Bolton Castle
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Bolton Castle Summary
- Address: Castle Bolton, Leyburn, DL8 4ET (Map)
- Tel: +44 (0)1969 623981
- Owner: Lord & Lady Bolton
- Administrator: Tom Orde-Powlett
- E-mail: Click here to contact
- Website: Go to the Bolton Castle website
Bolton Castle Description
Bolton Castle is an exceptional place in so many ways. The rolling Wensleydale hills provide a stirring background to a proud castle that can be seen for miles around and was clearly built for domination.
We may find that a rather daunting proposition nowadays, but it is a vital part of our history, and the displaying of that history and its progression into the 21st century, in a way that can be fully understood, is what Bolton Castle does so well.
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.
Opening Times - 2012
- 11th February - 2nd November: daily, 10 am - 5.30 pm (last entry at 5 pm)
- Saturdays: May close at 2 pm due to wedding bookings - please call to check if making a long journey
- Please ring before bringing large groups
Admission Prices - 2012
Castle, Gardens & Grounds:
- Adult - £8.50
- Child - £7.00
- Seniors - £7.00
- Family (2 + 3) - £30.00
Garden only (inclusive Boar park, Falcon flying Display, Birds of Prey on Weather in Garden, Garden trail)
- Adult - £3.00
- Concessions - £2.00
- Family (2 + 3) - £10.00
Pre-booked Groups (15+) - discount available, please call for details
Further information including opening times and pricesImage Gallery
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.
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Additional Info for Bolton Castle
Gardens- Groups
- Weddings
- Education
- Refreshments
- Picnics
- Guides
- Filming
- Gifts
- Live Entertainment
- Shop
- Car Parking
Heritage Groups
- Historic Houses Association
Credit Cards Accepted
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Switch
- JCB
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