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 month siege during the Civil War.

This magnificent medieval fortress is steeped in history and has a real sense of atmosphere and life. Visitors can experience sights and sounds of the past with our wonderful falconry displays, fascinating archery demonstrations and chance to have a go, wild boar feeding, bee keeping display and hands on crafts and games throughout the castle.

Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and despite being partially ‘slighted’ by Cromwell’s men during the siege the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover including the Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Solar, Nursery, Armoury and Mary Queen of Scots bedroom. About one third of the rooms are fully intact and the rest of the Castle is almost completely accessible giving visitors great insight into its turbulent past. Visitors often comment on the incredible atmosphere of the Castle with many of the rooms giving the feeling that their inhabitants had just walked out.

Our Tea Room offers delicious sandwiches, light lunches, wonderful cakes and a large selection of hot and cold drinks including local beers. Visit our gift shop for an excellent range of gifts for all ages.

The Castle gardens were reinstated following an archaeological survey completed in 1994 and now include a beautiful medieval herb garden, rose garden, bowling green, vineyard and maze. The Castles wonderful volunteers, the Friends of Bolton Castle, work tirelessly to keep the gardens looking beautiful for visitors to enjoy and a visitors can also see the birds of prey in their mews and visit the bees in their observation hive.

New for 2012

Come and visit our Wensleydales and other local rare breed sheep. Our newest arrivals at Bolton are a trio of Wensleydale ewes and we expect their lambs to be born in the spring so keep an eye on our website for news of their arrival! We are also expanding our flock with a variety of other local rare breeds and hope to use the wool to make products for our gift shop.

Try our Audio – visual guides which will provide greater insight to the Castles turbulent past. Our new guides use the latest technology and can be enjoyed while exploring the castle but will also allow those less mobile to enjoy a virtual tour. Learn about the Scrope family who first built Bolton and whose direct descendants still own it today.

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Highlights for Children

- Medieval Nursery filled with period toys and games to play

- Medieval Costumes to wear as they explore the Castle, free with admission

- Fantastic Family trails and Activity book to entertain children of all ages

- Children’s Outdoor activity Rucksacks

- Can you find the centre of the Maze

- Feed the Boar

- Archery

With so much going on, both inside the Castle and in the restored Medieval gardens and grounds, the Castle provides an exciting day out in any weather and has activities for visitors of all ages to experience and enjoy!

Opening Times

Open 10am-5.30pm daily from February 11th until November 2nd 2012.

Please note the Castle will close early on some Saturdays (and occasionally other weekdays) during the season due to weddings. Please check our website or call the castle to check opening times.

Prices

Castle Gardens and grounds (inc Falconry displays, Hawk and Owl displays, archery display, Children’s costumes and trails, wild boar park, castle and gardens)

Adults: £8.50

Conc (OAP, students and children 5-18): £7.00

Family (2 adults and up to 3 children/concessions, must include one child): £30

Garden Only (inc Boar park, Falcon flying Display, Birds of Prey on Weather in Garden, Garden trail)

Adults £ 3

Children £2.

Family: £10.00

Group Visits

Guided Tours

Book in advance for the opportunity to take a private guided tour of the castle with one of our experienced guides. Tours can be catered to suit your area of interest with topics including Mary Queen of Scots, Medieval Life and the Civil War. Tours are available for groups of 15 or more at £1.50 per person and last for approximately an hour and a quarter.

Hawk and Owl Displays

Witness magnificent flying displays from our Hawks and Owls in the Castle Courtyard as they swoop up to perch on the battlements or fly to your fist!

Included in Castle Admission price

Falconry Displays

Experience the incredible sight of a falcon stooping to the lure against the spectacular

backdrop of the Castle.

Included in Garden Admission price.

Archery

Learn more about archery in sport, hunting and warfare during our displays and then have a go yourself!

Display and have a go: Free with castle admission.

Wild Boar Feeding and Talk

Experience the excitement of Wild Boar feeding time! Learn more about these fascinating animals and help us feed them.

Falconer for a day

Join our experienced Falconer and spend an incredible day learning about looking after and flying these beautiful birds. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the basics of falconry and will include plenty of time handling and flying the birds. You will also be provided with authentic period falconer’s clothing and equipment

Day experience £75 per person. Booking necessary.

Hawk Walk

Spend an hour walking in the beautiful surrounding country side with our wonderful Harris Hawk flying to and from your fist.

Hawk Walk; £35 a person. Any guests £5. Booking Advised.