Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle A Medieval castle near Leyburn. Open from 2 March to 1 November 2024 to daily visitors. Available all year for weddings.
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Bolton is one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles, situated in the heart of Wensleydale with stunning views over the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Completed in 1399 by Richard le Scrope, Chancellor of England to Richard II, its scars bear testament to over 600 years of fascinating history including involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment and a six mon

th siege during the Civil War. As well as the new Falconry Experience, Wild Boar Park, Medieval Archery Demonstrations and Bee Keeping display, which were introduced in 2011, we now have our own flock of Wensleydale and other local rare breed sheep. We can also offer a state of the art Audio- Visual tour to give you an even greater insight into Castle life between the 14th and 17th Centuries. Enjoy the ultimate medieval experience in the historic heart of Wensleydale.
• Spectacular falconry displays
• Archery demonstrations
• Wild Boar Park
• Medieval nursery, childrens’ costumes, trails, and activity packs
• Beautiful gardens, maze and bee hives
• Tea room serving delicious homemade and locally sourced foods
• Group tours and packages

We love to hear what our happy couples think of Bolton Castle as their wedding venue 💌 this one from Becca, Ryan and Cod...
29/08/2024

We love to hear what our happy couples think of Bolton Castle as their wedding venue 💌 this one from Becca, Ryan and Cody the dog 🐶

“Thank you for everything. The day was excellent - one to remember. The birds attracted plenty of attention and was a great icebreaker. The castle is a superb venue and a lovely backdrop to stage a memorable, individuality wedding.”

Spotlight on: The Dryer’s Garden 🌺This garden contains many of the plants used by the medieval dyer whose role was to cr...
27/08/2024

Spotlight on: The Dryer’s Garden 🌺

This garden contains many of the plants used by the medieval dyer whose role was to create the beautiful and richly coloured fabrics worn by people with status and wealth.

Poorer people wore the blacks, browns, greys and cream of the natural fleece, for those who could afford it, there was no lack of vibrant colours available.

In medieval times dyeing was done with colour obtained from plants. This is called natural dyeing. The medieval dyeing industry was fairly advanced and had at its disposal not only a host of dyestuffs that could be gathered from the garden but also industrially grown and harvested dyestuffs that were traded across Europe and beyond.

📸: Gareth Buddo

Find out what object our gardener Jason would like for the day…🏰
26/08/2024

Find out what object our gardener Jason would like for the day…🏰

As well as the Living History Tudor Day on Monday 26th August, we have all the usual fun and games at the castle this   ...
24/08/2024

As well as the Living History Tudor Day on Monday 26th August, we have all the usual fun and games at the castle this plus, you can just pop to the cafe if you fancy a cuppa and some delicious homemade cake 🍰

🦅Magnificent flying displays from our Falcon, Hawks and Owls
Enjoy the excitement of 🐗Wild Boar feeding time
🏹Learn about archery for sport, hunting and warfare
Visit our Wensleydale sheep and the 🐝 bees in their hives

EVENT: Tudor WeekendMary Queen of Scots is back at the castle…Sat 24th, Sun 25th & Mon 26th AugustMary fled Scotland to ...
21/08/2024

EVENT: Tudor Weekend

Mary Queen of Scots is back at the castle…Sat 24th, Sun 25th & Mon 26th August

Mary fled Scotland to England, coming ashore near to Workington on the Cumbrian coast on 16 May 1568, eventually being brought to Bolton Castle on 15 July in the same year.

You can visit the rooms she occupied and join our Living Historians to find out more about life in a Tudor castle, especially one that played host for six months to the captive Queen of Scotland.

📸: Gaureth Bddo

Pausing to enjoy the views literally for miles, as we prep for tomorrow’s Tudor Weekend event 🌹
16/08/2024

Pausing to enjoy the views literally for miles, as we prep for tomorrow’s Tudor Weekend event 🌹

WEEKEND EVENT: Tudor Weekend, 17th & 18th AugThe year is 1588 🌹The Spanish Armada has been sighted in the channel ⚓️Come...
15/08/2024

WEEKEND EVENT: Tudor Weekend, 17th & 18th Aug

The year is 1588 🌹

The Spanish Armada has been sighted in the channel ⚓️

Come and visit Lord Scrope’s Tudor household and learn about this turbulent time as they prepare to meet the invaders should they land.

Train as a soldier
Experience the sights and sounds of a busy Tudor kitchen
See the work of the tradespeople who kept the castle going day-to-day

Due to popular demand our very own 'Medieval Marvel' is delighting our visitors for an additional day TODAY. Learn about...
13/08/2024

Due to popular demand our very own 'Medieval Marvel' is delighting our visitors for an additional day TODAY.

Learn about life in a castle for those, find out what a day looked like for the family and how you'd manage as a servant or soldier.

It might be 21st century today, but the 15th century beckons 🏰

We're loving watching visitors enjoy our gardens this season, with plenty getting stuck in exploring the maze - so well ...
10/08/2024

We're loving watching visitors enjoy our gardens this season, with plenty getting stuck in exploring the maze - so well kept by Head Gardener Jason and team 🏰

📸 Gareth Buddo

Always great to hear how much visitors enjoy their days here 🙏
08/08/2024

Always great to hear how much visitors enjoy their days here 🙏

Outdoor Theatre 🎭The Handlebard’s perform Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors Wednesday 14th August, 7pmThe Handlebards are p...
07/08/2024

Outdoor Theatre 🎭
The Handlebard’s perform Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors
Wednesday 14th August, 7pm

The Handlebards are pedalling from venue to venue with their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, and they arrive at Bolton Castle on Wednesday.

The four-strong troupe of actors are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Join the troupe for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ like you’ve never seen before.

When two sets of estranged twins are brought together on the same island, this classic comedy takes hold, with mistaken identity, music and manic costume changes a-plenty.

Early bird ticket £12.50 per adult or £19.50 per adult on the day
£12.50 - 21 years old and under
£5 - 12 years and under

This is an outdoor production, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather.

07/08/2024
Today is International Owl Awareness Day 🦉A day to admire this fascinating nocturnal bird of prey 🦉Handle and fly a sele...
04/08/2024

Today is International Owl Awareness Day 🦉

A day to admire this fascinating nocturnal bird of prey 🦉

Handle and fly a selection of owls in an hour-long experience, plus a special photo opportunity. This is a delightful experience, giving you the chance to get close to these beautiful birds 🦉

£60 for one person (1 x guest can accompany to take photographs). Min age 10 years. Please call 01969 623 981 to arrange a date.

📸: Richard Frost, taken on recent visit to Bolton Castle

🍰Open from 10am, if you fancy popping up to the castle for a light bite or lunch in the café – entrance to the castle no...
03/08/2024

🍰Open from 10am, if you fancy popping up to the castle for a light bite or lunch in the café – entrance to the castle not necessary.

You can enjoy homemade food, fresh coffee and stunning views.

01/08/2024

Happy Yorkshire Day to all our followers, from one of Yorkshire’s finest medieval castles with the most amazing views 🏰

Fantastic to appear in  News in Pictures today.Jane Collier, a re-enactor and tour guide of the Marie Stuart Society, po...
31/07/2024

Fantastic to appear in News in Pictures today.

Jane Collier, a re-enactor and tour guide of the Marie Stuart Society, poses with Titch the barn owl as Mary Queen of Scots at Bolton Castle, near Leyburn in North Yorkshire

📸: TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES GLOSSOP

Tues July 30th, Wed 31st & Thurs 1st AugJoin Lady Scrope as she welcomes the captive Mary Queen of Scots to her home. En...
30/07/2024

Tues July 30th, Wed 31st & Thurs 1st Aug

Join Lady Scrope as she welcomes the captive Mary Queen of Scots to her home. Enjoy a family day with entertainment for everyone, various performance times throughout the three days in the castle and gardens.

Performance times:

-Tuesday 30th at 2.15pm.
-Wednesday 31st at 11am and 2.15pm
-Thursday 1st Aug at 11am and 2.15pm.

Included in admission price.

𝓐𝓷 𝓐𝓾𝓭𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝔂 𝓠𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓸𝓯 𝓢𝓬𝓸𝓽𝓼Monday 29th July, 6.45pmFantastically cast as Mary Queen of Scots, actor Jane Collie...
26/07/2024

𝓐𝓷 𝓐𝓾𝓭𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝔂 𝓠𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓸𝓯 𝓢𝓬𝓸𝓽𝓼

Monday 29th July, 6.45pm

Fantastically cast as Mary Queen of Scots, actor Jane Collier portrays the story of this major historical character who was held at Bolton Castle. Jane weaves history and facts, artfully bringing alive the queen as a person. The compelling performance portrays the queen after 18 years in captivity as she faces her imminent ex*****on.

Tickets cost £12 pp
Call to book: 01969 623 981

The event is followed by a Q&A. Suitable for 12 years and over.

EVENT: Living History Medieval WeekendSaturday 27 July & Sunday 28 July 🏰Bolton Castle was one of the last medieval cast...
24/07/2024

EVENT: Living History Medieval Weekend

Saturday 27 July & Sunday 28 July

🏰Bolton Castle was one of the last medieval castles to be constructed, more like one of England’s first big country houses.

In 1415, shortly after the castle’s completion, Lord Scrope and his men travelled to France as part of the army of King Henry V, and fought in one of the most famous battles of the Hundred Years with France, the Battle of Agincourt.

⚔️This is a day to find out what life would have been like for the people who lived and worked in the castle, many of whom followed their lord to war in a turbulent period of our history.

Welcome to a typical day at the castle10.00 Castle opens11.30 Bird of Prey Display (Garden)13.45 Archery Demonstration15...
22/07/2024

Welcome to a typical day at the castle

10.00 Castle opens
11.30 Bird of Prey Display (Garden)
13.45 Archery Demonstration
15.00 Bird of Prey Display (Garden)
16.00 Wild Boar Feeding (Boar Park)
16.15 Last Admission
17.00 Castle Closes

Throughout the day we have:
Children’s dressing up, calligraphy and medieval games.

Schools Out for Summer!Bolton Castle is the perfect summer destination for a full day out for families - daily activitie...
19/07/2024

Schools Out for Summer!

Bolton Castle is the perfect summer destination for a full day out for families - daily activities, a tearoom, shop and events.

🦅Magnificent flying displays from our Falcon Hawks and Owls Experience
Enjoy the excitement of 🐗Wild Boar feeding time
🏹Learn about archery for sport, hunting and warfare
Visit our Wensleydale sheep and the 🐝 bees in their hives

We look forward to welcoming you this summer.

Absolutely thrilled to announce today we’ve been recognised in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The a...
13/07/2024

Absolutely thrilled to announce today we’ve been recognised in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

“We are fortunate to have a marvellous team who ensure our visitor offer matches our aspirations. From our 🏰tower to our 🍰tearoom, our 🏹events and 🌷gardens, we work hard to ensure our visitors leave with a fantastic time under their belts.

The castle is a very special place, located within beautiful surroundings, but it’s the small things that often make a difference. To be included within the top 10% of visitor attractions globally is fantastic. We are just delighted with the award and look forward to a busy season with something for everyone.” – Jacqui, General Manager

11/07/2024

GARDEN TOURS AVAILABLE 🌹🌿🪻

Did you know, we offer private guided tours of our beautiful medieval gardens.

Whether your interest lies in herbs, vines or roses, our gardener will lead you through the gardens.

Tours are available for groups of up to 30 people - £50.00 per group per day.

Enquire: 01969 623 981

The Cook’s Flat is a self-contained bolthole in a wing of Bolton Hall, four miles from Bolton Castle. Set in 500 acres o...
09/07/2024

The Cook’s Flat is a self-contained bolthole in a wing of Bolton Hall, four miles from Bolton Castle. Set in 500 acres of parkland, it enjoys stunning views and walks

✨A perfect retreat for a couple or young family.
✨Two bedrooms
✨One bathroom
✨A kitchen with Aga Rangemaster cooker,
✨A sitting room with a wood burner, as well as a hall and utility room.
✨Outside, there is a terrace with a fire pit with space to eat and relax.

Bookable via AirBnB 📲

Who doesn't love a Sunday bus ride.Delighted to support DalesBus from Garsdale, Hawes & Redmire Village to Castle Bolton...
06/07/2024

Who doesn't love a Sunday bus ride.

Delighted to support DalesBus from Garsdale, Hawes & Redmire Village to Castle Bolton.

Visit us sustainably & enjoy your visit.

Check out www.dalesbus.org/857

04/07/2024

Can you help? One of our visitors has lost her platinum wedding ring. She walked from Bolton Castle to Aysgarth Falls on Sunday. If anyone finds it please call Bolton Castle 01969 623981 so we can return it to its owner. Thanks.

Bolton Castle Audio App 📲Unlock the stories behind the castle walls, hear the stories of the castle brought alive. It’s ...
04/07/2024

Bolton Castle Audio App 📲

Unlock the stories behind the castle walls, hear the stories of the castle brought alive.

It’s easy to use, a fun way to find out about our history, our castle and life through the ages.

There's an audio tour for each room of the castle, with voices from our Living History team who know and love the castle.

- Find out about Mary Queen of Scots' captivity
- How Lord Scrope's army prepared for war
- How the servants made sure life included some luxuries

Download our audio App from Apple's App Store or Google Play Store

EVENT WEEKEND: Living History Civil War WeekendImmerse yourself in the past and learn about the part Bolton Castle playe...
27/06/2024

EVENT WEEKEND: Living History Civil War Weekend

Immerse yourself in the past and learn about the part Bolton Castle played in the country’s history.

In August 1642, the long-standing dispute between King Charles 1 and his parliament erupted into open warfare. Seven years later, in January 1469, the king was executed and for the next eleven years Britain became a Republic.

Bolton Castle was held for the king until November 1645 when the castle garrison ran out of food and was forced to surrender. Bolton Castle’s ‘Living Historians’ are on hand to tell you more about the war of the ‘Three kingdoms’, and to give you the opportunity to handle the arms and armour of the period.

In a war that split families in their loyalties, who would you have fought for?

Address

Nr Leyburn
Leyburn
DL84ET

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