Bolton Castle Summary

• Address: Castle Bolton, Leyburn, DL8 4ET (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1969 623981
• Fax:
• Owner: Lord & Lady Bolton
• Administrator: Katie Boggis
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Bolton Castle website

The Castle escapes the trap of becoming a sort of domestic museum and tells it as it was, and now is. Completed in 1399 by Sir Richard le Scrope, Chancellor of England to King Richard II, it is a robust example of the times. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here, during the Civil War it was besieged, its ancient stones speak of centuries of wild weather.

About one third of the castle’s rooms are intact, and the remainder are almost completely accessible, providing a window into the turbulent past of this fortress that gradually followed the times into calmer waters. The old kitchens, the dungeon, a Solar, Nursery, Armoury, Great Chamber and Mary, Queen of Scots’s bedchamber all tell their own tales and are furnished in a manner that brings the past alive.

The sights, sounds, smells and artefacts of life from that past are all invoked and visitors speak, sometimes in awe, of their feeling that rooms they enter still bear tangible evidence of very recent occupation by those who have gone before.

Education

School visits find Bolton Castle a wonderful place in which to bring history alive, as they watch the falconry displays, sample the food their long ago ancestors were familiar with, and pick up on the numerous activities that suit their school syllabus. Adaptation is an art for the staff at Bolton, and every care is taken to ensure that history remains credible.

Weddings and Events

The opportunity to make your wedding day even more special is often to be found in historical buildings. Each have their own specialities and at Bolton Castle the Castle’s heir, Tom Orde-Powlett, trains owls to fly wedding rings down the aisle to waiting brides and grooms, though this is, of course, not obligatory, and they do have a host of more traditional wedding customs and wishes which they are well used to satisfying. Further details of weddings at this historic property can be found on their own Website.

The Tea Room

A cornucopia of wonderful tastes and dishes, specialising in seriously indulgent home baking are a feature of the Tea Room, heated by a huge log burner when needs must. If you prefer a little Arcadian privacy they will make up a hamper for you. A wonderful place for parties and special celebrations where Yorkshire hospitality predominates.

The Gardens

In 1260 the writer Albertus Magnus described the plants used in a medieval pleasure garden. They might, he said, ”refresh the sight with the variety of their flowers and . . . cause admiration at their manly forms in those who look at they”. The gardens at Bolton Castle have been renewed and rebuilt bearing those principles in mind, and the results are enchanting.

New for 2013

New Owls and Kites
We will be welcoming several new birds to our flying team including an enormous Turkmenian Owl and tiny Southern White-Faced Scops owl as well a magnificent Kite who will add a new dimension to our falconry displays.

Interpretation
We are also introducing several new information boards including a Castle timeline, a family tree and two fantastic illustrations of the Castle showing how it would have looked in 1399 and how it looks today.

Opening Times - 2013

• 16th February - 3rd November: daily, 10 am - 5pm (open until 6pm during summer holidays)
• Saturdays: May close at 2 pm due to wedding bookings. Our last entry will be at 1pm and we will close at 2pm on: 30th March, 13th April, 1st, 8th June, 3rd August.

Season Tickets - 2013

Purchase as season ticket giving you unlimited visits to the Castle, Gardens and Grounds. Tickets available for Castle and Gardens or Gardens only and for individuals, couples and various family groups. Local Residents Season Tickets
New for 2013. Visitors living in the DL8 postcode area now have the fantastic opportunity to pay once and visit for a full year. Please ask at admission desk on arrival. Visitors must provide proof of address to qualify for this offer.

Admission Prices - 2013

Due to increased visitor numbers over the last five seasons we are very happy to announce we will be reducing our admissions prices by an average of 14% this year. We hope this will enable even more visitors to enjoy a wonderful day out with us.

• Adult - £7.50
• Child - £6.00 (students and children 5-18)
• Seniors - £6.00
• Family Ticket - £25.00 (2 adults and up to 3 concessions which must include at least 1 child)

Gardens Only
(includes Boar Park, Falconry flying display, birds on weather, bee observation hive children’s trail, local rare breed sheep including Wensleydales)

• Adults: £3
• Concessions: £2 (Over 60s’, students and children aged 5-18)
• Family: £10.00 (2 adults and up to 3 concessions which must include at least 1 child)
  

Groups welcome (minimum 15 people)

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Events for Bolton Castle

• Murdery Mystery Event. - 25 May 2013
• Magical Mayhem - 27 May 2013 to 31 May 2013
  Take a trip to Bolton Castle School of Magic and design and make your own witch or wizard hat and wand, mix up some magical potions, watch the school owls practice their flying display, help with the magical creatures feeding time, and have a go at our Magical trail.
• Fathers Weekend! - 15 June 2013 to 16 June 2013
  Special opportunity for fathers to have a go at archery and hold our falcons. Bring your cameras! Fathers’ Day Card making.
• Romeo and Juliet - 17 July 2013
  The all-male HandleBards company are travelling the UK on just 4 bicycles, carrying with them everything required to perform Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers: Romeo and Juliet. Box Office 01969 623981. Tickets: Adults £12 Children £10. Booking advised. Gates open 6:30pm, performance starts 7:30pm.
• Marvellous Middle Ages - 22 July 2013 to 26 July 2013
  Discover what people did for fun in the Middle Ages. Dress up in authentic costume and have a go at our medieval crafts, toys, games and more.

• Tournee - 27 July 2013 to 28 July 2013
  Travel back in time over 600 years and discover all about military life in the early 1300s. With displays of arms, archery competitions, arming a knight demonstrations you will learn all about medieval weaponry and armour before experiencing the excitement and drama of a full foot tournament.
• Marvellous Middle Ages - 29 July 2013 to 02 August 2013
  Discover what people did for fun in the Middle Ages. Dress up in authentic costume and have a go at our medieval crafts, toys, games and more.
• Teddy Bears Picnic - 05 August 2013 to 09 August 2013
  Bring your favourite teddy and join us for a fun packed day of teddy hunts, party games, picnicking and much more! Children with their Teddies get in free!
• Teddy Bears Picnic - 12 August 2013 to 16 August 2013
  Bring your favourite teddy and join us for a fun packed day of teddy hunts, party games, picnicking and much more! Children with their Teddies get in free!
• Spanish Armada Weekend - 17 August 2013 to 18 August 2013
  Meet characters from the castles household and garrison as they get ready for battle! Discover more about 16th century cookery, herbal medicine and weaponry. Put on your armour to take part in a Spear drill or learn how to fire the cannon!

• Knights and Dragons - 19 August 2013 to 23 August 2013
  Only the bravest of Knights have dared to complete The Daring Dragon Quest! Will you be up to the challenge? Have a go at dragon themed activities including kite, mask and puppet making.
• Knights and Dragons - 26 August 2013 to 30 August 2013
  Only the bravest of Knights have dared to complete The Daring Dragon Quest! Will you be up to the challenge? Have a go at dragon themed activities including kite, mask and puppet making.
• Saville Household - 14 September 2013 to 15 September 2013
  Join Sir John Savile’s Household as Bolton Castle is brought to life with the sights and sounds of the fifteenth century. Visit the kitchens where authentic medieval recipes will be prepared and meet the men-at-arms and archers of the castle garrison and learn how to drill as a medieval soldier.
• 15th Century Life Weekend - 05 October 2013 to 06 October 2013
  Meet characters from the 15th Century Castle household and join in their daily activities including cookery, spear drilling, archery and calligraphy as well as trying some traditional crafts. Fun for all the family.
• Murdery Mytsery with Wensleydale railway - 26 October 2013

• Spooky Spectacular! - 28 October 2013 to 01 November 2013
  Dare you enter the witches Castle and join them for their Halloween Party? With spooky activities, trails and games for children of all ages to enjoy!

Your Reviews of Bolton Castle

Anon (16 August 2006)

I love this castle, it has kept many of its original features. Has a real medieval feel. And special event days are really fun for young and old. I will visit it time and time again.

Additional Info for Bolton Castle

• Gardens
• Groups
• Weddings
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Filming
• Gifts
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

Credit Cards Accepted

• Mastercard
• Visa
• Switch
• JCB

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