What's On At Bolton Castle? Tudor History, Family Events, And Shakespeare Near Leyburn

Trying to find a day out that keeps the kids from getting bored but doesn't make the adults want to poke their own eyes out can be a bit of a challenge, right? You want something genuinely cool, not just another soft play area. Well, what about a proper, lived-in castle? Not a pristine, museum-like place, but one with over 600 years of real stories and battle scars. That’s Bolton Castle, just a quick drive from Leyburn in North Yorkshire, and it's got a jam-packed calendar of events coming up.

Forget just wandering around old rooms. This place brings its incredible history to life. We’re talking run-ins with captive queens, soldiers preparing for invasion, outdoor theatre with a twist, and a seriously spooky Halloween. It's a brilliant experience for the whole family, history buffs, or anyone who just fancies a day out exploring beautiful gardens and a seriously impressive castle. So, grab a brew and let’s have a look at what’s happening.

Meet Mary Queen of Scots (sort of)

Right, first up, one of history’s most talked-about figures. Mary Queen of Scots was a proper character. Her motto was ‘En ma fin git mon commencement’ – ‘In my end is my beginning’. After a major falling out with her own lords back in Scotland, she fled to England in 1568 and ended up being held captive right here at Bolton Castle for six months. A bit of a downgrade from a palace, I imagine.

You can actually see the rooms she stayed in and, even better, you can meet people who bring that whole era to life. These living history events are fantastic.

• Living History Tudor & Mary Queen of Scots Weekend: On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August, you can join the Living Historians to get the full story on what life was like in a Tudor castle, especially one with a royal prisoner. It’s a great way to understand the real history of the castle.
• Mary Queen of Scots Family Event: This was so popular they’ve brought it back! From Tuesday 5th to Thursday 7th August, 'Mary' herself will be telling stories about her time at the castle with the Scrope family. Someone who went last time said, ‘the … atmosphere & setting were perfect. The knowledge & passion of the actor exceptional’. Can’t get a better review than that! Check the website for exact times.

Shakespeare on a bike? meet the HandleBards

If you think Shakespeare is a bit stuffy, think again. The HandleBards are a troupe of four actors who cycle around the country with all their props and costumes on their bikes, putting on brilliant, eco-friendly shows. And on Wednesday 13th August, they’re pedalling into Bolton Castle to perform Much Ado About Nothing.

What's it about? Basically, soldiers come back from a war, some fall in love, others start old arguments back up, and there’s a lot of scheming and drama. It’s one of Shakespeare’s best comedies. Because it’s an outdoor show, you can bring your own chairs, blankets, and a picnic. It’s a brilliant, relaxed way to experience classic theatre. The show is from 6.30pm to 9pm, so you can enjoy the evening in the castle grounds.

Lord Scrope's world: civil war, Tudors and famous battles

The castle is owned by the descendants of Lord Scrope, and his family saw some serious action back in the day. The living history events really throw you into the thick of it. You get to see, hear, and even smell what it was like. On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August, the year is 1588. The Spanish Armada is on its way to invade England, and the castle garrison is on high alert. Imagine waiting for news without phones or the internet! The tension must have been mad. The Lord Scrope Tudor Weekend lets you train as a soldier and see the castle kitchen feeding the troops.

Then, over the Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August), you can jump forward to the English Civil War. Bolton Castle was caught right in the middle of it. The ‘Living Historians’ will show you the weapons and armour of the time, and you can decide whose side you’d have been on – the King’s or Parliament’s? It was a conflict that split many a family.

And if you want a general feel for Tudor life, pop along on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th September for a taste of the 16th century. It’s a great chance for visitors to see what people wore and what they got up to every day inside these castle walls. There’s another Lord Scrope’s Living History Medieval Weekend on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October, focusing on the Wars of the Roses, another turbulent period of English history. And finally, on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October, you can learn all about the famous Battle of Agincourt, an incredible victory for England during the Hundred Years' War. You can even try on some armour!

Get musical with the medieval music festival

From Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September, the castle will be filled with the sound of music. The Medieval Music in the Dales festival takes over, and it sounds amazing. It’s England’s only festival dedicated to medieval music. You can play, dance, learn, or just sit back with a pint and soak it all in. A Festival Pass gets you into daytime concerts, workshops, and talks. It's a completely different way to experience the castle, with live music echoing through its ancient halls. This is more than just a series of events; it's a full-blown music festival with a historical twist.

Spooky goings-on for Halloween

As autumn draws in, things at Bolton Castle get a bit spooky. From Sunday 19th October until the castle closes for winter on Friday 31st October, it's Halloween time! They go all out with skeletons, pumpkins, and spooky trails in the gardens. Historical re-enactors are there on select days to tell ghostly stories and even stage a witch's trial!

If you’re feeling brave, there are a couple of evening events:

• Castle by Lanternlight (27th October): For older kids (10+) and adults. You’ll explore the castle by lantern, hearing spooky tales in the dark. It ends with a drink by the fire to calm your nerves. A proper goosebump experience.
• Family Halloween Evening (30th October): A slightly less scary version for younger visitors, with family fun and a few jumpy moments.

The important bits: tickets and visiting info

Right, here’s the practical stuff you need to know. The good news is that ticket prices haven't gone up from last year! Just remember to check the website before you travel, as the castle can sometimes be closed for private events.

Ticket Type	Price (Castle & Gardens)	Price (Gardens Only)
Adult	£15.00	£6.00
Child (5-18)	£12.50	N/A
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)	£60.00	£25.00
Concessions (67+)	Available	£5.00

Car parking is £5 per vehicle. Most of the events are included with your entry ticket unless it says otherwise. The castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm until 31st October 2025. Oh, and they have a new free audio guide app you can download to your phone, which sounds great for getting all the stories as you walk around. One last thing – dogs aren't allowed in the castle or gardens, so please make other plans for your furry friend.