Welcome & Visitor Information

The Castle and Tea Room are now closed for the winter season. We will reopen on the 11th February 2012.

The castle remains open for weddings and school visits during the winter season. Please contact us for more information.

"So refreshing to have so much freedom to explore a fascinating building, rare in England but wonderful!"

"Fantastic value for money, probably the best castle we've ever visited, very informative and a real sense of what castle life was like."

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 Civil War siege. The castle has never been sold and remains in the private ownership of Lord Bolton, Sir Richard le Scrope’s direct descendant

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.

We aim to give our visitors a taste of what life was really like during the Castle's heyday through providing the sights, sounds, smells and experiences of life in the 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.

Wild Boarlets Arrive at Bolton Castle!

We are delighted to announce the arrival of 9 baby Wild Boarlets at the Bolton Castle Boar Park!

Also our Wild Boarlets Naming Competition results have now been released

Click here to find out more

New for 2011!

We are pleased to introduce a new daily programme of activities to reflect life at Bolton Castle.

Click here to view the daily programme

We are delighted to announce the arrival of 9 baby Wild Boarlets at the Bolton Castle Boar Park!

Click here to find out more

Highlights for Children

Bolton Castle is packed full of fun for children of all ages, and ideal for family and school visits.

Click here to find out more

With so much going on, both inside the Castle and out 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!

For information about Access to the Castle please see our Access statement by clicking the document download below.

Access Statement