Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire

Bolsover Castle was built in the 12th century by the Peverel family and became Crown property in 1155 when the third William Peverel fled into exile.

The manor and castle were purchased by Sir George Talbot in 1553. They were sold by Gilbert, 7th Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir Charles Cavendish in 1608. Sir Charles set about re-building the castle, a process which was continued by his son William Cavendish, later 1st Duke of Newcastle upon Tyne. Despite its embattled appearance, the castle was designed for elegant living rather than for defence.

The tower, known today as the 'Little Castle', was completed around 1621 and its sumptuously painted walls and ceilings are still intact. During the Civil War Bolsover Castle was taken by the Parliamentarians who slighted it and it again fell into a ruinous state. However William Cavendish added a new hall and staterooms to the Terrace Range. He also constructed the cavernous Riding House with its magnificent roof and viewing galleries, among the finest surviving indoor riding schools in the country and a landmark in British equestrianism where he indulged his passion for training great horses in stately dressage. By the time of William's death in 1676, the castle had been significantly restored. It passed through the female line into the Bentinck family, and ultimately became one of the seats of the Dukes of Portland.

The castle was uninhabited after 1883 and eventually given to the nation by the 7th Duke of Portland in 1945.

There is plenty to do for all the family in the Castle's Discovery Centre with its audio-visual displays, and extensive grounds to explore. There are panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale.

There is a coffee shop in Visitor Centre, and visitors are welcome to picnic in the grounds.

You can also visit the nearby Bolsover Cundy House which supplied water to the Castle.

Opening Times

Open daily at 10am.
Closes 4pm in the Winter and 5pm in the summer.

Parts of the castle may close for 1 hour if an event is booked. Please call to check.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £7.80
Children: £4.70
Concessions: £7.00
Family Ticket: £20.30

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Disabled Facilities

Access to castle: Terrace Range and parts of Riding School have level access. Small steps within the castle but audio-visual displays and tactile models in the site's Discovery Centre. Many good viewpoints. The Little Castle is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Grounds: All accessible on level, impacted gravel paths. Some steps but alternative routes. Benches provided.

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More Information

Telephone: 0870 333 1181

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