Castleton

Before you go: the practical facts

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Parking

Castleton has no National Park or North Yorkshire Council car park. The nearest National Park car park is at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby Lodge (YO21 2NB), which has toilets and EV chargers.

Toilets

the National Park Centre at Danby Lodge has accessible toilets.

Post office and cash

a mobile Post Office stops outside 4 Ashfield Road on Tuesdays, 12.30 to 1.15pm, with cash withdrawals.

Trains

Castleton Moor station is at the foot of the village. In the current Northern timetable (to 12 December 2026) there are six trains a day towards Whitby from Monday to Saturday and four on Sundays, with a similar number the other way.

Buses

North Yorkshire Council runs two pre-booked demand-responsive buses on alternate Thursdays: DR10 to Whitby and DR18 to Guisborough. Register and book on 01609 767020.

Dogs

both pubs below are dog friendly. Keep dogs on a short lead on the moor from 1 March to 31 July.

A short history

British History Online records that the post-Conquest lord's first castle stood on Castle Hill, Castleton; local tradition says it burned down and its stone went into building the church. The mound is a scheduled monument. Castleton itself is described as a new village, first mentioned in 1715, which grew into the market for Upper Eskdale; at the end of the 18th century it had only about six houses.

Church of St Michael and St George

designed by Leslie Moore in 1926, it replaced the village's iron church of 1865 and serves as a war memorial. Inside is furniture by Robert Thompson, the "Mouseman of Kilburn", who signed his work with a carved mouse.

Walks

Castleton is where the Esk Valley Walk begins. The National Park gives the Danby Dale, Blakey and Westerdale circular as 15.2 miles from Castleton, over the high moor past the source of the Esk and back down Westerdale, with no facilities on the way apart from the Lion Inn at Blakey. Castleton to Lealholm is 7.3 miles, linear, via Danby Park, Danby Beacon and the moor; return by train.

Events

the Castleton and Danby Floral and Horticultural Society holds its annual show on the second Saturday in September. The 2027 date had not been published when we checked.

Where to eat and drink

The Eskdale Inn, Station Road: a former Victorian station hotel beside the line, with a wood-burner and big beer garden; CAMRA (October 2025) lists food Monday to Saturday 12 to 8pm and Sunday 12 to 3pm. The Downe Arms, High Street: an early 19th century inn with valley views, rooms and cask ale; ring 01287 660223 to check food times.

Nearby

• Danby
• Westerdale
• Lealholm
• Glaisdale
• Whitby
• Getting around without a car

Castleton FAQs

Is this the same Castleton as in Derbyshire?

No. This Castleton is in the North York Moors, in the Esk Valley next to Danby.

Can you get the train to Castleton?

Yes. Castleton Moor station on the Esk Valley line serves the village.

Is there parking in Castleton?

There is no official public car park. The nearest National Park car park is at Danby Lodge.

Where does the Esk Valley Walk start?

At Castleton, with a 15.2 mile circuit of the high moors and a 7.3 mile linear stretch to Lealholm.

Are there pubs in Castleton?

Yes, the Eskdale Inn by the station and the Downe Arms on the High Street.

Sources checked 29 October 2026: British History Online, Danby; Historic England list entry 1004057; Esk Valley Railway, Castleton Moor station; National Park Esk Valley Walk; National Park car park list; Visit North Yorkshire walks; Northern timetable 17 May to 12 December 2026; North Yorkshire Council DR10 timetable; North Yorkshire Council DR18 timetable; Post Office branch finder; CAMRA WhatPub.