Villages, or even small towns, in scenic areas often rely on the tourist trade to 'get by'. In these tough economic times, the income generated by tourists has become even more important. One of the ways this income can be increased is by ensuring that there are plenty of attractive inns, pubs and eating establishments to encourage visitors to stay overnight, or extend their planned stay.
Here is another shot of the small town (or large village) of Castleton in the Hope Valley in the Peak District National Park. As you can see, Peveril Castle - managed by English Heritage - dominates the skyline from almost every angle, and, along with the caverns and Blue John jewellery, is the reason for the town’s economic survival. During the summer, tourists easily outnumber the locals at weekends, and the recently constructed Visitor Centre on the road out of Castleton towards Winnats Pass (see diary) is very busy.
The George Hotel is an excellent hostelry in the center of the town. The building dates from 1543, becoming licenced premises exactly 200 years later. It is, partially, of stone construction, with some lovely old beams; it also features period stone fireplaces in the public bar and the restaurant. There are great views of the Norman castle, with its ruined keep and curtain wall, from the tables outside the front of the hotel (a pleasant place to eat lunch on a summer's day) and lovely views of Winnats Pass from the garden at the rear.
The hotel sign depicts King George II, during whose reign the building was opened as an inn. It is, of course, alleged to be haunted; it is said that the ghost of a young serving woman - supposedly victim of a tragic love affair - can be heard wailing in the night. Most buildings of this age seem attract such tales.
Above the stone fireplace in the bar (decorated with polished brass objects and copper kettles) there hangs a piece of plate armour, a breastplate in 17th century style. This is flanked by two great claymores. These huge two-handed swords may be intended as reminder that King Malcolm IV of Scotland once visited Peveril Castle - a part of the Royal estate - in 1157 to discuss a treaty with the English monarch King Henry II. Or the claymores, a favoured weapon of the Highland clans, could commemorate the fact that the army of Prince Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Sylvester Severino Maria Stuart (more correctly, King Charles III) had passed close to here during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. His forces were on their way to Swarkstone Bridge in Derbyshire, which they reached on 4th December, 1745. The Highland army were badly advised, and turned back to Scotland and ultimate defeat at Culloden.
I can heartily recommend the food at the George. The chef uses fresh, local produce and locally butchered meat, where possible. The dining room shows original stonework and some oak panelling and the service is excellent. I decided on a traditional 'sausage & mash' lunch, and to quote from their menu, 'A local 8oz Cumberland ring served in a crispy giant Yorkshire pudding with mashed potato, vegetables of the day and our homemade beef gravy'. This was delicious, and despite being tempted by a homemade apple and ginger crumble with custard, I passed on dessert. Oh, and don’t try and sample all their single malt whiskies at once – there are over 40 of them, a local record!
All in all, the George is what a good country inn should be; friendly, welcoming, and a good base for touring the local attractions - tell 'em 'shortfinals' sent you!
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