Bolton Castle


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Castle Bolton
Leyburn
North Yorkshire
DL8 4ET


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.

Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and, despite being partially 'slighted' by Cromwells' men during the Civil War siege, the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover, including the Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Solar, Nursery, Armoury, Great Chamber 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.

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.

Local Rare Breed Sheep
Our newest arrivals at Bolton are a small flock of five Wensleydale sheep. We expect their lambs to be born in the spring so keep an eye on our website for news of their arrival!

Audio-Visual Tour
Try our Audio - visual guides which will provide greater insight to the Castles turbulent past. Our new guides can be enjoyed while exploring the castle but will also allow those less mobile to enjoy a virtual tour.

Opening Times
(2012 times)
February 11th - November 2nd:
Daily 10.00am - 5.30pm.

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.

Admission Charges
(2012 prices)
Castle, Gardens and Grounds:
Includes Falconry displays, Hawk and Owl displays, archery display, Children's costumes and trails, wild boar park, castle and gardens.
Adult 8.50; Concessions (O.A.P, students and children) 7.00;

Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 concessions. Must include at least 1 child) 30.00

Gardens Only:
(includes Boar Park, Falcon flying display, Birds of Prey on weather in Garden, Garden trail)

Adults 3.00; Children 2.00; Family 10.00.

Group Visits and Packages:
We offer a discounted rate on admission for groups of 15 people or more as well as an exciting range of group packages and guided tours. Please call the Castle for more information.

Directions
By Road:,/b>
From Leyburn take A684 towards Wensley. Upon entering Wensley take turn to right signposted Castle Bolton, where the castle is situated. For Sat-nav users postcode is
DL8 4ET

By Public Transport:
Bolton Castle is easily accessible by public buses. There is a vintage tour bus which operates between Ripon, Redmire and Hawes on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is a half mile walk up hill from the stop to the castle. Please contact Chris Bulmer on 01765 635273 for more information.There is also a local 'Dales & District' service on bus numbers 156 & 157 between Hawes, Leyburn, Bedale and Northallerton which runs hourly throughout the day. For more information please go to: www.northyorks.gov.uk/businfo

The closest mainline station to Bolton Castle is Northallerton, which is on the National Express East Coast line. For more information please go to: National Express Timetable.
Why not use the Wensleydale Railway to get to us and make a whole family day out? The line runs from Leeming Bar to Redmire, stopping at Bedale and Leyburn on the way. Leeming Bar is only a 10 minute bus ride from Northallerton Train or Bus Stations, on bus numbers 53, 54, 73, 80, 144, 156, 157. There is a steam train running for some of August which will make your day even more special. Redmire station is about one miles walk from the castle, most of which is uphill, but you will find plenty of food and drink in the Tea Room to refresh you once you arrive. Alternatively, you can take the bus (No's 156 or 157) from Redmire station, which will bring you right up to the castle. For more information please go to: www.wensleydalerailway.com

Parking : free

Nearest station : 20 miles from Northallerton station

Dogs accepted into gardens
Show map of Bolton Castle...

Bolton Castle Postcode for SatNav: DL8 4ET

Contact

 
Tel: +44 (0)1969 623 981
+44 (0)1969 623 674
Fax: +44 (0)1969 623 332
Email: info@boltoncastle.co.uk

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