyone had been to the toilet before we prepared for battle. Following a good 10 minute walk up the hilly path’s we finally reached our destination and made haste for the castle ruins. What’s left of the castle are just two floors yet it’s towering position perched high Peak District hills is what alights the imagination. From Peveril Castle you can see for miles around, including the town of Castleton below, and for a little person they must make them feel like a giant. This isn’t one of English Heritage’s grandest properties and this is reflected in the cost of a family entrance, which is just under fifthteen pounds. There isn’t a café here and parking is on the street (free during the week). Once at the castle grounds, my friend and I laid out our picnic and spent a relaxing three hours watching the children play within the castle grounds. The grounds are small enough for you to be able to see your children for probably seventy-five per cent of the time. When the children decided they had captured Peveril for the summer we descended down the hill where the prize of an ice cream awaiting them and a good night’s sleep.