Blue John Cavern

This is a great day out for kids and adults alike. The location is great, right in the heart of the Derbyshire hills and not too far from Buxton so you can also visit there afterwards to make a real day of it.

The tour itself last around 45 minutes and you’ll be taken round by a knowledgeable guide who is very friendly and will answer any questions you may have. The caverns are fantastic and you’ll find your jaw dropping several times. A must see if you are in this part of the world.

I haven't visited these mines/caves since I was a nipper. We went with school on a number of occasions and can recall loving them back then.
This time I went armed with a family, a journey of around 50 mins from Manchester (well south Manchester at least).
The location of the cavern and store is nestled into one of 'a billion' or so human scale undulating hills in Derbyshire's fabulous Peak District.

Reputedly the mineral Blue John was first discovered by the Romans over 2000 years ago (excavations in Pompeii it is said, unearthed a couple of vases made from this lovely stone).
Before you enter the cave/mine entrance you can see the displays of this mineral in the cavern store: jewellery and pots made from this stone can cost into the hundreds of pounds...perhaps hardly the 'pink panther' but special never the less.

There is a sign on the entrance asking the infirm or those with heart conditions to reconsider their little adventure 'downstairs' (all 240 odd steps). I like the fact that it's still a little edgy and a decent slip on the wet steps might send you cascading a fair bit into the bowels of mother/middle earth!

Our tour guide seemed to have a real love for these mines and the wealth of knowledge hits you between your damp eyes like a slowly falling stalactite. One moment you're nervously tip toeing down some fairly steep steps and then the next you're looking into a cavern over 175 foot high. The trip lasts 45 mins, although there is another section (about a 1/5th the length of the tour) which would in fact take you around -six hours from start to finish. That part of the caves are for the more serious types – kind of made me want to give caving a go...and go home and watch 'the Descent' later that evening.

These mines are well worth a visit if you're in the area (the surrounds are beautiful) and the Blue John cavern is often claimed to be the finest in western Europe.