'Secret' village two hours from Birmingham 'perfect place when leaves fall'

A quaint village has been hailed as one of the "most beautiful spots in the UK" during autumn, thanks to its "enchanting" landscape. And on the edges of the Midlands, it is less than two hours from Birmingham.

Castleton, tucked away in the heart of Derbyshire National Park, has been acknowledged for its stunning natural beauty. Despite being a small village with fewer than 600 inhabitants, it has secured a place on CN Traveller's list.

The once-hidden hamlet gained popularity on social media due to its picturesque views encompassing steep hills and serene woodlands. Castleton is also home to a tranquil stream known as Peakshole Water, which flows through the village.

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The area is now considered one of the prime locations to witness the fall of autumn leaves and offers visitors an opportunity to delve into its medieval past. The village features a castle built by William Peveril, a favoured knight of William the Conqueror.

The historic site is shadowed by the ruins of Peveril Castle, which exudes its natural allure to visitors. Travel expert Emma Whittle labelled the village as one of the most "enchanting places" she has ever visited, reports the Mirror.

One of the most unique aspects of Castleton village is that it's the only place in the world where you can find the semi-precious stone Blue John. This rare form of fluorite, which boasts a stunning purple-blue hue, is found in caverns right next to the village.

The beautiful mineral is used to create jewellery and ornaments, which are sold locally. There are four incredible caves nearby that offer guided tours.

Two local caverns, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern, house the Blue John stones. Another, Peak Cavern, contains a vast river system, while the last one is an old mine where visitors are taken on boat tours.

Near Castleton lies Mam Tor, a historic hill where remnants of an old Iron Age fort can be seen. The hill's large slope has earned it the nickname 'the Shivering Mountain', and it's believed that an Iron Age tribe called the Brigantes once lived here.

Castleton is surrounded by numerous hiking trails and scenic walks. One of the most picturesque areas nearby is Winnats Pass, which offers a dramatic view at its peak and is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the national park, according to Express.

The walk to Cave Dale offers a stunning view of Peveril Castle as you ascend. Within the village itself, Castleton is famed for its scrumptious traditional fudge crafted by the Real Fudge Company.

With over fifty tantalising flavours to select from, it also boasts a broad range of traditional sweets, chocolate, toffee and marzipan for all sweet lovers to savour. Castleton houses both a museum and visitor centre, allowing visitors to delve into the rich local history of this Norman village with deep ties to the Iron Age.

There are intriguing archaeology and geology exhibits to explore, including a carved head believed to represent a deity worshipped by the local Iron Age tribe. Yet, no quintessential English countryside village would be complete without a snug pub to unwind in after a day of sightseeing.

Despite its small size, Castleton offers six drinking establishments to choose from. These include Ye Olde Nags Head, the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, the Bulls Head, and the George.

Alongside these, there are teashops, specialist shops and charming hotels nestled within historic buildings, ensuring there's always something to do in this delightful little village.